4 pass-rushing 2021 NFL Draft prospects the Panthers should scout
By Dean Jones
Carlos Basham Jr. – DE (Wake Forest)
If the Carolina Panthers are looking for a college prospect who could come into the organization and make an instant impression, then Carlos Basham might just be their guy. The Wake Forest sack-machine has stood out despite their struggles on defense overall and his supreme physical attributes will be highly sought once the evaluation process has concluded prior to the 2021 NFL draft.
Basham is a well-rounded defensive end who can make a difference either rushing the passer of in run support. His 35.5 tackles for loss through 42 games at the college are further evidence of this and his contribution has also managed 19.5 sacks – five of which have come in 2020 so far.
He isn’t ever going to blow you away with elite explosiveness. But Basham is an intelligent player who takes extremely good angles in pursuit of beating blockers.
There are elements of Basham’s game that need work. His strength at the point of attack could be much better for a man his size and he does have trouble with technique once an opposing lineman gets their hands on him early.
That being said, it’s hard not to look at Basham’s ceiling and not think he could be a great addition to the Panthers at a position that needs to get better, and quickly.