4 Carolina Panthers players to get excited about in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players can the team’s loyal fanbase get excited about in 2021?
Despite the Carolina Panthers emerging from the 2020 season with a 5-11 record, there was a lot to like about the way certain players stepped up to the plate during this obvious period of transition. Few would argue the fact that more is going to be needed to turn the roster from one with some exciting playmakers to legitimate Super Bowl challengers, but head coach Matt Rhule may have the foundation in place to accomplish this feat.
This yet another important offseason period for the Panthers, who now have Scott Fitterer as their general manager following the firing of Marty Hurney. The former VP of player personnel at the Seattle Seahawks comes with a big reputation and if he can hit the ground running in the coming weeks, it might make all the difference.
There is a case of what might have been when it comes to examining Carolina’s efforts during the campaign. They were 0-8 on game-winning or tying drives after taking some of the NFL’s best all the way in close defeats, but how this young group learns from these disappointing experiences is going to go a long way to determining just how long this rebuild is going to take.
With that being said, here are four Panthers players that we can definitely get excited about in 2021.
Player No. 1
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
Donte Jackson may have had his problems with a toe injury during the 2020 season. But what the cornerback showed down the stretch after the bye week leaves plenty of reasons to suspect a big campaign could be in the offing next time around.
The former second-round pick will enter 2021 on the final year of his rookie deal. This should bring an added sense of urgency to Jackson’s play as he goes in search of a bumper payday next year.
Jackson might just be a shutdown corner after all. Staying healthy is going to be crucial, but if the LSU product can build on some positive recent momentum and develop further in the coming months, then a career year for the player is not out of the realm of possibility.