7 prospects for Panthers with a top-5 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Zach Wilson – QB (BYU)
One would be hard-pressed to find a player whose 2021 NFL Draft stock has risen more in recent months than Zach Wilson. The BYU quarterback has the sort of skill set that is currently all the rage in the pros and this should ensure his name is one of the first called providing he comes through the evaluation process with flying colors.
If the Carolina Panthers are picking in the top-five, then things aren’t going according to plan with Teddy Bridgewater. So a decision needs to be made regarding just who is going to be under center for the franchise long-term.
Wilson is a rising star who could be destined for big things providing there isn’t too much pressure put on his shoulders right away, which the Panthers might be able to offer with no real out regarding Bridgewater’s contract until 2022.
Although there might be other needs elsewhere, Carolina isn’t going to get anywhere unless they have a reliable presence under center who can come through in big moments. Wilson has a rare ability to conjure up something out of nothing and when he realizes that every throw doesn’t need to be a home run, then the signal-caller will be the total package.
If the Panthers selected Wilson, it would also allow him to learn behind an experienced player such as Bridgewater before finally taking over as the team’s No. 1 option.