Carolina Panthers draft: Is Pat Freiermuth the long-term answer at TE?
By Dean Jones
Could the Carolina Panthers look to Pat Freiermuth as a possible long-term solution at the tight end spot in the 2021 NFL Draft?
The Carolina Panthers boosted their options at the tight end spot with the free-agent signing of Dan Arnold. The veteran has previous experience working with Joe Brady from the time together with the New Orleans Saints and his level of production for the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 far exceeded anything the organization got from Ian Thomas and Chris Manhertz.
Arnold’s arrival might not be the end of reinforcements in this particular area of the field. Thomas just didn’t live up to being Greg Olsen’s long-term replacement and bringing in another option to utilize wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
With the pool of potential free agents diminishing, the Panthers could look towards the 2021 NFL Draft for an exciting recruit to assist in the passing game. There is the obvious temptation to take a potential All-Pro at No. 8 overall in Kyle Pitts, but their need to get better at quarterback might force them to wait until day two for a new arrival.
If this proves to be the case, then Pat Freiermuth would enter the discussion. The Penn State standout has a tremendous amount going for him and might even be the second tight end taken this year such is his level of ability.
This may not be the pressing need it once was thanks to Arnold arrival. However, if general manager Scott Fitterer does go into the draft with the mindset of picking the best player available, then Freiermuth will be strongly considered in this scenario.