4 undrafted free agents the Carolina Panthers should target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Mustafa Johnson – DL (Colorado)
To say the Carolina Panthers have a loaded defensive line would be something of an understatement. They already had an embarrassment of riches to call upon before they drafted Daviyon Nixon and Phil Hoskins, which was the icing on top of what is going to be a very dominant unit.
If the Panthers want to bring in another versatile prospect for additional competition, then they should give Mustafa Johnson a second look. The former Colorado stud can play on the edge or as a three-technique on the interior with equal effect, which is the sort of thing Carolina obviously loves.
Johnson is deemed a little small for an interior lineman at the next level. But he has all the necessary athleticism and technique to make a difference either generating pressure in opposing backfields or assisting in run support.
It’s easy to forget that Johnson was once touted as a top-10 pick after a dominant 2018 campaign that saw him achieve 15.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. So for him to go undrafted must have been a real disappointment and one that should provide some extra effort for whatever team takes a chance on him.
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The Panthers don’t necessarily have a need in this area. However, there is no harm in bringing Johnson on board to see what he can do for themselves.