Panthers 2021 Draft: Studs and duds from Day 2 at Senior Bowl
By Dean Jones
Which college prospect stood out during their second day working with the Carolina Panthers coaching staff at the 2021 Senior Bowl?
The Carolina Panthers are getting a good look at some of the top prospects entering the 2021 NFL Draft this year. Head coach Matt Rhule already has extensive knowledge of the college system following his time at Temple and Baylor, but this extra insight into the character of each Senior Bowl participant is going to be a vital component to call upon when it’s time for the organization to select their next batch of recruits.
Rhule has come across really well during the American team practice in Mobile, Alabama. He’s not afraid to get in the thick of things and pulled the whole group together for a stern word on day two when he felt the effort wasn’t at the level required during a certain portion of the session.
As we found out with the Panthers in 2020, Rhule does not suffer fools gladly and if the level of commitment isn’t there he will let you know about it.
The Carolina Panthers will be impressed so far.
Overall, the desire demonstrated by prospects over the first two days of practice has been pleasing. There appears to be a real hunger within the group to make a lasting impression during team drills, which is one of the last times they’ll be able to strut their stuff with so many changes to the evaluation process this offseason.
With that being said, who were the studs and duds from the second day of Senior Bowl practice under the watchful eye of Carolina’s coaching staff?
Stud No. 1
Mac Jones – QB (Alabama)
If Mac Jones had an indifferent first day of practice, then this is something he put right in no uncertain terms when he took the field for a second time. The microscope is on the Alabama standout more than most after a sensational 2020 campaign that resulted in the Crimson Tide winning yet another National Championship and it’s clear having head coach Nick Saban on the sidelines for morale support brought out the best in him.
Jones’ day would have looked even better had it not been for some notable drops from wide receivers he targeted. One throw in particular even got a fist bump from Rhule and the Carolina Panthers head coach is clearly impressed by what he’s seen from the prospect so far.
"“He’s an alpha. He’s the first guy on the practice field. He’s the first guy on the run.”"
The Panthers have a huge decision to make if they do like Jones. Taking him at No. 8 overall would be a massive risk and one that could define Rhule’s tenure. But if they were to trade back into the teens then acquiring the signal-caller becomes a more realistic proposition.