Multiple changes in full Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL redraft at the bye
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Pick No. 8
Rashawn Slater – OT
- Original 2021 pick: Jaycee Horn – CB
Before we start, Jaycee Horn is a sensational talent. The cornerback looked every bit like the shutdown presence many envisaged when the Carolina Panthers drafted him at No. 8 overall, even if his season was cut extremely short in Week 3 with a broken foot.
Horn is going to play a significant part in any success that comes the Panthers’ way next season and beyond. But taking a cornerback when there was a pressing need elsewhere was considered a big gamble no matter how good the South Carolina product ends up being.
Had Penei Sewell fallen one more spot, we are having a different conversation right now.
However, there was another primary blindside protector that the Panthers opted not to select in favor of Horn.
Rashawn Slater had some questions about his arm length that forced him out of the top-10. There are a few teams now regretting this decision.
The former Northwestern star is fast, physical, and agile. The primary three ingredients needed to become a premier edge protector in the NFL.
Simply put, Slater has been phenomenal in Year 1 of his professional career with the Los Angeles Chargers, giving up three sacks and conceding four penalties to secure an eye-catching 81.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. Some are even putting him forward for a potential All-Pro selection.
Horn is going to be just fine based on the limited sample size we’ve seen. But if Carolina had drafted Slater, they’d have finally solved a problem position for the next decade.