4 individual matchups to watch during Panthers OTAs in 2021

Which individual battles will be worth keeping a close eye on when the Carolina Panthers take the field for OTAs this week?

The lull following the 2021 NFL Draft is now over and attentions can now fully turn to prepare for the new season. The Carolina Panthers take the field for OTAs this week over a four-day period in two separate sessions, which will be the first time this new-look roster all comes together in pursuit of the same goal when competitive action gets underway.

Thankfully, there is a more structured offseason program scheduled by the NFL with COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, which also includes the welcome return of preseason games to the calendar. It was not easy for head coach Matt Rhule during his first preparation period following his big move from Baylor and some semblance of normality will help him in his quest for further progress after an encouraging 2020 campaign overall.

This is always a hugely interesting time of year. Established players, rookies, and those looking to make the roster all have an opportunity to make their presence felt, with strong performances during team drills unlikely to go unnoticed by the coaching staff ahead of training camp later this summer.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at four individual battles that could be worth watching when the Panthers get their OTAs underway.

Matchups to watch during Carolina Panthers 2021 OTAs.

Matchup No. 1

D.J. Moore vs. Jaycee Horn

The Carolina Panthers got their man by taking Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The cornerback was reportedly top of their big board and Matt Rhule called the South Carolina product the night before to say they would be taking him if available at this stage.

Now that Horn is on the roster, it’s important to get him as much experience as possible to avoid the complications that rookie corners normally go through in the NFL. Fortunately for the Panthers, they have an abundance of talent at wide receiver to put against their latest first-round recruit, so expect to see D.J. Moore lining up opposite him plenty during OTAs.

Moore is one of the league’s best young wideouts, even though he didn’t make the top-32 rankings published by Pro Football Focus. He’s recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons despite less than stellar quarterback play and his matchup with Horn could be mutually beneficial during OTAs and beyond.