The Carolina Panthers' 2021 NFL draft class has emerged as a pivotal factor in the franchise's recent resurgence. This group of players has significantly contributed to the team's current roster, establishing a solid foundation that has weathered numerous changes within the organization. The 2021 class features four standout starters who have played instrumental roles in the Panthers' turnaround: Jaycee Horn, Brady Christensen, Tommy Tremble, and Chuba Hubbard. Horn and Hubbard’s contributions have been instrumental in turning around the team. Their soon-to-be-announced, profoundly lucrative contract extensions are a measure of that value.
Jaycee Horn, one of the anchors of the Panthers secondary, recently signed a historic, four-year $100 million extension. With this contract, he set the record for highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. This record was later surpassed by the Houston Texans' extension with Derek Stingley Jr., but Horn's value to the team remains undisputed. His on field play was enough to earn the title as the Panthers’ field general and set in stone the team’s 3-4 defensive base.
In Chuba Hubbard, anchoring their offense along with Miles Sanders, Chuba locked himself in with a four-year, $33.2 million extension. His new contract now has him listed as the tenth-highest-paid running back in the league. Hubbard's consistent contributions have reinforced his role as a vital asset to the team's offensive strategy, further cementing the success of the 2021 draft class.
Brady Christensen & Tommy Tremble have both recently re-committed to the Panthers. Christensen signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal to continue his time with the team. In the meantime, Tremble had signed a two-year, $16 million contract just before the trade. Tremble said it was an honor that he was included in this impactful draft class.
"Guys who no matter what's coming, they're building every single day to get better." – Tommy Tremble
These players are a testament to resilience and dedication. They still flourish despite the franchise having gone through two head coaching changes and a new general manager since they were chosen. This ability to adjust speaks to the longevity and brilliance of the 2021 draft class.
The Panthers' subsequent draft classes in 2022 and 2023 have produced only two significant starters: Ikem Ekwonu and Bryce Young. Ekwonu was the sixth pick overall in 2022, and Young went first overall three drafts after Ekwonu’s selection. Combined, these developments can explain how unusually great the 2021 class was compared to its much weaker would-be successors.
Former Panthers coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer have lauded the 2021 draft class as one of the best in that year's NFL draft. It’s hard to disagree with the sentiments expressed in their high praise, especially when considering the actual results these players have provided on the field.
The team's current success can be attributed to a strategic focus on building through the draft, as emphasized by Dan Morgan.
"We're going to build this thing the right way, through the draft." – Dan Morgan
The Panthers are clearly committed to growing their own talent. This commitment has certainly rung true as evidenced by their 2021 class, which has been a bright, shining light.
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