3 reasons the Carolina Panthers shouldn’t draft a QB at No. 8

The Carolina Panthers should not draft a quarterback at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft following their decision to trade for Sam Darnold.

Although the Carolina Panthers managed to get their hands on Sam Darnold after agreeing to a trade with the New York Jets, there is still some speculation as to whether or not the team will be taking a quarterback at No. 8 overall. This is something general manager Scott Fitterer didn’t rule out during a recent presser, but whether this was simply a smokescreen or not remains to be seen.

It would be a surprising way to go, of that there is little doubt. The Panthers gave up three draft picks over the next two years to get Darnold on board. So for them to allocate their first-rounder in 2021 on an exciting college recruit if they fell into their laps just doesn’t seem likely.

At the very least, acquiring Darnold gives them more options and may yet see some more draft capital coming their way if Teddy Bridgewater is moved on beforehand. Last year’s marquee free-agent signing has been granted permission to seek pastures new, although it’s going to take some financial maneuvering from the player considering the money still remaining on his contract.

Without further ado, here are some reasons why the Panthers should not draft a quarterback at No. 8 later this month.

Reason No. 1

Carolina Panthers need to build around Sam Darnold

Getting Sam Darnold to the Panthers was just the start. It will be for nothing if they cannot get the right tools around him and if they don’t, there was hardly any point bringing him to Carolina in the first place.

There appears to be more than enough in the way of weapons in the passing game for Darnold. He’ll also have arguably the NFL’s best dual-threat running back in Christian McCaffrey alongside him in the backfield for good measure.

However, if the Panthers don’t get better from a protection standpoint, it could have a detrimental impact on the former USC star’s ability to make a go of things in a different environment.

Drafting someone like Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater at No. 8 would be far more beneficial than taking a quarterback who may or may not work out. Both players look like plug-and-play starters at left tackle with the potential to finally fill the void left by Jordan Gross, which is something Carolina desperately needs if they want to progress.