Power ranking the Panthers’ Day 3 picks during the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Phil Hoskins – Carolina Panthers DT
- Round No. 7 – No. 232 overall
The Carolina Panthers used their final pick of the 2021 NFL Draft on another option on the defensive front in the form of Phil Hoskins. While he does have some eye-catching athleticism that is in keeping with what the team sought heavily during the three-day selection process, the interior lineman is seen as a development project who gets the freedom to develop his craft before earning a spot on the rotation.
There is a chance Hoskins can make an impression earlier than expected if he demonstrates enough progression during OTAs and training camp. But the Panthers probably made this pick with the bigger picture in mind.
Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
- Round No. 4 – No. 126 overall
This is the player the Panthers hope becomes the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey. Chuba Hubbard has a dual-threat presence coming out of the backfield, is elusive in tight windows or open space, and managed to rack up a series of big plays during his time at Oklahoma State.
Not only should Hubbard be able to slot in if McCaffrey is forced to miss time through injury. But the Panthers now have the option of using two-back sets more effectively which would be another supreme option for quarterback Sam Darnold and offensive coordinator Joe Brady to utilize.
Shi Smith – Carolina Panthers WR
- Round No. 6 – Pick No. 204
Shi Smith made his presence felt at the 2021 Senior Bowl during team drills which obviously didn’t go unnoticed by Carolina’s coaching staff. He is a big play waiting to happen and does his best work out of the slot, which is something the Panthers could use after losing Curtis Samuel to the Washington Football Team in free agency.
Smith has a big mouth but backs it up with production on the field. The Panthers had a receiver like this once before that went by the same surname and if the wideout can be half as successful as Steve Smith, Carolina will have a real player on their hands.