7 defensive ends the Panthers could pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

Which defensive end prospects could the Carolina Panthers potentially look to acquire during the 2021 NFL Draft?

Things should be far better from a pass-rushing standpoint where the Carolina Panthers are concerned in 2021. This was a real problem area during the early stages of the previous campaign and although things did get better down the stretch, the coaching staff won’t want the same problems to resurface next time around.

The Panthers made this one of their primary focuses during free agency, acquiring Haason Reddick and three-technique Morgan Fox to put alongside stud edge rusher Brian Burns and promising second-year-pro Yetur Gross-Matos next season.

Couple this with Marquis Haynes continuing to show promise from a rotational role and the presence of Derrick Brown providing pressure from the interior, this could be a devastating force if they reach their potential.

Adding another talented weapon from the college ranks at the defensive end position would also be welcome. Here are seven prospects worthy of consideration.

Potential defensive ends the Carolina Panthers could target.

Defensive End No. 1

Kwity Paye – Michigan

Kwity Paye is not going to be taken by the Carolina Panthers at No. 8 overall. It’s just not happening.

However, if they traded down and got themselves some incredible draft capital that enables them to throw caution to the wind midway through the first round or further, then stranger things have happened. The Michigan edge rusher is a supreme physical force that should be able to make his presence felt from the word go during his rookie campaign.

Although there are some obvious needs that need to be addressed way before Carolina even thinks about taking someone to put alongside Burns, Reddick, and Gross-Matos. But considering this isn’t going to be the deepest draft class in recent memory for players at the position, getting arguably the best prospect isn’t entirely out of the question with a move back.