4 Carolina Panthers players whose stock is soaring through Week 10
By Dean Jones
Keith Taylor Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
Of all the draft picks made by the Carolina Panthers in 2021, perhaps the most surprising of all is Keith Taylor Jr. The cornerback was seen as a development project coming into the organization, but an injury to Jaycee Horn forced the Washington product onto the rotation much sooner than expected.
To say Taylor has thrived with additional responsibility would be a huge understatement. The fifth-round pick’s ability in press coverage has been a significant asset for Phil Snow to call upon, something that’s enabled the defensive coordinator to rotate his cornerbacks plenty without any drop-off from a production standpoint.
Whether this continues when Horn comes back at some stage remains to be seen. But Taylor has definitely made a big statement so far and selecting him on Day 3 was a tremendous call by Carolina’s front office.
Taylor’s efforts this season have come with an outstanding 71.4 grade from Pro Football Focus. More importantly, it’s provided Carolina with a reliable presence that can assist in covering situations or with assistance on running downs.
The future is bright where Taylor is concerned. Providing the defensive back develops further next offseason and beyond, the Panthers might have hit the jackpot.