Carolina Panthers 2021 Draft: Projecting the top-32 big board
By Dean Jones
6. 812. OHIO STATE. Pick Analysis. QB. JUSTINFIELDS. player. Scouting Report
Justin Fields – QB (Ohio State)
The Carolina Panthers might not be in the market for a quarterback after trading for Sam Darnold. But that might change if Justin Fields falls all the way down to No. 8. There should be no chance of this considering how much quality production the player put together at Ohio State. However, there’s been some unfair criticism coming his way over the evaluation process.
Give me proven production over an eye-catching highlight reel against inferior competition any day.
MICAHPARSONS. player. 806. Pick Analysis. LB. PENN STATE. 7. Scouting Report
Micah Parsons – LB (Penn State)
If the Carolina Panthers are looking for a long-term replacement for Luke Kuechly, then Micah Parsons might be their man. The team did sign Denzel Perryman from the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. But someone with the upside and exceptional physical gifts that the Penn State sensation possesses cannot be overlooked.
Parsons is as complete a linebacker as you are likely to find and enters the NFL with a Pro Bowl ceiling, at a minimum.
Scouting Report. QB. 8. player. Pick Analysis. BYU. ZACHWILSON. 861
Zach Wilson – QB (BYU)
There aren’t many prospects who have generated more buzz than Zach Wilson during the evaluation process. The BYU quarterback lit up the 2020 season – albeit against inferior competition and behind a formidable offensive line – but the New York Jets saw enough to almost make him a lock for the No. 2 selection after trading Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for three picks over the next two years.
If Wilson makes a smooth transition to the pros, he could change the landscape of a struggling franchise.
829. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. 9. CB. ALABAMA. PATRICKSURTAIN
Patrick Surtain – CB (Alabama)
Simply put, Patrick Surtain II enters the NFL with shutdown potential at cornerback and is coming off a campaign where teams became increasingly reluctant to throw in his direction. He has some incredible bloodlines that shouldn’t be overlooked and it would be a big surprise if the Alabama prospect wasn’t the first player at the position taken later this month.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DEVONTASMITH. 10. WR. ALABAMA. player. 829
DeVonta Smith – WR (Alabama)
There might be some doubts about DeVonta Smith’s build. But the wide receiver is a Heisman Trophy winner that possesses elite route-running that’s matched with assured hands and an ability to come through in the biggest of moments.
Sleeping on Smith would be a mistake, so someone might be getting a real steal where the wideout is concerned.