5 prospects the Panthers must monitor at 2023 NFL Combine

Carolina Panthers must monitor Zach Harrison

• Defensive End | Ohio State Buckeyes

As stated previously, Ejiro Evero’s presence means the Carolina Panthers are going to deploy a 3-4 base scheme right out of the gate during games. However, this will change constantly depending on what situations they find themselves in on any given down.

This is something that was further confirmed by head coach Frank Reich this week. But looking at the personnel at Carolina’s disposal and the fact Matt Ioannidis is out of contact, adding a defensive end that can play the 3-4 should be high on the team’s list of priorities.

Brian Burns cannot do it alone in terms of pass rushing. Letting Haason Reddick leave in free agency was a grave error, although linking the former Florida State standout with Frankie Luvu as Carolina’s 3-4 outside linebacker tandem does have potential.

Keeping an eye on Zach Harrison’s progress throughout the NFL Scouting Combine would be prudent. The lineman might not have put up elite numbers at any stage with Ohio State, but his size, strength, and ability to set the edge make him a potentially ideal candidate for a 3-4 scheme at the next level.

Harrison is going to wow scouts and other NFL personnel with eye-catching athleticism and explosiveness. His length also makes him an intriguing option for the Panthers on Day 2 if he makes it that far down the pecking order.

This is a prime example of scouting what a prospect can become rather than what he produced in college. Harrison has the frame and experience to make an instant impact on Carolina’s front seven, which is something they desperately need.