5 Panthers players who’ve risen steadily at 2021 training camp

Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OL

Perhaps immediate expectations that Brady Christensen could slot in somewhere on the offensive line and make a massive impact right out of the gate were unrealistic in hindsight.

The Carolina Panthers liked the player enough to move up in the third round to acquire him. But there does remain some confusion about where Christensen best fits at the next level.

Christensen’s protection of Zach Wilson’s blindside at BYU in 2020 was nothing short of incredible. Something that earned the lineman the highest-ever grade given to a player at the position from Pro Football Focus.

Carolina isn’t planning to use Christensen at left tackle judging by training camp so far. And they’ve been bringing him along slowly with the second team more often than not.

This might be disappointing to some. But Christensen seems to be coming into his own gradually and might be able to step in at a moment’s notice if one of the projected veteran starters such as Pat Elflein or John Miller goes through some complications.

Time is something of the essence for Christensen, who is much older than your average rookie at nearly 25 years old. The Panthers will allow him a small period of adjustment, but if things transpire as expected with their protection, it won’t take long for them to throw him in at the deep end.