Panthers 2021 Draft: One wide receiver target for every round
By Dean Jones
Could the Carolina Panthers be on the lookout for wide receiver help in the 2021 NFL Draft?
The Carolina Panthers have a wealth of needs to address in the coming weeks as they look to get themselves back into legitimate playoff contention sooner rather than later. It was a solid start overall to Matt Rhule’s reign as head coach that might have even come with a better record than 5-11 had quarterback Teddy Bridgewater come through in clutch moments. But there appears little doubt that the signal-caller’s future is hanging by a thread this offseason.
Carolina has made no secret of their desire to bring in an upgrade on Bridgewater. Whether this arrives via a bombshell trade offer to get Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans or an exciting young prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft, the writing is well and truly on the wall where the former Louisville star is concerned.
Ideally, the Panthers can get their hands on Watson and not give up too much in the way of talent. Much has been made about the importance of draft picks in this potential deal. But giving up four first-rounders isn’t out of the realm of possibility for a franchise quarterback who would immediately transform expectations.
If Carolina strikes out on this, then the draft is the best option.
Carolina Panthers might need a Curtis Samuel replacement.
There is also the small matter of potentially trying to find a replacement for Curtis Samuel to consider. The wide receiver is coming off a career year that is sure to generate a significant amount of interest on the free-agent market and an offer that the Panthers won’t be able to match.
Considering how expensive wide receivers are in free agency normally, getting a replacement in the draft will be crucial despite Carolina extending Keith Kirkwood and Brandon Zylstra.
With this in mind, we took a look at the latest batch of incoming recruits and picked one player set to be available in each round for the Panthers to consider.