Carolina Panthers: Ranking the top 6 WRs in the 2021 NFL Draft

Wide Receiver No. 4

Tylan Wallace – Oklahoma State

• Projected round – Low-1st/high-2nd
• Projected role- big-bodied slot/ No. 1 with development

Tylan Wallace has been the model of consistency for the past three seasons at Oklahoma State. Coming close to or eclipsing 1,000 yards in each year.

He uses a quick cut at the line to get defenders off him and has a great comeback route if he still needs more separation. Wallace also has a snap turn on post routes that turned defenders consistently.

Wallace has the size and strength of Ja’Marr Chase but with more elusiveness. He uses the same sort of leverage skills to get outside defenders and high point the football but can also get them on the back foot and run around them. His elusiveness paired with a high football IQ allows him to weave through defenses like he wasn’t even there and find the open space.

With his combo of size, hands, and elusiveness, Wallace could be a game-changer at the next level and someone the Carolina Panthers might just consider if he falls out of the first round.

Wide Receiver No. 5

Elijah Moore – Ole Miss

• Projected round – Mid-2nd
• Projected role – Slot Receiver

Elijah Moore showed steady improvement during his Ole Miss career but burst onto the scene in Lane Kiffin’s first year at the helm in 2020. Tallying almost 1,200 yards out of the slot while hauling in double-digit receptions in all but one game.

It wasn’t like Moore wasn’t known by every defense that he faced either, he had over 600 more receiving yards than the next closest wideout on the team. So everyone knew he was the top guy and the player still managed to get open consistently.

Moore has a quick twitch and shiftiness that just bullied slot corners at the line and a double-move able to turn defenders almost every time. He also showed an impressive versatility with being lined up in the backfield to run the ball or block, in the slot, or even out wide, and still being productive and a real problem for defenders.

Carolina Panthers could use Moore as a replacement for Samuel.

He has all the skills to be a force out of the slot at the next level and a reliable check-down target in short-yardage situations while having some long-play ability as well. And with everyone’s eyes on a true No. 1 target, Moore will be seeing more open green than he ever did in college and could be the perfect replacement for the Carolina Panthers in their bid to replicate Curtis Samuel’s production in 2021.

Wide Receiver No. 6

Terrace Marshall Jr. – LSU

• Projected round – Mid to low-2nd
• Projected role – Rotational receiver with potential to be No. 2

After living in the shadow of Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson during his time at LSU, Terrace Marshall Jr. looked to have the opportunity to take a big step forward in 2020 after the projected first-rounder opted out. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out that way, whether it be because of inconsistent quarterback play or the departure of Joe Brady, who became offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.

However, that should not discount what Marshall Jr. was able to accomplish or his legit skills.

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he presents a big target but also has a rare elusiveness and ball carrier skill for a body his size. While at the same time keeping his red-zone threat ability with his strength and knack for out leveraging defenders at points.

Marshall Jr. also shows an impressive route running ability with some quick stop-and-go moves and stutter steps that allow him to get just enough separation that his frame becomes the difference-maker.

With his rare mix of size, elusiveness, and route running, Marshall Jr. could develop into a true problem at the next level and something the Carolina Panthers don’t have in their arsenal currently.