Re-grading the Carolina Panthers draft class after dismal 2021 season

Thomas Fletcher – Carolina Panthers LS

One of the biggest highlights from the Carolina Panthers draft in 2021 was Thomas Fletcher getting an unexpected call that he was a sixth-round selection rather than receiving an undrafted free-agent offer. It was a cute story, even though there were many who thought it was a luxury the organization couldn’t afford.

As it turned out, the pick hasn’t panned out as yet. Fletcher could not beat out long-standing veteran J.J. Jansen in training camp and the Alabama product was conveniently placed on season-ending injured/reserve before final cuts were made.

Grade: F

This selection was made even more infuriating by the fact Trey Smith was still on the board – a ferocious interior lineman who has dominated for the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie.

Phil Hoskins – Carolina Panthers DT

There wasn’t much expected of Phil Hoskins when the Panthers took him in the seventh round. The defensive tackle was seen as a development project coming out of Kentucky, but he managed to win a place on the 53-man roster and made an eye-catching impression during limited reps throughout the campaign.

Hoskins got some nice push from the interior and secured his first professional sack at the Miami Dolphins. There is still a lot of hard work ahead for the player, but it’s hard to deny he isn’t off to a good start.

Grade: B

Considering Hoskins was a late-round flier, he exceeded expectations and hopefully, there will be more to come after a confidence-boosting first season in a professional environment.