Carolina Panthers get high-value with Keith Taylor pick

The Carolina Panthers used their pick acquired from the Tennessee Titans to select Keith Taylor in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Trading for draft capital is one thing, but how the Carolina Panthers are using their selections from other teams as part of a frenzied period of activity has been especially pleasing. Scott Fitterer has wasted no time in stamping his authority across the organization and his decision-making process with head coach Matt Rhule is seeing some really talented college prospects come into the fold over a profitable three-day period.

The latest of these is Keith Taylor, a formidable cornerback out of Washington who represents yet another recruit who has all the intangibles Carolina has been looking for throughout the weekend.

These trades have all but negated what the Panthers paid the New York Jets for Sam Darnold, which has basically cost them a second-rounder next year in the grand scheme of things.

If the quarterback makes a better go of things with some exceptional weapons at his disposal then it could prove one of the real trade bargains in NFL history.

Whether he can do this remains to be seen, but it won’t take long to find out whether Darnold was the problem in New York or not judging by the level of talent around him.

What are the Carolina Panthers getting from Keith Taylor?

There is a lot to like about the skills Keith Taylor brings to the table. He is fast, can make big plays in critical moments, and plays the game with an enthusiasm that clearly caught the eye of Carolina’s front office.

With good reason.

Finding draft gems this late in the process can sometimes be a struggle. The Panthers found that out to their cost in recent years. But the times are changing with an impressive new regime calling the shots.

This might not necessarily result in an immediate leap into legitimate Super Bowl contention. However, there is a secure and solid foundation from which to build a leading challenger providing prospects like Taylor progress along with current members of the roster in pursuit of the same goal.

Make no mistake, things could – and have been – far worse.

If Taylor brings the same sort of energy we saw in college, then the Panthers could possibly reap the rewards for years to come, and considering where we are in the draft, this is a big-time potential steal.

And still, four more picks to go.