Re-grading the Carolina Panthers draft class after dismal 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Daviyon Nixon – Carolina Panthers DT
Daviyon Nixon was seen as a potential draft steal by the Carolina Panthers immediately following his selection in the fifth round. This appears to be the case despite the defensive tackle’s season-ending early due to injury.
The former Iowa star certainly flashed promise and the effort was extremely encouraging. Any questions surrounding Nixon’s character were quickly quashed and the future is extremely bright with further improvements this offseason.
Grade: A
As mid-to-late round picks go, this was a home run by the Panthers and hopefully, Nixon can become an even bigger part of the defensive line rotation in 2022 and beyond.
Keith Taylor Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
Much like the situation with Nixon, the Panthers got far more than they originally bargained for with Keith Taylor Jr. The cornerback was tasked with some serious responsibilities as the season went on after some prominent figures went down with injuries and despite his lack of experience, the rookie held up fairly well in the face of some high-quality opposition.
Taylor didn’t look overawed and was even accomplished on occasions in press or man coverage. There was the odd time of struggle along the way, but the former Washington standout can look back on his first campaign with a real sense of pride.
Grade: A
Scott Fitterer gained a solid reputation for unearthing late-round gems during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. A trend he’s continued in Carolina if the likes of Taylor and Nixon are any indication.