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

Gaining more draft capital

Scott Fitterer made his intentions clear to gain more draft picks throughout the weekend, something which he managed to do in an eye-catching fashion. The general manager seemed to move up and down almost every chance he got on Day 2 of the draft and the third and final day also began with a trade back in the pecking order to get themselves more in the way of options.

This sort of draft management isn’t something normally associated with the Carolina Panthers. But the times are indeed changing and although this method might not guarantee success, it is potentially far more beneficial than any process that came before.

The Panthers picked 11 times during the draft, which was joint-highest along with the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. Perhaps more impressive was Fitterer turning the 39, 113, and 151 selections into this haul.

• Terrace Marshall – WR (No. 59)
• Tommy Tremble – TE (No. 83)
• Chuba Hubbard – RB (No. 126)
• Daviyon Nixon – DT (No. 158)
• Keith Taylor Jr. – CB (No. 166)
• Shi Smith – WR (No. 204)
• Phil Hoskins – DT (No. 232)
• 2022 4th round pick – from the Houston Texans

As stated previously, this doesn’t mean production or progression is a given.

But it sure does help.

Fitterer can look back on his first draft calling the shots knowing he could not have done any more. It will ultimately be defined by the performance of Sam Darnold and letting Justin Fields pass them by, but other areas of the roster look primed to make some real noise in 2021 and beyond.