5 Panthers players who could become nice surprises in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could end up becoming nice surprises in 2021 with a little more progression this offseason?
There is quiet confidence surrounding the Carolina Panthers as they gear up for a crucial preparation period ahead of the 2021 season. It’s been a busy offseason in terms of player comings and goings, which has seen some eye-catching individuals come into the organization and plenty of deadwood shipped out who weren’t pulling their weight.
This has left the Panthers with an energetic-looking roster who have all the athleticism in the world. If the young core in Carolina can all build on their superb skills in the coming months before their season opener against the New York Jets, it might just see the team make a surprising push for the postseason in Year 2 of Matt Rhule’s tenure as head coach.
A lot needs to go right for the Panthers to achieve this feat. It’s going to be a grueling run of games up to another Week 13 bye and if they don’t make the most out of an encouraging early run of fixtures, things could get ugly.
However, it would be a big shock if Carolina regressed considering the talent on both sides of the football. Here are five players who could end up providing surprisingly nice contributions in 2021.
Player No. 1
Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OT
Much has been made about the problems potentially facing the Panthers at left tackle in 2021. It seems the team has been searching forever for a successor to Jordan Gross, who retired in 2013 after an outstanding career and has been incredibly difficult to replace.
Carolina’s latest new recruit comes with a big reputation and might just become a productive blindside protector for Sam Darnold if his transition to the pros is a smooth one. Brady Christensen achieved the highest-ever grade for an offensive lineman from Pro Football Focus in 2020, which was enough to convince the Panthers that he might be the man to solidify this problem position for the foreseeable future.
The former BYU standout is a little old for a rookie and there are some concerns about his arm length. But Christensen is athletic, aggressive, and comes to the next level riding on the crest of a wave.
Throwing him in at the deep end to see what he can do is the only way the Panthers will know for sure. And he might end up being a hugely important factor in whatever success that comes their way next season.