5 high-value draft picks the Carolina Panthers could steal in 2021

Keith Taylor Jr. – CB (Washington)

One area that the Carolina Panthers have yet to strengthen in free agency is at cornerback. This is now their top priority on defense and one that needs a couple of new recruits both with a veteran and another talented prospect from the college system.

Getting someone who can consistently cover opposite Donte Jackson will be key to Carolina’s chances of making strides in 2021. In Kevin Taylor Jr., they might find themselves with a potential shutdown presence who would undoubtedly be a shrewd pickup once the first two or three rounds have concluded.

Taylor thrives in press coverage, which is something the Panthers sorely lacked last season. He is fluid enough to go down the field with receivers and has the sort of length to really trouble them at the highest point of attack.

Another area of Taylor’s game that shouldn’t be overlooked is his tackling, which is impressive both in open space and when tasked with assisting in run support. If the Washington star can work on improving his awareness when arriving in the professional ranks, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.

The Panthers managed to get their hands on Taylor, it would be a tremendous acquisition and one that might see Phil Snow move away from his soft zone scheme that proved so frustrating.