Panthers: 5 best draft fits if college football season is canceled
By Dean Jones
Which NFL Draft prospects should the Carolina Panthers focus their attention on if the college football season is canceled?
The Carolina Panthers made history with their all-defense 2020 NFL Draft picks. They appear to have plenty of players capable of making an impact from day one. But it could also be a baptism of fire for the group in the face of some stern competition.
General manager Marty Hurney has built a strong reputation for building through the draft during his two spells in the role. This is something that he will need once again in 2021. And if the Panthers can strike gold next spring it could see them become postseason contenders.
There is a major complication awaiting them and every other NFL team. The college football season promises to look far different due to the current climate. And speculation is mounting as to whether it will take place at all.
This would be nothing short of a disaster for programs up and down the country. And it would also leave Carolina’s scout team relying on 2019 film to select their players of choice.
College players do tend to make significant strides in the year before they reach the next level. Scouts would be focusing on the evaluation process more than ever as there is just no telling how much a prospect has come on since their last piece of competitive film.
With plenty of top players set to declare for next year’s draft, there is much work to be done for the Panthers in order to get the right sort of player. Matt Rhule will know more than most about what they can bring to the table from his time at Baylor. But a year is a long time for the class of 2021 to be without any notable action.
Here are the four best draft fits for the Panthers on 2019 film in the event of no college season this year.