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

Rashawn Slater – OT (Northwestern)

A lot of mock drafts have the Carolina Panthers picking Rashawn Slater at No. 8 overall following their decision to trade for Sam Darnold. Some argue that the Northwestern star could even be a better tackle prospect than Penei Sewell in a professional setting.

Only time will tell as to whether that will be the case. But Slater’s versatility and accomplished technique blocking the edge should make him a hot commodity.

Caleb Farley – CB (Virginia Tech)

There are some obvious injury concerns where Caleb Farley is concerned, which he received some good news about during medical testing recently. However, from a talent and upside perspective, the Virginia Tech stud might just be the best cornerback coming out of the college ranks this year.

Farley has so much scope to improve more with more reps at the position. But the medical history might put off some teams despite his obvious talent.

Trey Lance – QB (North Dakota State)

There is absolutely no chance Trey Lance falls this far. The quarterback has generated some significant buzz with some eye-catching performances in 2019 which cannot be ignored. So even though the prospect didn’t see much in the way of competition this time around, it doesn’t seem to be putting anybody off.

If Lance is given time to develop at their own pace, then he could be a star. If he makes it to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 4 overall, expect a potential trade-up.

Jaycee Horn – CB (South Carolina)

The son of former Pro Bowl wide receiver Joe Horn, Jaycee Horn has seen his stock rise considerably following a 2020 season that saw him give up more than 50 receiving yards just once – and that was to Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule went to see Horn for himself at South Carolina’s pro day and will no doubt have left impressed. Taking him at No. 8 seems a push, although stranger things have happened.

Kwity Paye – DE/OLB (Michigan)

There might not be a more physically imposing individual coming out of the college ranks this year than Kwity Paye. The Michigan pass-rusher is almost unblockable when firing on all cylinders and there is absolutely no doubt that the ceiling could not be higher.

Much will depend on what team Paye ends up. But if he is taken in the mid-teens as expected, then putting him on someone like the Minnesota Vikings would have obvious benefits opposite Danielle Hunter.