Carolina Panthers Draft: Not having a top-5 pick isn’t all bad

The Carolina Panthers need a big boost from this year’s draft.

Despite being a two-time NFC championship winner – appearing in four NFC championships overall, two trips to the Super Bowl, and a recent string of appearing in the playoffs three years in a row (one of those seasons finishing the regular season with a 7-8-1 record) – the Carolina Panthers have never had back-to-back winning seasons and boast an overall record of 209-223-1 including the playoffs over their 26-year history.

Here’s what we know regarding quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

As stated previously, Trevor Lawrence will go first overall to the Jaguars if they have any sense. After that, it’s pure speculation.

There’s not enough information out there regarding what teams will or won’t do. Justin Fields and Zach Wilson may be gone by the time the Panthers select at No. 8. But one might fall.

Even if both aren’t there, all is not lost.

This team, as currently structured, has several areas they need to address in the offseason. The Panthers need upgrades at tight end, offensive line, defensive tackle if Kawann Short is released as expected, two linebacker positions, a No. 1 cornerback, and a new kicker.

These are just starters.

Depth is needed all around.

On social media and the airwaves, Panthers’ fans and media that cover the team have speculated that an impact player that could immediately make a difference on this team can’t be found, which is absurd.

If you need proof, look to the best rookie from the Panthers’ 2020 class, Jeremy Chinn. The Southern Illinois standout was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft at No. 64 overall and is a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate after some outstanding performances.