4 potential Panthers draft targets who’ll blow up the 2023 NFL Combine
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could draft Julius Brents
- Cornerback | Kansas State Wildcats
Another area where the Carolina Panthers will look to strengthen this offseason is their options at the cornerback spot. Jaycee Horn is on track to be one of the league’s best shutdown presences, but others around him either have trouble staying healthy or lack the consistency needed when prominent reps come their way.
This has the potential to complicate matters for new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who deploys a lot of nickel packages within his creative 3-4 base scheme. Therefore, the Panthers should address this need through a veteran free agent and perhaps even a high-upside individual from the college ranks for good measure.
Julius Brents is gaining more traction than most at an important time. The Kansas State product came into the assessment period on the back of an impressive final campaign with the Wildcats, which he enhanced with a strong week at the 2023 Senior Bowl.
Brents has immense size at 6-foot-4 and his athleticism for someone so rangy is sure to make more than a few sit up and take notice. He fits the mold of what teams look for in a modern-day cornerback and although some refinement is needed, there is a solid foundation from which to build.
The defensive back is likely to test superbly in all areas. Something that could see Brents enter second-round consideration when push comes to shove.