Carolina Panthers 2021 Draft: Projecting the top-32 big board

Kyle Pitts – TE (Florida)

A potentially generational talent, Kyle Pitts is arguably the best prospect entering the 2021 NFL Draft this year based purely on physical attributes and the Carolina Panthers would have a big decision to make if he somehow fell into their laps at No. 8. The Florida tight end is a matchup nightmare on the slot, on the outside, or in the red zone, with his seemingly flawless ability to catch passes under pressure something else that should make a smooth transition to the pro ranks.

Pitts might be the first non-quarterback taken this year and whichever team he lands on, they are going to have an exceptional performer on their hands.

Penei Sewell – OT (Oregon)

If Penei Sewell somehow made it down to the Carolina Panthers at No. 8, it shouldn’t take them too long to hand in their card. This is the best tackle prospect to enter the league in a generation and although he opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, a phenomenal showing at his pro day demonstrated he’s been working exceptionally hard away from the gridiron.

Sewell is still just 20 years old, so there is just no telling how much better he will get. He is a hard kid not to love and his ferocity on the field only heightens his overall dominance.

Ja’Marr Chase – WR (LSU)

This is expected to be another deep class for wide receivers and Ja’Marr Chase is the best of the bunch. The LSU star didn’t see any action in 2020 after opting out. But the level of impression he left during the Tigers’ national championship triumph the previous year – coupled with an eye-popping display of physical prowess at his pro day – has left no doubt about his capabilities at the next level.

Chase should go no lower than No. 7 and could even be taken at No. 5 if Joe Burrow pushes hard for a reunion with his former No. 1 target on the Cincinnati Bengals.

Jaylen Waddle – WR (Alabama)

The Alabama conveyor belt of NFL talent will grow much larger this year, with plenty of current national champions from the Crimson Tide expected to be taken in the first two rounds in 2021. Jaylen Waddle may have suffered some injury difficulties during his final campaign at the college level, but the talent is absolutely undeniable.

Waddle can impact the game all over the field and is a big play waiting to happen on any given down. If the wideout can stay injury-free next year, he should be able to make his presence felt from the word go.