Solid Starter
Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU – Round 2 
With the Panthers’ Joe Brady as offensive coordinator, the 2019 LSU Tigers enjoyed a dream season in which they put together a legendary offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. An unsung hero of LSU’s point-machine offense was Marshall, who as the third receiver did some major damage in limited opportunities with the majority of passes going to Chase and Jefferson. In 2019, Marshall caught 46 passes for 671 yards with 13 touchdowns en route to the National Championship. In 2020, Marshall totaled 48 receptions for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns over seven games before ending his season early. There is no doubt that the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Marshall has a good skill set and upside for the NFL.
There is a lot to like for Marshall as a potential pro starter, including good height and speed. While he is more of a build-up speed receiver, he stretches defenses vertically and can really challenge them downfield. In the deep portion, Marshall’s speed catches defensive backs by surprise and he can create separation for big play downfield. Marshall’s smooth speed and size makes him difficult to cover, and he is a real threat to score or produce a big gain on any reception. After the catch, Marshall is a tough runner who will use his size to break tackles, and he has a nose for the end zone. He should be a quality red-zone weapon in the NFL. Marshall could be an outside receiver or work out of the slot as a Z.
Like the vast majority of prospects, Marshall has points of improvement to develop as a pro. He needs to improve his route-running, and he did not run the entire route tree at LSU. Thus, Marshall will need to work on his routes and improve his technique as a route-runner to make up for his lack of twitch and suddenness coming out of breaks. Marshall does not have bad hands, but they’re not good either and he could stand to improve his reliability for the NFL level.
As a rookie, Marshall is relegated to being the third receiver with D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson coming back to Carolina. Both of those veterans, however, are nearing the end of their contracts, so Marshall could replace one of them in 2022. With his size, speed and upside, I think Marshall will emerge as a solid starter by the end of his rookie contract.
2020: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE
2019: Brian Burns, DE
2018: D.J. Moore, WR
2017: Curtis Samuel, WR
2016: Daryl Worley, CB
2015: Shaq Thompson, LB
2014: Trai Turner, G
2013: Kawann Short, DT
Most Likely To Bust
Brady Christenesen, OT, BYU – Round 3 
I thought the Panthers did well on the opening night of the 2021 NFL Draft, made some mistakes on Day 2, but then circled the wagons and finished out the process well by making a trio of really good picks on Day 3. Two of Carolina’s second-day picks in particular were very questionable, both in Round 3. Both of those draftees were graded on Day 3 by other teams. BYU left tackle Brady Christensen was viewed as just a guy by some other teams. One team source said some of quarterback Zach Wilson’s impressive plays came because Christensen missed his block. They believe he was a significant reach early in the third round and not close to being as good as the tackles the Panthers passed on during Day 2, including Texas’ Sam Cosmi, Notre Dame’s Eichenberg and Clemson’s Jackson Carman.
Joe Brady’s offensive scheme helps the offensive line, but Christensen still has bust potential as a player, and he is going to be pushed onto the field early in his NFL career considering the Panthers have a huge hole at left tackle. It would not surprise me if Christensen struggles and ultimately does not pan out as a starting NFL left tackle.
2020: Jeremy Chinn, S
2019: Will Grier, QB
2018: Rashaan Gaulden, CB
2017: Daeshon Hall, DE
2016: James Bradberry, DB
2015: Devin Funchess, WR
2014: Kelvin Benjamin, WR
2013: Edmund Kugbila, G
Potential Boom Pick
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina – Round 1 
Given Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley’ offseason back surgery, many teams around the league had Horn as the top cornerback and the best defensive player in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Panthers seemed to agree, making him the first defensive player drafted with the eighth-overall pick. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Horn has No. 1 corner potential for the NFL and should be a plug-and-play upgrade for Carolina.
For the next level, there is a lot to like about Horn. He is a big cornerback who is strong and physical. Horn packs a punch on receivers and uses his size and power to reroute them. While Horn has size and strength, he also is very natural in coverage, showing smoothness to run the route and prevent separation. Horn’s height and length make him capable of matching up against big receivers and defending 50-50 passes. He also stays in phase and keeps receivers from getting over the top on him. Horn is a natural football player who displays good feel and is very instinctive. His route recognition is advanced, as is his anticipation to break on the ball.
With his size and instincts, it can be difficult to get passes around Horn and he is adept at slapping them away. It would be good to see Horn turn more breakups into interceptions at the NFL level.
Horn is also an asset in the ground game, as he is a willing tackler who will come downhill and pack a punch. Horn is comfortable playing near the tackle box and shows the instincts to make some plays in the backfield. As a pro, he is going to be appreciated by his coaches for his ability and willingness to defend the run. Horn is a good corner for a press man or zone scheme. He flashed off-man ability, but never looked as natural in off-man.
The Panthers were in need of a No. 1 corner after letting James Bradberry leave in free agency. If Donte Jackson is re-signed, Carolina could have a long-term talented trio with Horn, Jackson and Troy Pride. Horn and Pride give the Panthers two big outside corners and Jackson can serve in the slot. With his instincts and cover skills, Horn has boom-pick potential and could be turn into a stud for Carolina.
2020: Derrick Brown, DT
2019: Greg Little, OT
2018: Donte Jackson, CB
2017: Christian McCaffrey, RB
2016: Vernon Butler, DT
2015: Darryl Williams, OL
2014: Kony Ealy, DE
2013: Star Lotulelei, DT
Future Depth Player
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State – Round 4 
Hubbard could have been a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft coming off his 2,000-yard season, but he decided to return to school. He then spent part of the 2020 injured, but he has a good skill set with size, quickness, and running ability. Mike Davis left in free agency, leaving Hubbard in position to be an excellent backup and rotational back who can help lighten the load on Christian McCaffrey. Hubbard has a starter’s skill set, so landing him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft was excellent value for Carolina. With McCaffrey being one of the best players in the NFL and signed to a long-term deal, Hubbard is blocked from a starter’s job, but he should be a really good No. 2 back for Carolina.
2020: Stantley Thomas-Oliver, CB
2019: Christian Miller, LB
2018: Ian Thomas, TE
2017: Corn Elder, CB
2016: Zach Sanchez, CB
2015: Cameron Artis-Payne, RB
2014: Tre Boston, S
2013: Kenjon Barner, RB
Walt’s 2021 NFL Draft Grades:
8. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina – B+ Grade
Many considered the elite non-quarterback prospects in this class to be Penei Sewell, Kyle Pitts, Ja’Marr Chase and the Alabama receivers. Some teams actually had Jaycee Horn in that pantheon, despite Patrick Surtain being a bigger name. Charlie and I have had Horn slotted to the Panthers to No. 8 for a long time for that reason. Horn is a great addition to a secondary that has to cover so many talented receivers in the NFC South.
59. Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU – A Grade
D.J. Moore’s contract is up soon, while Robby Anderson is just above average, so receiver was in play for the Panthers. Terrace Marshall was the best player available at the position. Marshall was mocked in the first round by some, but injury concerns caused him to drop. I like the value for Marshall here, especially with the Panthers picking up a pair of third-round chices from trading down twice.
70. Brady Christiansen, OT, BYU – B+ Grade
The Panthers traded down a couple of times, so it makes sense that they finally moved up, giving a sixth-round pick to move up three spots. Brady Christiansen was someone I had in the third round, so this makes sense. It also addresses a need, as Carolina had to protect Sam Darnold on the blind side.
83. Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame – C Grade
I’ve had Tommy Tremble in the fourth or fifth rounds of my mock draft, so I think this is a slight reach in the middle of the third round. That said, it fills a huge need for the Panthers, who didn’t really have anything at tight end outside of the mediocre Dan Arnold.
126. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State – B+ Grade
Chuba Hubbard’s draft stock fell this past year. I had him in the second round earlier, but he didn’t quite live up to his potential. Still, I like the pick, as the Panthers needed insurance at running back just in case Christian McCaffrey is hurt again. Mike Davis is gone, so Hubbard will take his spot.
158. Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa – A+ Grade
I was wondering when Daviyon Nixon would come off the board. I had him slotted in the third round, so this value is incredible. Daviyon Nixon is a good athlete who can generate pressure and also help stuff the run. This is a great pick.
166. Keith Taylor, CB, Washington – B- Grade
A second cornerback was essential for the Panthers, who have to deal with some ridiculous receivers in their division. Keith Taylor was someone I’ve had in the sixth round in some updates, so this range is fine for him.
193. Deonte Brown, G, Alabama – B Grade
Deonte Brown is a big name who was once in the second round of my mock draft. He’s a monstrous run blocker, but there are concerns with his pass protection. He’s a very poor athlete, but he’ll be a mauler in the trenches.
204. Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina – A Grade
Shi Smith was one of the standout receivers of the Senior Bowl, so it’s not a surprise that the Panthers drafted him because they coached him in Mobile! I thought Shi Smith would go early on Day 3, so I’m a big fan of this value, as the Panthers try to replace Curtis Samuel.
222. Thomas Fletcher, LS, Alabama – C Grade
I’ve stated that kickers grow on trees. Well, long snappers grow in the ground. Just grab a shovel and start digging, and you’ll scoop up plenty of long snappers in no time. I have nothing else to say about this pick.
232. Phil Hoskins, DT, Kentucky – C+ Grade
I didn’t think the Panthers needed another defensive tackle, and I didn’t have Phil Hoskins drafted in my mock. I’m not a fan of this pick, but it’s the seventh round, so it’s not too bad.
2021 NFL Draft Team Grade: A. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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