Carolina Panthers draft: Is Pat Freiermuth the long-term answer at TE?
By Dean Jones
Pat Freiermuth’s fit on the Carolina Panthers
Considering how much offensive coorinator Joe Brady utilized two tight end sets during LSU’s national championship-winning campaign in 2019, there is no denying the level of impact Pat Freiermuth could have on the Carolina Panthers. Putting both him and Dan Arnold in 12 personnel would be a signiifcant asset to call upon and might even see the organization get a late-round pick for Ian Thomas on the trade market.
Carolina has a definite need for a new quarterback and offensive tackle, which will rightfully take priority. The Panthers are also on the lookout for a cornerback to put opposite Donte Jackson in the secondary, so Freiermuth might be low on their list of priorities next month.
Much will depend on what personnel moves Carolina makes in the remaining weeks of free agency before the draft. There are plenty of veterans who might be available for less in the way of money than usual in the current financial climate, which is something they should strongly consider.
The more talent they can acquire via the 2021 NFL Draft, the better. Freiermuth would be a substantial addition to the passing game, of that there is little doubt. But this comes down to positional importance and team needs rather than talent.
This picture will become a little bit clearer in the coming weeks before it’s time for the Panthers to select their latest batch of recruits from the college system. If Freiermuth is there in the second-round and they are in a position to take the best prospect available, then stranger things have happened.