5 NFL Draft targets in every round for the Carolina Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers round No. 2 targets
- Richie Grant – S (UCF)
- Wyatt Davis – OG (Ohio State)
- Alex Leatherwood – OT (Alabama)
- Brevin Jordan – TE (Miami)
- Asante Samuel Jr. – CB (Florida State)
There is plenty of exciting talent to be had in the second round if the draft plays out as projected. The Carolina Panthers will be in a strong position to perhaps take someone with a first-round grade that drops for some reason, which occurred in 2020 when Yetur Gross-Matos was taken No. 38 overall after some character concerns emerged during the evaluation process.
Perhaps the same thing will happen with Asante Samuel Jr., the Florida State sensation who is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps at cornerback. The Panthers have met twice virtually with the prospect, which indicates their interest. But whether he’ll be available or not is another matter entirely.
Solidifying the offensive line is another way Carolina could go in the second round. Prospects like Wyatt Davis and Alex Leatherwood project to be starting-caliber guards at the next level from Day 1, with the latter also able to play left tackle with supreme efficiency.
Matt Rhule made no secret of his admiration for Central Florida’s talented safety Richie Grant following his time coaching the player at the 2021 Senior Bowl. This is an obvious area of need where the Panthers are concerned as they look for a long-term partner to slot alongside Jeremy Chinn if he is moved to the backend as expected.
A pass-catching tight end is another possible option Carolina needs to consider at some stage. Miami’s Brevin Jordan is the matchup nightmare they might be looking for.