Which 2021 draft prospects have the Panthers met with so far?
By Dean Jones
Which 2021 NFL Draft prospects have the Carolina Panthers met with so far during a hugely important assessment process?
Although the 2021 NFL Draft process has looked far different this year due to COVID-19 concerns, the Carolina Panthers have still gotten the chance to see plenty of prospects that could help the organization for themselves at various stages. Coaching at the Senior Bowl was a fantastic opportunity that Matt Rhule couldn’t pass up despite the current climate, with those in power putting in the air miles to attend pro days over the last couple of weeks across the country.
Now the significance of pro days may bring its fair share of skeptics. But considering there was no real NFL Scouting Combine to call upon, it was vital for the Panthers and other teams across the league to get the most out of these occasions as possible.
Rhule managed to put his extensive knowledge of college prospects to good use with a strong 2020 class that brought plenty of talented defenders to Carolina.
The likes of Jeremy Chinn and Derrick Brown made their presence felt in no uncertain terms during sensational rookie campaigns. Yetur Gross-Matos, Bravvion Roy, and Stantley Thomas-Oliver also showed signs of promise to make it a draft of enormous potential.
Carolina Panthers have needs that are becoming clearer.
More will be needed this time around. But some shrewd signings in free agency by general manager Scott Fitterer make Carolina’s roster look a little more promising than it did at the conclusion of the previous campaign.
Their needs ahead of the draft are becoming clearer with every passing day. But which prospects have they reportedly met with virtually so far, according to the tracker at WalterFootball.com?
Prospect No. 1
Deommodore Lenoir – CB (Oregon)
The Carolina Panthers have already met virtually with Deommodore Lenoir this offseason in the lead-up to the all-important draft weekend. Oregon’s standout cornerback has a lot of likable traits to call upon that should serve him well at the next level and anyone who picks him up on Day 2 is going to get a tremendous player with a ton of upside.
This is an area of some significant need for the Panthers, who have little in the way of depth behind Donte Jackson after Corn Elder signed with the Detroit Lions and Rasul Douglas wasn’t brought back. They probably need another veteran presence in free agency to make an immediate impression. But bringing someone who can pick up things quickly like Lenoir is another very likely possibility.
Lenoir isn’t going to blow you away with elite speed or athleticism. However, he is fluid enough to cover well both in the slot or on the outside, with this versatility a big reason why the Panthers wanted to speak with the prospect.