What can the Panthers expect from Terrace Marshall Jr. in 2021?

What can the Carolina Panthers realistically expect from their second-round pick Terrace Marshall Jr. during his rookie season in 2021?

Although wide receiver wasn’t necessarily the biggest need for the Carolina Panthers during the 2021 NFL Draft, that did not stop them from taking a player that comes to the next level with a substantial amount of upside.

The Panthers ended up using the No. 59 overall selection on Terrace Marshall Jr. after trading back twice. This could be a high-value pickup for a wideout that many had going in the first round, but some injury history caused a drop down the draft order until Carolina scooped him up.

It’s hard not to love the physical attributes Marshall brings to the table. The former LSU standout has a rare ability to impact a game wherever he lines up on the field, demonstrating quickness to stretch the field and route-running capabilities that can assist across the middle in critical situations.

Whether Carolina changed their plans once they found out that the New Orleans Saints were reportedly going to take him with the very next selection or not is unclear. Judging by the recent documentary Panthers Confidential, it’s clear Marshall was someone who those in power thought a lot of and didn’t want to run the risk of losing him by waiting.

Marshall will be worked into the lineup gradually, of that there is little doubt.

The Panthers were ultra-cautious with the player during rookie minicamp to ensure there aren’t any further complications on the injury front ahead of training camp, which is the right call to make at this stage of the offseason.

Carolina Panthers need to fill the Curtis Samuel void in 2021.

Carolina is looking for someone other than D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson to step up and fill the void left by Curtis Samuel, who left in free agency for the Washington Football Team and a reunion with former head coach Ron Rivera.

David Moore was brought in from the Seattle Seahawks, which should help a lot. But if Marshall can also make his presence felt from the word go, it will give the Panthers four dependable receiving options for their new quarterback Sam Darnold to utilize.

Five when one includes the NFL’s best dual-threat running back, Christian McCaffrey.

There isn’t a significant amount of pressure on Marshall right away. But that doesn’t mean he cannot hit the ground running and become a dominant figure sooner than expected.

There should be a ton of good looks coming Marshall’s way with the talent across Carolina’s offense. His size, aggressiveness, and scope to get open quickly make him a nightmare to cover and if he can capitalize on opportunities when they arrive, the Panthers will have a real player on their hands.

General manager Scott Fitterer wanted to adopt the best player available mentality throughout the draft, which Marshall definitely was when he was selected.

His previous relationship working with Joe Brady on the Tigers should also smooth the player’s transition, so it’s hard to see a scenario where he fails to make a difference.

Whether that is immediately or a year or two down the line is yet to be decided.

What cannot be disputed at this juncture is Marshall could offer the Panthers something a little different from what they already possess in the passing game, which will only enhance their chances of mounting a surprise playoff push in 2021.