Panthers NFL Draft targets: Quarterback

KURT BENKERT, Virginia (6-foot-2, 214 pounds)

Projected Round: 5-FA

Virginia quarterback Kurt Benkert was highlighted as someone to watch during the Reese’s Senior Bowl but failed to impress. However, given his current projections and need for development, Benkert should excel in the Panthers system and especially with a new coordinator and quarterback coach.

Depending on how the draft transpires and if Hurney wants to look into a developmental project to potentially contribute one day, then Benkert may be an option.

"A general manager told WalterFootball.com that Benkert was a player who intrigued them and that they were going to be studying him some more. Benkert completed 59 percent of his passes in 2017 for 3,207 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl, but had an unimpressive week in Mobile. Benkert has enough size and above-average arm strength. While he isn’t a great athlete, he has mobility and can extend plays with his feet. Benkert has very impressive deep ball accuracy with the ability to make some phenomenal throws off platform. Benkert will work through his progressions, but he needs to get faster at that and improve his field vision for the NFL. Benkert needs to improve on his feet, but a good NFL coach could fix that. Obviously, working under center and transitioning to a pro system will be a work in progress. The senior is a player to study and consider in the months to come."

*Analysis via Charlie Campbell at WalterFootball.com