4 draft prospects the Carolina Panthers should avoid at No. 8
By Dean Jones
Christian Barmore – DT (Alabama)
There aren’t many prospects who helped their stock more in 2020 than Christian Barmore. The defensive tackle was seen as a day two selection entering his final season at Alabama. But an outstanding rise in production now has the player entering the top-tier discussion in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Barmore was extremely disruptive from the interior this season. He made plays in run support and was able to get consistent pressure in opposing backfields almost at will on his way to eight sacks, which further heightened his overall influence.
If he continues this trend in the NFL, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
But the Carolina Panthers should not take him at No. 8 overall.
Their defensive line made some eye-catching strides as the season went on. Derrick Brown showed by Carolina selected him in the first round with an outstanding rookie campaign and although they’ll be losing Kawann Short to save salary-cap space, there is the scope for more growth in 2021 providing Efe Obada is brought back.
That’s not to say the Panthers shouldn’t get a couple more pieces capable of getting after the quarterback. But these can be found in the later rounds and taking Barmore in the top-10 does seem like a reach despite his massive contribution to the Crimson Tide’s title victory.