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

Carlos Basham Jr. – Wake Forest

There are few defensive ends entering the league this year who generated more in the way of notable highlights on the field than Carlos Basham Jr. The pass-rusher stood out like a sore thumb at Wake Forest and backed this up with a sensational display of athleticism throughout Senior Bowl week, which has propelled him into the second-round conversation and might even see the prospect go late in the first.

This will be a little too rich for the Carolina Panthers, who could perceive Basham as a luxury they cannot afford so early in the draft. His tendency to win with power in college might not necessarily transition over to the next level against more imposing edge protectors, so there could be some work to be done regarding someone that doesn’t have what one would consider elite burst.

Much will depend on where he’s taken. But Matt Rhule will have been impressed by what he saw from Basham after working with him closely in Mobile, Alabama.

Quincy Roche – Miami

There might be some value if Quincy Roche falls to the third round or beyond in the draft. The defensive end has some exceptional talent and should be able to make a difference providing he finds the right fit.

Roche gained 4.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss after transferring to Miami from Temple, which took his sack tally to 30.5 over his three seasons in college. Size would be a concern if a team wants to use him as a 4-3 defensive end, with the prospect potentially more suited to an outside linebacker role in a 3-4 scheme.

With that being said, this sort of versatility makes him an intriguing option for the Panthers and one they should consider if he makes it to Round 3.