Realistic targets for every Carolina Panthers draft pick in 2021
By Dean Jones
Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
- Round No. 4 (Pick No. 126)
- 2021 role – No. 2 running back
Matt Rhule – and his wife – had clearly seen enough of Chuba Hubbard torching his teams in college to know that he could have a prolific NFL career. This is arguably the perfect landing spot for the former Oklahoma State sensation, who will slot behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey on the depth chart and get the chance to learn from one of the league’s best dual-threat players.
This was an area of need for the Panthers after Mike Davis left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Hubbard could fill this role well in case McCaffrey suffers any further injury problems and may even be used in two-back sets if offensive coordinator Joe Brady introduces this into the scheme.
Tommy Tremble – Carolina Panthers TE
- Round No, 3 (Pick No. 83)
- 2021 role – Blocking tight end/developing pass-catcher
Taking what most consider to be a blocking tight end coming out of college this high in the draft was a potential reach by the Panthers. But there might be more to Tommy Tremble than meets the eye.
The former Notre Dame star’s blocking ability is already NFL-ready, so he should be able to make an instant impression during his rookie season. However, Tremble’s athleticism and ball skills showed flashes in the passing game during his time with the Fighting Irish, and expect to see further development providing opportunities come his way.
Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OT
- Round No. 2 (Pick No. 70)
- 2021 role – Starting left tackle/guard
The Panthers clearly think a lot of Brady Christensen and judging by the tape he put together at BYU, it not hard to see why. The left tackle recorded an astonishing 96.0 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2020 and although there are some concerns about his arm length when he gets to the pros, Carolina might just decide to throw him in at the deep end.
Greg Little and Trenton Scott aren’t viable long-term options at left tackle. Christensen will be a little long in the tooth for a rookie at 25-years-old by the time he sees competitive action in the NFL. But there could be a productive starter right from the outset if his transition is a smooth one.