68 days until the NFL Draft....Let's see who's on the big board!
/It’s that time of year when there is very little to talk about beyond how the NFL Draft will shake out. Big boards are getting bigger by the day. Let’s take a look at the boards and see who sits at the 68-spot since we are 68 days out. These are not projections for the Panthers but simply a way to plow through the days left through the draft and learn a little about the prospects.
CBS-Terrance Marshall, Jr, WR, LSU
It seems wild to think about receivers with all of Carolina’s roster deficiencies after both Robby Anderson and DJ Moore racked up 1000 yard seasons in 2020. Anderson is in the final year of his contract, and Carolina’s receiving core isn’t the biggest. Moore is sturdy but isn’t the big-bodied receiver that helps in the red zone. Add that Carolina will likely lose Curtis Samuel, Carolina will have to keep adding bodies to the receiver room.
“size and good top-end speed that combines to form one heck of a downfield threat. He tracks the ball well and uses his size to elevate for catches and high-point the football. While he primarily operates as a standard X-receiver, Marshall is capable of playing in the slot as well.
Marshall’s physicality and body control are also plus aspects of his game.”
The Draft Network-Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Carolina has invested a lot of early draft capital on the defensive front. The staff got a close-up look at Jones at the Senior Bowl, where he’s reported to have had a strong showing. They’ll know if this is the type of player you can’t pass on, no matter how many roster needs you may have. You can never have too many pass-rushers though.
“Jones is a well-rounded defender who can play up against the run and impact the game as a rusher. He has the athleticism and a diverse set of pass rush moves to get around offensive tackles. In his final two years at Pitt, he compiled 24 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks with similar production numbers i”
Draftek.com Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC, WR
Curtis Samuel will likely leave in free agency and Robby Anderson is in the final year of his contract. St. Brown polished, explosive, and the type of player you can see Matt Rhule falling in love with. I’m thinking Joe Brady would have quite a few ideas of how to get him involved, which would us in the aftermath of losing Samuel.
“Standing at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, St. Brown is a sudden, twitchy player who brings immense potential at all phases. As a route runner, he’s detailed, dynamic, and deceptive. At the catch point, he’s acrobatic and adept at contorting for passes. And after the catch, he’s incredibly tough and slippery when seeking additional yards.”
PFF-Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
Carolina needs secondary help, today releasing Trae Boston. It’s hard to see how Carolina cannot work to improve the defensive backfield. Reports, however, suggest they were especially impressed by Richie Grant at the Senior Bowl.
“Pittsburgh safety Paris Ford brings an interesting mix of exciting traits and inconsistency that makes forecasting his role in the NFL challenging. He’s a physical, aggressive, and athletic safety that plays the game with a ton of enthusiasm and urgency. He demonstrates good ball skills with the range and fluidity to be an asset in coverage. Overall, he’s a tone-setter that loves contact and is capable in coverage. ”