4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers will trade with the Patriots

Much will depend on how the draft plays out in front of the Carolina Panthers at No. 8 overall. But if the San Francisco 49ers do end up taking Alabama’s Mac Jones at No. 3 as expected, then all hell is sure to break loose in the immediate aftermath.

Realistically speaking, a team wanting Justin Fields or Trey Lance might need to move higher than the Panthers in the pursuit of getting their man. However, considering the needs on rosters from those picking from 5-7, one might just slip through the net and enable Carolina to strike a deal with the New England Patriots.

This is likely to give them two second-round picks next year and a first-rounder in 2022. Bill Belichick is doing things a little differently this offseason after watching Tom Brady lift the Super Bowl at the first time of asking with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and although they did sign Cam Newton to a one-year extension, they might not get a better chance to move into the top-10 from where they’re picking.

Dropping to No. 15 isn’t the worst thing in the world.

Scott Fitterer stated that the talent level drops off significantly after the first 15-19 prospects in the draft. So the Panthers should still be able to find a player who could make an immediate impression.

This move also gives them plenty of high-end draft capital next year when the assessment process should be a lot smoother.