4 prospects the Panthers hope fall to Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Pat Freiermuth – TE (Penn State)
The Carolina Panthers managed to get a Penn State standout who fell in the 2020 NFL Draft. But could lightning strike twice this time around with tight end Pat Freiermuth?
It’s no secret that the Panthers missed the consistent presence of Greg Olsen an untold amount after parting ways with the Pro Bowler prior to the 2020 campaign. The combination of Ian Thomas and Chris Manhertz wasn’t capable of filling the enormous void and although Carolina picked up Dan Arnold from the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, Freiermuth would be a hard proposition to turn down.
Much like Wyatt Davis, Freiermuth is seen as someone who is right on the first-round fringe and is widely regarded as the second-best tight end prospect in this year’s class, albeit a distant second behind Florida’s Kyle Pitts.
Freiermuth has the necessary size and ability to come in and make an immediate impression. His ball skills are assured, he creates separation quickly, and has the sort of polished route-running that every NFL team covets heavily from the position.
His blocking is also sufficient enough for Freiermuth to be considered as a complete prospect. A possible tandem with Arnold would be yet another huge shot in the arm for Sam Darnold to call upon in the passing game and providing he is on the clock, a discussion needs to be had.