Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Bringing sexy back edition

Carolina Panthers draft D’Shawn Jamison

• Defensive Back | Texas Longhorns

Not addressing the secondary until this late stage would be risky. But if the Carolina Panthers want instant progress, then this is a good crop of free agents at both cornerback and safety positions that can help defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero achieve his objectives.

Adding a development project that offers versatility is something that could also reap long-term rewards. Although D’Shawn Jamison has flaws, he’s been a productive starter for years at Texas and boasts the sort of athletic profile Carolina normally seeks in those further down the draft board.

Jamison has experience playing almost everywhere across the secondary. His best asset is getting receivers off their routes in press coverage, but there are some other encouraging elements in terms of explosiveness and instincts that could emerge into something more over time.

Once Jamison becomes more disciplined in his risk-taking and makes the right footwork improvements, this might end up being a high-value selection. But if the Panthers keep both their second-rounders, solidifying the secondary on Day 2 is a distinct possibility given Donte Jackson’s injury concerns and the less-than-stellar performances of C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. in 2022.

Players taken at this stage of the draft are done so in hope more than expectation. Looking at the college production and the scope for growth, Jamison is the epitome of this.