4 second-year Panthers players facing a make-or-break 2021
By Dean Jones
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III – Carolina Panthers CB
Considering Stantley Thomas-Oliver III was a seventh-round pick with little expectations on his shoulders, the level of production demonstrated at times by the cornerback was pleasing.
Aside from his torrid time against Justin Jefferson as the Carolina Panthers were beaten by the Minnesota Vikings, there were plenty of reasons to be encouraged about his chances moving forward.
It’s worth remembering that Thomas-Oliver is still learning how to play the position after transferring from a wide receiver at Florida International. His athleticism was worth the Panthers taking a flyer on the player in 2020 but some substantial reinforcements to the secondary mean there is much work to be done for the corner to feature in Carolina’s plans next season.
The Panthers brought in A.J. Bouye during free agency, who should provide experience once he returns from a two-game suspension. Couple this with the team drafting Jaycee Horn at No. 8 and Keith Taylor Jr. in the fifth round, and it’s not hard to see why the odds are now stacked against Thomas-Oliver earning a prominent spot on the rotation.
Much will obviously depend on how much Thomas-Oliver develops this offseason. He is a hard-working kid with a lot of athletic ability, with his experience in the lineup last year sure to have done him the world of good.
That being said, the task awaiting him is a steep one.