Carolina Panthers Draft: Is Justin Fields the best QB in 2021 class?

How would Justin Fields help the Carolina Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers might consider taking a long-term solution at quarterback if Teddy Bridgewater fails to make the most out of another starting opportunity. Justin Fields will be high on the list of possibilities. And he would be a tremendous fit in Joe Brady’s high-powered passing scheme.

One only has to look at the impact Brady had on No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow at LSU last season to see just how beneficial it would be for the Panthers to select Fields. Carolina’s fanbase will be clamoring for the team to take home state hero Trevor Lawrence if presented with the opportunity. But there is a case to be made for the Ohio State standout actually being the better prospect.

His ability to move out of the pocket and make things happen is similar to what Cam Newton brought to the organization so successfully before his messy release this offseason. Although Fields is not as an accomplished runner as the 2015 NFL MVP, it does provide the coaching staff with more opportunities from a play-calling perspective.

Fields has the capability of being a plug and play starter that could thrive in the right environment. There are plenty of weapons at the Panthers’ disposal. And if Bridgewater doesn’t utilize these well enough, he is going to be on the hot seat in no uncertain terms.

The next few months will be crucial in the careers of Fields and Bridgewater for completely different reasons. And another strong year in college for the Buckeye might well see his name called first by commissioner Roger Goodell next spring.