65 days until the NFL Draft...Let's see who is on the big boards!
/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 65-spot since we are 65 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-Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
With only one starting offensive linemen under-contract, Carolina needs to bolster their offensive line. Adding depth or a potential starter is a must. I’m not sure if Carman will be a tackle in the NFL, but we could use a big-body road grader like him at guard.
“Carman’s run blocking is superb. Carman has a hard-nosed style, and he’s very good at carrying out his assignments with initial urgency. The Clemson tackle has enough quickness off the line to get to the second level and exert his power on secondary defenders. Although his speed peters out at the second level, he has the ability to open lanes and get the running backs into space.
As good as Carman’s anchor can be, he doesn’t quite have the all-encompassing length to maintain it against more rangy defensive ends. Additionally, his mobility around the pocket is only average to above-average. He gets the job done more often than not, but his motion is a bit choppy when matching the rusher back. He also sometimes lacks the recovery athleticism necessary to bounce back when beat initially.”
The Draft Network-Pete Werner, LB, OSU
The Panthers have a need at linebacker. With the recent news that Shaq Thompson is no longer following the team on Instagram, only suggests this need is growing. Last year, the Panthers struggled to fill the void left behind Luke Kuechly. Tahir Whitehead’s play was unimpressive and won’t warrant his return. The defense improved when Jermain Carter, Jr. stepped in, but the Panthers are going to need to reload that linebacker corps both through the draft and free agency.
“Werner’s size, hand power, and athleticism should afford him a prominent three-down role in an NFL defense—especially when accounting for how often the Buckeyes have charged him with playing on the fringes of the box and in coverage. Werner has baseline athleticism to live up to that expectation in the pro game as well, but he’s also got the size and power to shoot gaps and thud blocks and ball carriers alike. Werner looks the part of a starting NFL linebacker and should be expected to at least carve out a significant role for himself on a pro defense in 2021 before growing and evolving into an even bigger role. ”
Draftek.com- Shaun Wade, CB, OSU
The Panther’s secondary is up in the air. Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder are set to hit free agency. We don’t know what to think of Donte Jackson, and the safety position is wide open now that Carolina released Tre Boston. They are going to need to invest in the secondary at some point, despite the addition of Troy Pride, Jr. and potentially playing Jeremy Chinn at safety.
“He’s a nickel corner. He can play a little free safety. He can move around. He’s physical, He’s tough. He can tackle in the open field really well. We saw that last night. But he is not cut out, at least at this point, to be a perimeter, cover corner that takes away your No. 1 wide receiver. He’s just not. We’ve seen it all year. It’s too bad to see. Everyone expected it because you watch (Jeff Okudah) go to the NFL Draft and he was kind of waiting his turn. And everyone expected he’s the next guy up, the five-star recruit. And he just hasn’t been.
“He’s a slot cover corner who can play that overhang. He can be physical. He can play the run. He can be very effective. He can play on special teams. I think he’s a day-two pick. He’s probably a second-round pick when it’s said and done.”
PFF- Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
It’s hard to think of Carolina drafting more defensive linemen after investing two consecutive first round picks with Brian Burns and Derrick Brown. Carolina also added Yetur Gross-Matos in the second last year, and he looks like he will have a promising career. You never can have too many pass-rushers in the NFL, however.
“Ossai is a great speed rusher. He has great burst at the snap of the ball, which gives him one of the quickest first steps in the class. After being quick at the snap of the ball, Ossai has good speed on the edge, which makes him hard to stop on the edge. His speed and change of direction will make him tough for tackles who can’t match that.”
By Tony Dunn
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