4 big factors behind Scott Fitterer’s first draft as Panthers GM

Gambling on character concerns

When talented prospects start slipping down the draft order, there are some instant questions that come to mind. Suspect injury history is normally on top of the list, which became more prevalent than ever this year no NFL Scouting Combine to call upon during the all-important assessment process.

Another strong reason why some players end up being taken far lower – or in some cases not at all – is character concerns. However, the Carolina Panthers may have used this to their advantage in order to get potential steals in the mid-to-late rounds providing there are no more problems away from the gridiron.

The main two one could look at are Deonte Brown and Shi Smith, who both had issues during their respective college careers. However, Scott Fitterer and the coaching staff spent a considerable amount of time around both at the 2021 Senior Bowl, where they not only got to see what they could do on the field but also delved a little deeper into their attitude and personality away from the team drills.

This is why it was so important for the Panthers to seize the chance of spending the week in Mobile, especially in the current climate that restricted normal evaluation from taking place. One can only get so much from reports or even zoom meetings, it’s the face-to-face stuff that can make a massive difference.