4 needs the Carolina Panthers could double-dip at during the draft
By Dean Jones
Defensive tackle
The Carolina Panthers did a nice job of boosting their pass-rushing options during free agency. But the recent departures of Kawann Short and Zach Kerr with one year remaining on their deals leaves the roster looking especially thin at the defensive tackle spot.
They do have a proven three-technique in Morgan Fox after he arrived from the Los Angeles Rams. However, with only Bravvion Roy on the depth chart to put alongside Derrick Brown, this could be a positional group that is addressed more than once during the 2021 NFL Draft.
Brown is an absolute stud in the making and was the right pick for the Panthers at No. 7 overall last year. The former Auburn standout is only going to get better with more experience under his belt and if Carolina can get another young prospect or two in a bid to improve their options, it is sure to stand them in good stead.
Much will depend on how the draft plays out in front of them. It would be a surprise if the defensive tackle position was addressed in the first two rounds, but anything after that would be fair game providing a left tackle and cornerback are also found at some stage.
This is a good situation for any college recruit to be walking into. Carolina has an abundance of talent coming off the edge, which should result in plenty of space to work with Brown also clogging up the middle.