2021 NFL Draft: Franchise QB falls to Panthers at No. 8 in latest mock
By Dean Jones
8. OHIO STATE. JUSTINFIELDS. QB. player. 87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
No. 8: Justin Fields – QB (Ohio State)
The Carolina Panthers might feel good about Teddy Bridgewater going forward, but having Justin Fields falling to them at No. 8 overall here is something they wouldn’t pass up.
This might seem like an unrealistic proposition given Fields’ outstanding potential, but other pressing needs for the teams drafting ahead of Carolina in this particular mock enabled the Ohio State standout to fall into their laps.
Fields has been a revelation for the Buckeyes since transferring from Georgia. He is a dual-threat weapon who can make things happen at the drop off a hat and with Dylan Moses, Penei Sewell, Gregory Rosseau, and Micah Parsons off the board by this point, the Panthers take their signal-caller of the future.
There wouldn’t be a great deal of pressure on Fields to come in and start right away in this situation. Sitting behind and learning from Bridgewater in 2021 would be the smart way to go and give the player a chance to adjust at his own pace.
TE. FLORIDA. KYLEPITTS. player. 87. Pick Analysis. Scouting Report. 40
No. 40: Kyle Pitts – TE (Florida)
The Carolina Panthers aren’t getting much production from their tight ends through four weeks of the 2020 season. Ian Thomas and Chris Manhertz have been used sparingly in Joe Brady’s high-octane offense and this might call for them to look elsewhere if things don’t improve.
Kyle Pitts is an absolute steal at No. 40. He has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season at Florida that has some talking about the player as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate.
It is unlikely that the prospect falls this far. But in this particular situation, the Panthers should not hesitate to take someone who could become the NFL’s next great pass-catching tight end.