4 best-case scenarios for Panthers during the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
What are some best-case scenarios where the Carolina Panthers are concerned during the 2021 NFL Draft?
It won’t be long now before the next batch of college recruits find out their fate. The Carolina Panthers are in the final stages of planning before the 2021 NFL Draft, which has seen both speculation and excitement increase with every passing day in the lead-up to a pivotal weekend for the franchise later this month.
Carolina made some shrewd moves in free agency – especially on the defensive side of the ball. So if they can make the most out of another top-10 pick and find some other gems along the way, it should do their chances of progression in 2021 the world of good.
There are some obvious holes that need to be filled, with the prospect of taking a quarterback now highly unlikely following the team’s decision to trade for Sam Darnold from the New York Jets.
This has undoubtedly shifted the landscape of their approach, although general manager Scott Fitterer didn’t rule out selecting a signal-caller during a recent presser. However, if the Panthers were high on someone like Justin Fields or Trey Lance, they’s have made a bold move up the order in an attempt to acquire them.
With all this in mind, here are four best-case scenarios for the Panthers during the draft.
Scenario No. 1
Penei Sewell falls to the Carolina Panthers at No. 8
This would be the dream scenario for the Carolina Panthers. Penei Sewell is the best tackle prospect to enter the NFL in quite some time and it shouldn’t take the decision-makers too long to put in their card if the Oregon prospect is on the board.
How likely this is will depend on what happens before Carolina is on the clock. It is highly likely that quarterbacks will be taken in the first four picks if the Atlanta Falcons trade out or decide on someone like Justin Fields. The key to Sewell is whether the Cincinnati Bengals choose to go with him over a reunion between Joe Burrow and former LSU Teammate Ja’Marr Chase.
If the Bengals don’t take the lineman, then it leaves the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions before Carolina is up. They could end up taking skill position players like Kyle Pitts or Jaylen Waddle, leaving the Panthers with the opportunity to select someone who could solidify their blindside for the next decade.