5 Carolina Panthers rookies who could steal starting jobs in 2021
By Dean Jones
Keith Taylor Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers made some much-needed improvements to their cornerback unit over the offseason. Former Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye brings bags of experience to the table and the arrival of No. 8 overall selection Jaycee Horn comes with a significant amount of upside.
Together with Donte Jackson, this trio has the chance to become a real force and something that should also improve other areas of the defense.
Someone like Keith Taylor Jr. could also be a surprising contributor.
The fifth-round pick does have some kinks in his armor that need to be worked out. The Washington standout has everything one looks for from a physical standpoint, even though technically some improvements are needed.
One area where Taylor could provide immediate help is in press coverage.
His physicality and length made him a difficult proposition to overcome in college. Although it’s going to get more difficult at the next level, there is a lot to like about his chances.
Bouye also looked like he was on the decline with the Denver Broncos in 2020 and is missing the first two games of the season through suspension. So Taylor might be in line for a big workload from the outset.