4 winners and 3 losers from the Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL Draft

Winner No. 4

Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C

There did appear to be some doubt as to whether Matt Paradis would be on the roster at this stage of the offseason. The center played much better last season than he did in 2019, so the Carolina Panthers opted to restructure his deal and see if he can improve further on the final year of his deal.

Paradis has been let down by his supporting cast during his time in Carolina. This is something the team looked to rectify in the 2021 NFL Draft by taking Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown, who should both be in the starting lineup Week 1 with a smooth transition.

This is the one area of the field outside of Sam Darnold that still represents a concern. If the new college recruits hit the ground running, Paradis would benefit more than most.

Loser No. 3

Troy Pride Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB

To say Troy Pride Jr. went through his fair share of struggles as a rookie would be something of an understatement. The former Notre Dame speedster underwent a baptism of fire in no uncertain terms and it’s clear there is much work to be done if the cornerback wants to forge a successful career at the next level.

Pride Jr. has a lot of nice physical attributes to call upon. But the NFL is an unforgiving place for rookie corners coming up against wide receivers who are ruthless in punishing almost every mistake.

Drafting Jaycee Horn and Keith Taylor did exactly scream in confidence in the 2020 fourth-round pick. So the pressure is well and truly on when training camp begins.

If Pride Jr. cannot keep his place secure on the depth chart, then it would really put into question his spot on the roster.