4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
What are some bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers during the 2021 NFL Draft?
The wait is almost over for NFL fans across the globe. The 2021 draft is now just one day away and it promises to be an immensely important one for the Carolina Panthers as they look to bring in the right college prospects to help them mount a surprise playoff push next season.
This will be easier said than done thanks to a much-changed evaluation process due to COVID-19 which has teams less prepared than usual. But everyone is in the same boat and it will be up to those in power within the Panthers to make the right decisions or risk yet another losing season in 2021.
There is plenty of talent in place and the acquisition of quarterback Sam Darnold from the New York Jets brings additional intrigue. Carolina bet three draft picks over the next two years on the signal-caller turning things around in a new environment. But the jury is still well and truly out as to whether or not the former No. 3 overall selection out of USC can finally start living up to the hype after a torrid three years at MetLife Stadium.
Having Darnold on board gives them more options. Scott Fitterer said the Panthers have had discussions with five teams about trading out No. 8, with the New England Patriots one of those believed to be looking at putting a package together if one of the top quarterback prospects starts to fall.
It’s going to be a fascinating draft from Carolina’s perspective. Here are four bold predictions on what they could do over the three-day period.