5 draft snubs haunting the Carolina Panthers after Greg Little trade
By Jason Huber
Sean Murphy-Bunting – CB
Another position that the Carolina Panthers are still looking to improve upon in 2021 is one that could’ve been upgraded in the 2019 draft with the selection of cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.
Murphy-Bunting was selected just two picks after Greg Little by, of course, another division rival in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In two seasons with the Buccaneers, Murphy-Bunting’s stats have been solid despite some struggles. But he really broke out during Tampa’s Super Bowl run this past season, getting an interception in three consecutive playoff games.
During the run, quarterbacks only completed 58.7 percent of their passes to receivers Murphy-Bunting was defending and 28.01 percent in man coverage.
The huge jump in performance could have also been thanks to Murphy-Bunting finally being healthy after having some nagging injuries to start his career.
The corner recently told The Tampa Bay Times that he dealt with groin, thumb and ankle injuries all throughout his second year before the playoffs.
If the postseason run is any glimpse of the type of player Murphy-Bunting will continue to be, Carolina might be regretting passing on him for years to come. Although they might have their future shutdown corner finally after the decision to select Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall.
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Honorable Mentions: Terry McLaurin, Nate Davis, Irv Smith Jr., Maxx Crosby