Panthers 7-round 2023 mock draft: Daring trade brings rewards
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers select Emmanuel Forbes
- Cornerback | Mississippi State
Considering the investments made at the cornerback position in recent years, taking another one this high might be seen as a luxury to many. But upon further examination of the defensive back situation on the Carolina Panthers, it cannot be ruled out in the slightest.
Jaycee Horn looks like the shutdown corner he was drafted to be after a frustrating rookie campaign that restricted him to three games. However, C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. have been inconsistent at best and might be nothing more than rotational pieces at this point.
Couple this with Donte Jackson tearing his Achilles – which normally takes a substantial amount of rehabilitation – and the Panthers need additional assistance in this key area of the field. Not exactly ideal, but it is the reality.
Emmanuel Forbes is a prospect of interest, to put it mildly. The Mississippi State sensation has been a revelation this season, boasting the physical tools needed to become an outstanding coverage cornerback right out of the gate.
Forbes thrives in press situations thanks to his blend of length and athleticism. His skill set is similar to Horn and Sauce Gardner, who has taken the league by storm after the New York Jets selected him at No. 4 overall in 2022.
If the Panthers paired Horn and Forbes together, then it could become one of the most prolific cornerback tandems in franchise history.