4 winners and 3 losers from the Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Winner No. 2
Donte Jackson – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers strengthened their cornerback options with Jaycee Horn at No. 8 and Keith Taylor out of Washington in the fifth round. Both incoming prospects thrive in press coverage and this is nothing but good news for Donte Jackson heading into a contract year.
Jackson emerged as one of the team’s top performers down the stretch after finally ridding himself of the toe problem that made him a virtual spectator for most of the campaign.
His supporting cast wasn’t exactly classed as stellar in 2020. But with the introduction of the two college prospects and the added influence of free-agent signing A.J. Bouye, things look far more promising next time around.
This year is a big one for Jackson, who could get a bumper new deal next year with a strong and consistent campaign free of injury problems.
Loser No. 1
Omar Bayless – Carolina Panthers WR
There was an enormous sense of intrigue with undrafted free-agent Omar Bayless during the last offseason. The wide receiver made a huge impression at training camp and hopes were high that he might be able to not only earn a spot on the 53-man roster but also generate some targets and make plays during his rookie campaign.
However, a knee injury prevented Bayless from playing a snap in 2020, although the Panthers thought enough of the former Arkansas State standout to keep him around. All signs point to Bayless making a full recovery judging by his workout posts on social media, but he faces a real fight for a prominent position on the depth chart after Carolina took both Shi Smith and Terrace Marshall Jr. in the draft.
Bayless has faced adversity before, so this will be nothing new to him. Whether he can raise his game accordingly and remain in the team’s plans is another matter entirely.