4 positions the Carolina Panthers shouldn’t draft in round one
By Dean Jones
Which positions won’t the Carolina Panthers be drafting in round one of the 2021 NFL Draft?
One big part of what promises to be another immensely important offseason for the Carolina Panthers is the 2021 NFL Draft. This is an event that brought great success to the organization with their selections last time out, so if head coach Matt Rhule and incoming general manager Scott Fitterer can hit the jackpot with their picks this spring, it should do their chances of further progression next season the world of good.
Rhule will get the inside scoop on potential prospects at the 2021 Senior Bowl, where the Carolina Panthers have been selected to coach. The former Baylor man will have a good indication of which incoming college prospects could help the team just one year removed from working at this level, but getting up close and personal with them with so much uncertainty due to COVID-19 is going to be highly beneficial.
It’s hard to put into words just what a vital preparation period this is for the Panthers. The financial resources available won’t be anything like what teams were hoping for, Carolina has 25 players out of contract, and many more facing the prospect of being released ahead of time.
This could lead to some substantial roster changes in the coming weeks. But here are some positions that the Panthers shouldn’t look at with the No. 8 overall selection.
Position No. 1
Offensive guard
There is an obvious need for the Panthers to improve their interior protection in the coming weeks. But it is projected to be a deep class for prospects at the position and Carolina should focus their attentions elsewhere with the No. 8 overall selection.
That’s not to say taking a guard in the second or third round isn’t out of the realms of possibility. Getting consistent production from their line is going to be crucial to their chances moving forward and the Panthers are expected to undergo a complete overhaul on its offensive line both during free agency and with some exciting college recruits.
There is a case to be made for John Miller, Russell Okung, Chris Reed, and Matt Paradis all moving on for differing reasons. And there is also the top priority of extending stud right tackle Taylor Moton to a bumper new deal to consider.