5 realistic targets for the Panthers at No. 8 in the 2021 NFL Draft

Trey Lance – QB (North Dakota State)

As stated previously, the best three quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft will be gone when it’s time for the Carolina Panthers to make their first-round selection. Trading up is an avenue they can explore. But giving up multiple picks when there are plenty of other needs just doesn’t seem like the smartest move at this stage of their development.

However, there is a potential wildcard who is sure to be there for the taking.

Trey Lance could end up being the most polarizing figure in this class. The quarterback has been a phenom at North Dakota State and although he hasn’t seen much in the way of action in 2020 due to COVID-19, there is a lot to like about his chances of being a game-changer at the next level.

Lance completed 69 percent of his passes in 2019 on his way to 2,786 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a phenomenal passer rating of 180.6. This has come with a number of memorable highlights that will undoubtedly catch the eye of NFL scouts. But there are some serious red flags where the player is concerned.

The first and most obvious is the lack of notable competition. Lance is coming from a small school and there is a danger he just might be a big fish in a small pond who might find a professional environment daunting.

Then there is Lance’s lack of activity this season. Although he’s kept himself sharp, his only outing of the campaign didn’t exactly pull up any trees and this lack of activity is something that won’t be ignored.

It’s pretty clear that Teddy Bridgewater isn’t the long-term answer. The free-agent signing just hasn’t lived up to his billing so far and now is the time for the Panthers to formulate a contingency plan.