5 Carolina Panthers rookies who could steal starting jobs in 2021
By Dean Jones
Daviyon Nixon – Carolina Panthers DT
Although the Carolina Panthers boast some quality options on their defensive front after a solid offseason of recruitment, someone with the upside of Daviyon Nixon could make their presence felt providing he adjusts quickly to his new surroundings.
The former Iowa standout produced some truly exceptional moments for the Hawkeyes. But character concerns meant the projected second-round pick ended up slipping all the way into the fifth before the Panthers eventually put him out of his misery.
Nixon now comes into the league with a big chip on his shoulder. Whether these concerns about his alleged off-the-field antics have any substance or not is a moot point now, the defensive tackle has to get his head down and prove his doubters wrong.
One thing is for sure.
The talent is unquestioned.
Starting initially is going to be a big ask. The Panthers have a potential stud in Derrick Brown of which much is expected in his second season and free-agent signing DaQuan Jones will be counted on to replicate similar production to what we saw from the lineman during his time with the Tennessee Titans.
That being said, if Nixon can gradually build up his confidence and impress enough from a rotational basis, then any injury problems could see the rookie thrust into a more prominent position.
The ball is in Nixon’s court. But he can ill-afford to start his career off on the back foot.