How will Scouting Combine changes impact Panthers draft plans?
By Dean Jones
How would a change impact the Carolina Panthers?
If the NFL Scouting Combine was put back, held in a different format, or even canceled this year, the Carolina Panthers and other teams across the league would be impacted. They’ll still be able to speak with prospects virtually, but they might be forced to trust the film each player has generated during their time in the college ranks.
Fortunately for the Panthers, head coach Matt Rhule is just one year removed from coaching at that level and will know most of the players coming out this year like the back of his hand. This knowledge proved invaluable for Carolina during the previous period of assessment and providing the new general manager comes in with an open mind, it could be a significant asset to call upon once again.
As Rhule stated in his exit interview, this is a pivotal offseason for the Panthers. The former Baylor man won’t get the same sort of pass he received for a losing record next time around and this makes recruitment both during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft even more important.
This is a stumbling block that could also impact contract negotiations and bringing in free agents. But forming contingency plans for every eventuality is something every NFL team – including the Panthers – should already have made.
Carolina has to get this offseason right in every aspect. An altered Scouting Combine is a potential problem. But there are ways around severe complications surrounding the matter.