5 players for the Panthers to pair with DT Derrick Brown in 2021
By Dean Jones
Jay Tufele – USC
One college player that has seen his 2021 NFL Draft stock rise in recent years is Jay Tufele. The energetic defensive tackle has an infectious personality and the talent to match, so it would be no surprise to see him taken in the first round next spring if he impresses further during the evaluation process.
Tufele is one of many top prospects who are sitting out the 2020 season to ready themselves for the draft amid COVID-19 concerns. But he can look back on his hugely successful time at a prestigious program such as USC with an enormous sense of pride.
His ability to generate pressure on any given down is a standout feature of his overall production and brought 6.5 sacks during his two seasons with the Trojans. Tufele displays the sort of quickness and balance that can make a successful transition to the next level and his skills should complement Derrick Brown well if the Carolina Panthers chose this avenue.
If Tufele can add a little more consistency to the dominant spells he can clearly generate, then it is sure to come with a top-50 pick, at the very worst.
All it takes is for one team to fall in love with the prospect to see him moved up into first-round consideration. Although with the Panthers projecting to have a high selection once again, there should be others available in positions of need.