10 best fits for the Carolina Panthers on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft

(Joseph Cress/Iowa Hawk Central via IMAGN images) Daviyon Nixon
(Joseph Cress/Iowa Hawk Central via IMAGN images) Daviyon Nixon /
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(Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports) Michael Carter /

Michael Carter – RB (North Carolina)

This would be a popular pick with Michael Carter coming from North Carolina and he might just be the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey the Carolina Panthers have been looking for after Mike Davis bolted in free agency for the Atlanta Falcons.

Carter is a tremendous runner who formed a prolific partnership with Javonte Williams on the Tarheels. His vision and explosiveness are first-class, with his ability to impact things in the passing game another strong element that shouldn’t be overlooked.

His name might be one of the first called on Day 3, so the Panthers need to act fast if he is a target.

Deonte Brown – OG (Alabama)

There are obvious weight concerns where Deonte Brown is concerned and there is some work to be done regarding pass protection. But he was part of a dominant offensive line at Alabama and represents some good value here if the Panthers liked what they saw at the Senior Bowl.

Brown has the size to continue his dominant run blocking at the next level. So providing he can work on his quickness and keep his weight in check, he might be a risk worth taking now we are into Day 3.

Dylan Moses – LB (Alabama)

There were some who projected Dylan Moses as a potential first-round pick once upon a time, so it’s almost jaw-dropping to see the linebacker still available on Day 3. This isn’t a great need for the Carolina Panthers considering they signed Denzel Perryman in free agency, but he could be a solid addition to the depth chart who could one day emerge as the long-term starter.

Moses does have some injury red flags that have no doubt been monitored closely. But his communication at the second level, athleticism to go sideline-to-sideline, and impressive tackling ability cannot be ignored.