5 prospects on defense for the Panthers to monitor at Senior Bowl

Marvin Wilson – DT (Florida State)

There was a lot to like about the defensive front of the Carolina Panthers from a progression standpoint during the 2020 season. They found it difficult to generate pressure consistently over the first few games of the campaign, but things improved dramatically down the stretch to leave plenty of cause for encouragement with another offseason to develop in Phil Snow’s scheme.

One of the main reasons for this was Derrick Brown, who proved more than worthy of the No. 7 overall selection with some outstanding displays despite being one of the most doubled-teamed defensive tackles in the NFL.

Getting Brown a long-term partner to further boost the rotation would be a smart move by the Panthers this offseason, although Zach Kerr and Efe Obada performed well above expectations when Kawann Short went to the reserve/injured list for the second straight year.

Providing the Panthers extend Obada, then it doesn’t appear to be a significant need. So looking at a player like Marvin Wilson in the mid-rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft is a realistic option.

The Florida State star is more than capable of impacting the game on passing downs thanks to a surprising burst for a man his size. Wilson does need some coaching up when it comes to avoiding blocks on running downs, and his physique is another concerning factor that Carolina’s coaching staff will get the chance to examine closely at the Senior Bowl.