6 prospects the Panthers should monitor in college football playoffs
By Dean Jones
Josh Whyle – TE (Cincinnati)
Tommy Tremble has flashed potential after the Carolina Panthers selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Notre Dame product certainly has the physical tools to become the complete package with additional development, but the sample size in terms of targets throughout the current campaign means the jury is still out, to a certain extent.
The Panthers are unlikely to keep Ian Thomas around after the player failed to become the heir apparent to Greg Olsen when given the opportunity. This could lead the franchise towards the college ranks once again for a potential pass-catching presence to further assist whoever is under center.
Someone like Josh Whyle is a player to watch. The Cincinnati prospect has terrific ball skills and doesn’t have much trouble making big plays in the red zone or across the middle in key situations.
Much like the situation with Desmond Ridder, it’s hard to gauge just how good Whyle is or isn’t right now given the standard of opposition he’s faced. That’s why his college football playoff game against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl will be a primary measuring stick for NFL talent evaluators.
With 12 touchdowns over the last two seasons, there upside is obviously there where Whyle is concerned. A strong display against the Crimson Tide will do wonders for his overall draft stock as he gets set to embark on the next level.