Multiple changes in full Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL redraft at the bye

Carolina Panthers Pick No. 166

Keith Taylor Jr. – CB

Much like the situation with Daviyon Nixon, the Carolina Panthers secured some incredible value with the selection of Keith Taylor Jr. The talented cornerback was thrust into the limelight sooner than anticipated thanks to Jaycee Horn’s injury and despite the acquisition of Stephon Gilmore, the Washington product has managed to secure some meaningful playing time and more than hold his own in coverage.

There is a high chance Taylor can continue this trend for the remainder of the campaign after the Panthers placed Donte Jackson on the reserve/injured list for the season. A tremendous opportunity for the first-year-pro to further enhance his status within the organization.

Taylor has sufficient size and length. This is matched by physicality at the line of scrimmage and the player also lends a key hand in run support when needed.

He has given up 17 receptions from 25 targets this season to secure an encouraging 66.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. However, what’s even more positive is Taylor can only get better working with some experienced veterans in pursuit of a larger role in 2022.

Finding reliable prospects at this stage of the draft is tricky, there’s no getting away from that. But general manager Scott Fitterer’s reputation for finding gems in the later rounds seems to have followed him to Carolina.