7 prospects for Panthers with a top-5 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Kyle Pitts – TE (Florida)
This might be a bit of a reach to select a tight end in the top-five of the 2021 NFL Draft. But Kyle Pitts is a potential stud who could become the next great pass-catching player at the position.
The Florida sensation has enjoyed a phenomenal 2020 campaign that has resulted in his draft stock going through the roof. Pitts is a matchup nightmare for an outside linebacker or slot cornerback and is a dynamic force to be reckoned with in every area of the field.
Pitts has no problem lining up on the outside or in the slot and his presence as a substantial threat in the red-zone is another strong element to his potential that shouldn’t be overlooked. There is no doubt he’ll make an NFL team very happy next spring and if the Carolina Panthers like what they see, then the decision-makers need to take him at the earliest possible opportunity.
Carolina gambled on Ian Thomas filling the void left by prolific veteran Greg Olsen and it has backfired in no uncertain terms. The former Indiana star has been an afterthought in Joe Brady’s scheme and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the organization will be looking for better options next spring.
If the Panthers ended up with Pitts and kept Curtis Samuel around, their offense could make even more noise in 2021.