4 ways Jets win impacts the Panthers’ 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Dean Jones
How does the Jets’ first win impact the Carolina Panthers’ 2021 NFL Draft plans?
It was a long time coming, but the New York Jets shocked the world by securing their first win of the 2020 season at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. This was less than welcome for the majority of their beleaguered fanbase and could also have ramifications on the Carolina Panthers and their 2021 NFL Draft plans.
Securing a landmark win has significantly jeopardized the Jets’ chances of the No. 1 overall pick, which is sure to be Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence following another dazzling display in the ACC Championship game against Notre Dame. The Jacksonville Jaguars are now in pole position to take the signal-caller and this could set New York back a decade.
There is still plenty of twists and turns to come. But with the Panthers now picking at No. 4 overall, they will be keeping a close eye on developments in the coming weeks.
Here are four ways that Carolina could potentially be impacted by the biggest of upsets secured by the Jets at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
Impact No. 1
Justin Fields might be there at No. 4
The Jaguars are not going to pass-up on Trevor Lawrence if they get the chance. He is a player with franchise-altering potential and judging by what we’ve seen from him this season, there is every chance the player could make an instant impact at the next level.
That puts the Jets in a predicament regarding who to select at No. 2. Justin Fields has been hit and miss during his time on the field with Ohio State in 2020, so New York might decide to go in a different direction to boost one of their other areas of need.
The Bengals aren’t going to select a quarterback, so if the Panthers do have the No. 4 overall selection, they could be in with a shot at selecting Fields without having to trade up. This would be an enticing proposition considering how many doubts still surround Teddy Bridgewater and his ability to lead the Panthers moving forward. But it is a huge call to make.