5 local program draft prospects the Panthers could select in 2021
Sage Surratt – WR (Wake Forest)
The younger Surratt should definitely be on the Carolina Panthers’ radar along with his brother. Sage opted out in 2020 to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, but he was one of the best wideouts in the country when the prospect last took the field in a competitive environment.
Surratt was voted first-team All-ACC although he played just nine games for Wake Forest, where he totaled 66 receptions for 1,001 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Despite the stellar 2019 season, there’s a chance that the younger Surratt could be drafted several spots behind his older brother and perhaps in a later round.
Unlike Chazz, Sage lacks elite speed and an NFL-style ability to create separation from defenders. However, the receiver has exceptional hands and can use his size to make contested catches.
Surratt has the ability to put a band-aid on the Panthers red zone woes of 2020, especially if they can’t find an upgrade at the tight end position.
Jackson Carman – OT (Clemson)
For two seasons Jackson Carman was tasked with one of the toughest jobs in the country: protecting the blindside of college football’s golden goose, Trevor Lawrence. At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, the offensive tackle did well in his role and excelled as a run blocker.
Carman is part of the reason why the aforementioned Travis Etienne will likely be taken on day one of the draft and – of course – helping Lawrence become the consensus No. 1 overall selection in the process.
As for Carman, his ideal role as an NFL most likely won’t be at either tackle spot and the Carolina Panthers will have to consider that this spring.
Draft analysts point to his struggles with recovering after getting beat by a pass rusher and his lack of length and mobility. Carman projects to be a better fit as a guard in the NFL, not necessarily a massive need for Carolina, but definitely worth a look.