Panthers 2021 Draft: QB gamble landed in latest 7-round mock

Which way will the Carolina Panthers go with their 2021 NFL Draft picks after seeing some prospects first-hand at the Senior Bowl?

Getting up close and personal with some top college recruits at the 2021 Senior Bowl was an invaluable experience for the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Matt Rhule demanded the highest of standards from the American team during their three days of practice and the former Baylor man will now have a better indication of which prospects to target or avoid when they’re on the clock.

This is an important offseason for the Panthers, to put it mildly. They have some serious questions to answer at key positional groups and the decisions made by the likes of new general manager Scott Fitterer and Rhule will go a long way to determining whether Carolina can become a postseason challenger in 2021.

Carolina Panthers were impressed with Mac Jones.

All eyes were on Alabama quarterback Mac Jones at the Senior Bowl, who showcased his supreme accuracy and leadership ability that clearly impressed Rhule and the rest of Carolina’s coaching staff.

However, taking him at No. 8 overall does appear to be a reach.

Fitterer stated that he would consider trading back to acquire more picks – which might be a smart move with financial resources not what everybody expected due to COVID-19 revenue losses – and if they went in this particular direction then Jones would undoubtedly enter their thoughts.

In this instance, we aren’t looking at possible trades. That will come later on once there is a clearer picture of what the Panthers have done during free agency and perhaps in the trade market with speculation mounting about an “aggressive” move for Houston Texans signal-caller Deshaun Watson.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at which way Carolina could go in the 2021 NFL Draft, with this edition featuring a major gamble in round one.

Pick No. 1

Trey Lance – QB (North Dakota State)

The Carolina Panthers are going to be aggressive in their pursuit of Deshaun Watson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport. Any package would ultimately include the No. 8 overall selection this year, in addition to some talented players and other draft picks thrown in for good measure.

However, if they fail to acquire the elite quarterback, then it might force them to gamble on a wildcard who comes into the evaluation process as a feast or famine prospect.

Trey Lance has all the skills needed to make a go of things at the next level. There are some concerns regarding inactivity last season and the fact he’s not had much in the way of top college competition. But the top-three players at the position are set to be gone by the time Carolina is on the clock and the North Dakota State standout might also come off the board if the Detroit Lions trade Matthew Stafford before the draft as expected.

This is a high-risk pick, but one that could bring substantial rewards.