Panthers 2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top-10 QB prospects
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers could be looking for a new quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft, but how do this year’s prospects stack up?
We are only a few short weeks into the offseason and the Carolina Panthers have already made their intentions known about what they want to do at quarterback. Teddy Bridgewater‘s inconsistent 2020 campaign has forced the decision-makers to look for viable alternatives in the coming weeks, which could result in the former first-round pick also being moved elsewhere if another team agrees to take on his contract.
Ideally, the Panthers can get their hands on Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, although this is sure to come with an astronomical price. The free-agent market doesn’t look blessed with quality, so if Carolina strikes out on their No. 1 target, then looking towards the 2021 NFL Draft would be the best way to go.
This year’s class of incoming quarterbacks from the college level has the potential to be great. One could make a case for five signal-callers going in the first round depending on how it plays out, so the Panthers won’t want to get left behind if this is their last resort in pursuit of replacing Bridgewater at the earliest possible opportunity.
Carolina Panthers need a better option at quarterback.
A little harsh on Bridgewater? Perhaps.
But the simple fact of the matter is the Louisville product’s inability to close out games efficiently cost Carolina a surprise playoff berth and it hasn’t convinced anyone that he is the man to lead the Panthers back to prominence.
One thing is certain, the Panthers cannot get their next quarterback decision wrong.
If they brought in another disappointment it could set their plans back years and nobody will be more aware of this than the trio of head coach Matt Rhule, owner David Tepper, and new general manager Scott Fitterer.
With this in mind, we took a look at the film and ranked the top-10 quarterbacks entering the next level this spring.
Prospect No. 10
No. 10: Sam Ehlinger – Texas
It’s hard not to love the competitiveness Sam Ehlinger brings to the table. The Texas quarterback is a driving force under center who spurs others around him. But the simple fact of the matter is much more is needed if the prospect wants to make a real go of things in the NFL.
Ehlinger has no trouble adjusting well when certain plays aren’t developing as expected. His powerful running sometimes overcompensates for a lack of elite arm strength, so it’s hard not to look at his chances at the next level with any great confidence.
His style of play is reminiscent of Tim Tebow, albeit less effective. Ehlinger’s accuracy needs to improve a significant amount once he gets to the pro ranks and timing is sometimes an issue under pressure.
If Ehlinger cannot make these adjustments, then trying out other positions similar to what Tebow was asked to do is not out of the question.