Panthers trade up for Zach Wilson in 7-round mock NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers make a bold trade-up for quarterback Zach Wilson in our latest seven-round 2021 NFL Draft mock.
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers are on the lookout for a new quarterback this offseason. Teddy Bridgewater’s inability to get over the line in close games and his clear regression from a confidence standpoint down the stretch has left the organization searching for their second big change at the position in as many years.
This is not good for stability. So the next move is one the Panthers have to get right.
Owner David Tepper is reportedly willing to do whatever it takes to land Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, but their stance hasn’t changed despite the player handing in a trade request.
If they don’t end up getting a veteran signal-caller before the 2021 NFL Draft, then they’ll undoubtedly make a bold bid for one of the top prospects entering the next level this spring. Considering the likes of Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson are expected to be off the board way before Carolina is on the clock at No. 8 overall, moving up to select their quarterback of choice is not out of the realm of possibility.
Trading for an incoming college recruit wouldn’t compromise their salary-cap, which is an enticing proposition in the current climate. Building around any new player would be crucial and there is even a chance of sitting them for a brief period depending on if there is a market for Bridgewater in the coming weeks.
With this in mind, we used Pro Football Focus’ simulator to see which direction the Panthers might go in this particular scenario during our latest seven-round mock draft.