Panthers bet the house on trade for Zach Wilson in recent mock
By Dean Jones
A major trade up to select BYU quarterback Zach Wilson was predicted for the Carolina Panthers in a recent mock draft.
It is going to be an immensely interesting few weeks for the Carolina Panthers. Preparations are well underway for the all-important free agency period and the 2021 NFL Draft, where the next batch of college hopefuls hope to make their presence felt at the professional level. Picking the right prospect can sometimes be the difference between success and failure, which is especially evident for teams that pursue a quarterback in the first round.
The Carolina Panthers might fall into this particular category. They have made no secret of their desire to try and get a better long-term option under center after Teddy Bridgewater‘s indifferent 2020 season. But after missing out on a trade for Matthew Stafford, a contingency plan needs to be put in place.
There is the obvious attraction to move for Deshaun Watson, although the Houston Texans are remaining resolute in their bid to keep the player despite his obvious unhappiness. Carolina cannot afford to wait around on the off-chance they can acquire the former Clemson standout, so their best option might be to look at the draft for a potential franchise prospect at the position.
Picking at No. 8 overall has its complications. Their win at the Washington Football Team in Week 16 denied them the third selection and it would be a huge surprise if the top three quarterbacks are on the board by the time Carolina is on the clock.
However, if the opportunity presents itself, could the Panthers bet the house and move up for their preferred target?
Carolina Panthers need to make a move at QB.
NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter recently published his first mock, which saw the Panthers moving all the way up to No. 2 overall and select BYU sensation, Zach Wilson, in a bombshell deal with the New York Jets.
This would fill their need, but the price projected by the writer is unbelievably steep.
- 1st, 3rd, and 4th round picks in 2021
- 1st and 3rd round picks in 2022
"Head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur might believe Sam Darnold can rebound in a new system, just like Ryan Tannehill did when the Dolphins dealt the veteran to the Titans. If that’s the case, the Jets should trade out of the No. 2 pick and get maximum value in return. For the Panthers, Wilson could be the playmaker at quarterback they need to take the offense to the next level. Matt Rhule and new GM Scott Fitterer will have their guy."
This is a king’s ransom, of that there is little doubt.
But with high risk, comes potentially high rewards.
Wilson has emerged from nowhere to become one of the draft’s hottest commodities this year. He was sensational for BYU in 2020 on his way to completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns, just three interceptions, and an unbelievable passer rating of 196.4.
The signal-caller has a rare ability to make plays out of nothing. Wilson is so exciting to watch and although the competition wasn’t exactly that of the SEC, it’s hard not to be intrigued by his skill set.
It would be a big call for the Jets to make if they did eventually decide to give Sam Darnold another go. Teams have reportedly been calling with a view to trading for the player, but if new head coach Robert Saleh wants to see what he can do, it becomes a more realistic proposition to trade down.
The Panthers are clearly going to be aggressive in their quarterback search. A trade such as this would definitely fall into that category and just how well received it would be by Carolina’s fanbase is up for debate.
Fitterer and Rhule have vowed to do whatever it takes to progress the organization in the coming months. Wilson is seen by some as a boom or bust prospect, so making the wrong move could jeopardize Carolina’s chances of entering the playoff discussion sooner rather than later.