6 hot college prospects that should be on the Panthers 2022 draft radar
By Dean Jones
Alontae Taylor – CB (Tennessee)
Hopefully, an agreement can be reached between the Carolina Panthers and Donte Jackson on a long-term deal sooner rather than later. The cornerback is now a key member of the defense and his partnership with No. 8 overall selection Jaycee Horn could be the best tandem the team’s ever had if both realize their potential in the coming years.
A.J. Bouye is out of contract next spring and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be brought back. Bringing in another top cornerback talent isn’t out of the question, especially if Stantley Thomas-Oliver III and Keith Taylor Jr. don’t develop as expected this season.
Someone like Alontae Taylor is worth keeping a close eye on. The athletic Tennessee standout has been a revelation for the Volunteers in 2021 so far and looks like a star in the making providing this momentum continues.
Taylor is exceptional in coverage and his tackling has come on leaps and bounds of late. He is fluid in his movements and possesses the right sort of instincts to really make a go of things in the NFL.
Carolina doesn’t have a second-round selection as yet following the Sam Darnold trade from the New York Jets, although Scott Fitterer will be exploring every avenue to possibly trade down if the right offer comes along in Round No. 1.
Either way, it would be wise of the Panthers to keep tabs on Taylor throughout the season and when the assessment period gets underway.