8 Relative Athletic Score gods the Panthers could draft in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could draft Scott Nelson
- Safety | Wisconsin
- Relative Athletic Score – 9.67
Finding another safety lower down the pecking order now that the Carolina Panthers have an eye-catching starting partnership in Jeremy Chinn and Xavier Woods could be considered. This is an avenue the organization has pursued either late in the process or in undrafted free agency, with the likes of Sam Franklin and Myles Hartsfield both gaining reps since entering the league.
If this is a method Carolina continues with, then Scott Nelson’s outstanding Relative Athletic Score of 9.67 could make one or two teams sit up and take notice of the unheralded prospect.
His time at Wisconsin was full of encouraging moments. Even though there is plenty of work to do in pursuit of carving out a career for himself at the next level.
Nelson has good anticipation and closing speed at the free safety spot. He also has no trouble coming down to the second level against the run and has the patience to make some noise when utilized in blitz packages.
Not only this, but Nelson is a threat to score with the football in his hands, seeing the field well and taking his chances when they arrive.
Despite some high physical traits, flexibility is a concern with Scott and he could do with bulking up to further bolster his chances. He might not hear his name called, but it would be a shock if the defensive back wasn’t brought in to compete somewhere.