4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers will draft three offensive linemen
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Carolina Panthers need to get better from a protection standpoint. Making the move for Sam Darnold will mean absolutely nothing if they don’t give him enough time to go through his progressions, so it would be wise for the franchise to take advantage of a deep draft class for offensive linemen.
The primary objective that should be addressed in the opening two rounds is finding a franchise left tackle. Penei Sewell is a dream at No. 8 but unlikely to fall, with Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater another potential and more realistic candidate.
If they decide to trade down, then prospects such as Alijah Vera-Tucker and Teven Jenkins come into the equation. The likes of Liam Eichenberg, Alex Leatherwood, and Dillon Radunz should be available in the second round depending on how the draft plays out.
Although the Panthers signed Cam Erving and Pat Elflein in free agency, neither player can boast what could be described as productive performances over the last couple of years despite the former gaining a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs. John Miller did return on a team-friendly deal, but the need for instant plug-and-play options on the interior would be welcome.
Don’t be shocked if Carolina didn’t address their offensive line multiple times during the draft, which nobody would complain about in the grand scheme of things.