Panthers 2021 Draft: Micah Parsons heads star-studded bye week mock
By Dean Jones
Dante Stills – DT (West Virginia)
It doesn’t look likely that the Carolina Panthers will be keeping Kawann Short around on his $20.83 million salary-cap number in 2021. This might have been a different story has the defensive tackle not suffered another early injury that ended his campaign prematurely for the second straight year. So getting another big body onto the rotation will be essential.
Dante Stills might need some work to get his run defending up to the required standard. But there is a lot to like about his explosiveness rushing the passer which is exactly what Carolina needs from any potential recruit.
Thomas Graham Jr. – CB (Oregon State)
Considering what was expected of Carolina’s cornerback group heading into the season, they’ve done well. They could use another top-end player to cover man if Donte Jackson doesn’t finish the season strongly. But a development prospect like Thomas Graham Jr. could also be a possibility late in the draft.
The Oregon State product has tremendous hands and makes a real difference in coverage. Graham won’t ever blow you away with elite athleticism, and his angles in run support need some substantial coaching up once he gets to the NFL.
T.J. Vasher – WR (Texas Tech)
The red-zone offense is something that the Panthers have suffered complications with this season. Adding a huge body in the passing game like T.J. Vasher could make all the difference.
Vasher has been a solid if not spectacular performer for Texas Tech over a four-year period. But he has a real ability to be physical on the line of scrimmage and get open quickly, which is