Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and his staff didn’t share a sideline with Frank Darby when the two parties crossed paths at this year’s Senior Bowl. Rhule led the American roster, while Darby was part of the National team. But maybe they’ll be on the same side soon enough.
According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Panthers have had a virtual meeting with the Arizona State wide receiver. Darby has also reportedly met with the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans New York Giants, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.
#ASU's Frank Darby is one of my favorite WR's in this class. An excellent route runner and vertical threat.
Darby has met virtually with the #Colts, #Jets, #Giants, #Texans, #Panthers, #Packers, #Bills and #Titans.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 8, 2021
The name of the game for the 6-foot, 201-pound Sun Devil is speed. Currently ranked as Draft Wire’s 30th wide receiver prospect, Darby is considered one of this class’ more intriguing vertical weapons given his burners, as well as his advanced footwork.
His collegiate numbers tell the same story, as he finished his four-year stay in Tempe having averaged a lengthy 19.7 yards per reception on 67 grabs. He recorded a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the school’s pro day and was clocked at a breezy 18.49 mph, the third-fastest amongst all receivers at the Senior Bowl, during the event’s practice sessions.
Darby could surface as an option for Carolina on the third day of the draft, potentially helping make up for the explosiveness lost with the departure of Curtis Samuel.
