5 draft snubs haunting the Carolina Panthers after Greg Little trade
By Jason Huber
Erik McCoy – C
The 2019 draft took place just a month after the Carolina Panthers had signed center Matt Paradis to a big three-year deal. Two years in, that hasn’t worked out as favorably as former general manager Marty Hurney thought.
All of that could’ve been avoided if Carolina waited and selected center Erik McCoy, who was taken 48th overall, just one pick after the 47th pick that the Panthers traded.
To make matters worse, Carolina’s biggest rival, the New Orleans Saints were the ones to strike gold with McCoy.
The Texas A&M product has already become one of the league’s best centers and has helped New Orleans build one of the best offensive lines in the league. Something that’s played a leading role in their regular-season success under Sean Payton.
According to Pro Football Focus, McCoy had a 78.0 overall grade as a rookie and finished as a top-10 center once again in 2020. Although this hasn’t come with any meaningful postseason accomplishments in recent years.
The Panthers will have to regret this two times a year when they face the Saints. There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Little was drafted by Carolina, but his overall contribution left a lot to be desired.