4 potential second-round picks for the Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Asante Samuel Jr. – CB (Florida State)
Donte Jackson looked like a shutdown cornerback down the stretch. But the Carolina Panthers could still use another talented cover option on the other side of the field to further boost their chances of progression in 2021.
Taking someone with the exceptional talent of Patrick Surtain in the first round is a real possibility. However, if the Panthers choose to wait for a potential day one starter in the secondary, then Asante Samuel Jr. is a player that warrants some serious consideration.
Samuel comes from good stock and is the son of a former All-Pro, so he’ll know exactly what it takes to forge a successful career in the NFL. His big playmaking ability is matched by a fierce tenacity that is hard not to love and if he ended up in Carolina, the Florida State standout would be an instant fan favorite.
The Seminoles put Samuel on an island over his final two years in college and to say he thrived with this responsibility would be something of an understatement.
He was composed under pressure and demonstrated the sort of recovery skills that only heighten confidence in his potential to become more than a useful starter once he gets to the pros.
Carolina could do far worse than look in Samuel’s direction if he’s still around at No. 40. If he reaches his ceiling, it would give the Panthers two reliable outside corners that will stand them in extremely good stead moving forward.