4 ways Jets win impacts the Panthers’ 2021 NFL Draft plans

The best defensive player may not be available

If the Jets choose to stick with Sam Darnold if they are out of the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes, then improving other areas other than a quarterback with their top-end pick might be the best way to go. This could mean that the Carolina Panthers won’t have the luxury of picking the top defensive prospect on their board, whoever that may be.

This would be a big shock considering how highly thought-of players such as Justin Fields and Penei Sewell are. Cincinnati might also decide to reunite Joe Burrow with his top receiving weapon at LSU in Ja’Marr Chase, so the possibilities are endless as to who the Panthers might end up taking in the 2021 NFL Draft.

High-quality prospects such as Micah Parsons, Patrick Surtain, and Gregory Rousseau will be high on the shortlist if Carolina goes defense. But the temptation to draft Florida’s stud tight end Kyle Pitts is another mouth-watering proposition that shouldn’t be overlooked.

7 prospects for Panthers with a top-5 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

Which 2021 NFL Draft prospects would be in play for the Carolina Panthers if their poor run of form eventually results in a top-five selection next spring?

The Jets beating the Rams could be the worst thing that’s happened to the franchise in some time if Lawrence lives up to his billing. It has shifted the course of the draft considerably as attention quickly turns to the evaluation process over the next fortnight and considering where the Panthers are currently ranked, it will impact them more than most.