Carolina Panthers Draft: 5 surprise players they could select in Round 1
2). Wide Receiver Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
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The Carolina Panthers did add some new wide receivers to the mix this offseason, most notably Robby Anderson of the New York Jets via free agency. He’s a good wide receiver but not an established No. 1 overall receiving option.
Considering that last season, McCaffrey was one of just two receiving options that hit over 1,000 yards, paints the story that they need more playmakers in the positional group. If wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is still available when the Panthers are on the clock at No. 7, they might make a surprise move here by adding a player capable of being their top option.
In three years at Alabama, Jeudy totaled 2,742 receiving yards, 159 receptions, and 26 touchdowns. He’ll have an easy transition to the pros and if the Panthers add him to their lineup, Jeudy brings instant credibility to their offense.
Since the Panthers do need that premier receiving option they’ve been lacking over the last few years, this could be a realistic move. Not only for the future but to give another legitimate offensive threat for opposing defenses to worry about.
1). Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
Ladies and gentlemen, the most surprising pick the Panthers could select in Round 1 would be none other than a quarterback. Yes, it’s a surprise move but something that is on the table as per new head coach Matt Rhule.
Drafting a new quarterback with the No. 7 overall pick would see the Panthers head intro training camp with four players in the positional group. They just shelled out a lot of money to land Teddy Bridgewater via free agency and even signed XFL star quarterback P.J. Walker to a contract. On top of that, Will Grier will also be back to earn a spot on the final roster.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out of Alabama, if healthy, is one superb quarterback but coming off hip surgery has caused his draft stock to fall. Many teams will undoubtedly stay away from him as he’s too much of a risk to take when investing a first-round pick into drafting him. Some will argue that the Panthers don’t have a future franchise quarterback currently on the roster so drafting a quarterback at No. 7 who can learn on the sidelines for a few years behind Bridgewater would be ideal.
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With so many needs to address, drafting a quarterback out of nowhere would be such a surprise considering how much has been talked about fixing the overall defense this offseason. This could be a move that might be too much to handle for fans since the Panthers’ defense is in dire need of help right now, not so much at quarterback.