Carolina Panthers host video interview with QB prospect Knipp

Is Knipp worth a late-round selection?

Whether it is worth taking a late-round flyer on Jacob Knipp will all depend on what the Carolina Panthers do in the early rounds. They have significant needs on the defensive side of the ball and it would be a huge shock if they did not commit five of their eight picks on this area of the field.

Their offensive line could also use some young blood, and there is the uncertainty regarding All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey‘s future with the player heading into the final year of his rookie deal.

The Panthers need to address all this first before they can look at development projects who cannot contribute right away. Their salary cap constraints now make it difficult to bring in any veteran help and drafting impactful draft prospects this year is going to be vital.

There is the possibility that Knipp goes undrafted despite the Panthers showing considerable interest during his evaluation process. That would leave the player susceptible to multiple offers from teams looking for help on their respective practice squads.

So, if Carolina wants the best possible chance of acquiring him they’re going to have to give up one of their eight selections.

To say Knipp is a work in progress would be something of an understatement. But the Panthers definitely see something in the player and it would not be surprising if they gambled on him with one of their final NFL Draft picks later this month.