What can the Panthers expect from Brady Christensen in 2021?

What can the Carolina Panthers expect from newly acquired offensive lineman Brady Christensen during his rookie campaign in 2021?

Even though the Carolina Panthers made some exciting additions to their roster in key problem areas this offseason, there do appear to be some questions that still remain on the offensive line. This is an area that buckled in key moments in 2020 and if the same happens again next time around, it’s going to hamper quarterback Sam Darnold’s ability to make a lasting contribution following his high-profile trade from the New York Jets.

The Panthers made the smart move to slap the franchise tag on stud right tackle Taylor Moton, who is their best offensive lineman by a considerable margin. Center Matt Paradis agreed to a contract restructure rather than a release, meaning he’ll be in the lineup once again.

However, what comes at the other positions remains to be seen.

One player that should be a Day 1 starter barring any significant setback is Brady Christensen. The Panthers made an eye-catching trade-up in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft to select the BYU tackle at No. 70 overall, which could be a shrewd bit of business from the organization considering his elite production at the college level.

When studying star quarterback Zach Wilson during the evaluation process, one thing that also stood out was just how much time the signal-caller had in the pocket more often than not.

Christensen played a leading part in this as his blindside protector, dealing with almost every adversary with extreme poise and overall dominance to earn the highest-ever grade given to an offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus.

He might be a little long in the tooth for a rookie at 24 years old – Christensen will be 25 in September – but it would be a big surprise if he wasn’t a key part of Carolina’s plans right from the outset.

Just where Christensen is going to play is another matter entirely.

Where will the Carolina Panthers deploy Brady Christensen?

There is an obvious opening at left tackle after the Panthers opted not to bring back Russell Okung. But even though Christensen has plenty of experience in this area, there are some who think he might be better operating on the interior at the next level due to the player’s arm length.

This is something he got away with in college against inferior opposition.

But that isn’t going to be the case at the pro level.

There is a lot to like about Christensen’s chances of making a big impression. He is aggressive, athletic, and plays the game with a ferocity that is hard not to love.

He is also a high character individual that has already fitted in well within the locker room over the initial rookie minicamp and voluntary OTAs. This is just the start for Christensen, but the Panthers should use him at multiple positions during the preseason before coming to a formal conclusion on where he’ll play in 2021.

The stakes are high for Carolina’s offense next season after choosing to bring in Darnold and trade Teddy Bridgewater to the Denver Broncos – taking on a dead-cap figure of more than $17 million in the process.

They have an embarrassment of riches in the passing game and the best dual-threat running back in the business returning to full fitness in Christian McCaffrey.

If Christensen and the offensive line can hold up their end of the bargain, then it’s only going to improve Darnold’s chances of turning his career around next season.