5 Carolina Panthers players set to shock the NFL world in 2021
By Dean Jones
Terrace Marshall Jr. – Carolina Panthers WR
Taking a wide receiver early in the 2021 NFL Draft was probably not high on the Carolina Panthers’ list of priorities. But that quickly changed when Terrace Marshall Jr. fell into their laps at No. 59 overall.
The LSU product has all the physical attributes needed to be a real star at the next level. A worrying injury history caused him to slide down the pecking order despite getting a first-round grade by almost every respected draft analyst, meaning the Panthers might have yet another steal on their hands if Marshall hits the ground running.
There does appear to be an opportunity for Marshall to make a name for himself from the outset.
Carolina doesn’t have Curtis Samuel to call upon in the passing game anymore. So the rookie could get his fair share of targets from offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who knows more than most what the player is capable of from their time together on the Tigers.
Expecting Marshall to hit the heights former teammate Justin Jefferson managed to achieve with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020 is unrealistic. Especially considering the Panthers have two primary playmakers on the outside in D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson.
However, there is nothing to suggest Marshall cannot be a real force, especially in the red zone, with the physical attributes at his disposal.
One thing is for sure, if Marshall stays healthy and produces what Carolina expects, teams across the league will be kicking themselves for passing on the player.