5 unheralded Panthers players who could make an impact in 2021
By Dean Jones
Daviyon Nixon – Carolina Panthers DT
Asking a fifth-round pick to play a leading role during their rookie season is unrealistic. However, the Carolina Panthers may just have landed themselves the steal of the 2021 NFL Draft in Daviyon Nixon.
The defensive tackle enjoyed a phenomenal 2020 campaign at Iowa that came with a second-round grading from many analysts. Some character concerns caused Nixon to slip all the way to Day 3, but the Panthers appear confident that the prospect was a risk worth taking at the time he was selected.
Carolina has some strong figures on defense and Nixon needs to fit in with the current direction and attitude within the locker room. His talent cannot be disputed, especially when it comes to generating pressure in opposing backfields, but monitoring how the player is progressing away from the gridiron will be equally as important.
Nixon could become a valuable member of the rotation right from the word go with a smooth transition to a professional environment.
There should be plenty of space for him to work thanks to the presence of Brian Burns and Derrick Brown on the defensive front. So he could be a surprise that most opposing protection schemes don’t see coming.
The coaching staff believed in Nixon. But now it’s up to the player to repay this confidence with strong production on the field and exemplary behavior away from it.