What could happen before the Carolina Panthers pick at No. 8?
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. player. 56. Pick Analysis. WR. LSU. JA'MARRCHASE. 5
Ja’Marr Chase – WR (LSU)
- Team – Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has made no secret about his desire to reunite with Ja’Marr Chase on the Bengals. The pair struck up a devastating partnership during LSU’s National Championship triumph in 2019 and although the Bengals need to improve their protection, they might jump at the chance to take the wide receiver at No. 5 if Penei Sewell is off the board.
Chase is an accomplished route-runner who gets open quickly and efficiently. He accumulated 2,093 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns over his two years with the Tigers and has a significant amount of upside to thrive in the NFL.
6. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. NORTHWESTERN. 54. RASHAWNSLATER
Rashawn Slater – OT (Northwestern)
- Team – Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have holes everywhere you look, but no more so than on their offensive line. Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts spent most of the 2020 season running for their lives under prolonged pressure and if Philadelphia is serious about giving the former first-round pick another chance, then their protection has to be better.
With Sewell taken by the Jets, Rashawn Slater is a solid option at this spot. He is quick-footed, powerful, and has all the right physical attributes to become a prominent starting tackle from the word go.
This is something the Eagles need in no uncertain terms, with the prospect possibly entering the Carolina Panthers’ thoughts if he gets to No. 8.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. 7. ALABAMA. JAYLENWADDLE. player. 50
Jaylen Waddle – WR (Alabama)
- Team – Detroit Lions
It appeared highly likely that the Lions would take a quarterback here prior to the Matthew Stafford trade. However, they managed to get Jared Goff as part of the package with the Los Angeles Rams, which changes the dynamic on how they might approach their first-rounder.
They will field plenty of calls from teams looking to trade up for a quarterback like Justin Fields in this scenario. But with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones entering free agency, Detroit needs to get Goff some additional weapons in the passing game.
Jaylen Waddle fits the bill and then some. He has the speed to kill opposing cornerbacks even at the NFL level and his reliable hands make him a threat all over the field.