2021 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock

The Panthers don’t need to venture outside North Carolina to secure an upgrade at defensive end in Round 2. Basham lacks elite twitch from the outside, but he’s still a productive edge rusher due to his combination of power and work ethic on the perimeter.

He also happens to project as a plus run defender which should be especially appealing to Carolina. Brian Burns is a menace as a pass-rusher on one side of the formation, but he struggles at the point of attack. Adding a more versatile defender like Basham to the mix would increase the balance along the Panthers’ defensive front.

Another intriguing think about Basham is that he has the size to kick inside on obvious passing downs and rush the passer from a defensive tackle spot. That might help alleviate some of the pressure on Derrick Brown to generate pressure from the interior every time the quarterback drops back to pass.

Basham’s collegiate tape may not scream NFL stardom, but he projects as an above-average starter for a long time. That represents excellent value for Carolina on Day 2.