6 college prospects the Carolina Panthers should watch closely in 2021

Spencer Rattler – QB (Oklahoma)

By the end of the college football season, there isn’t going to be any question about who will be the first quarterback drafted in 2022. It will be Spencer Rattler.

Rattler has some concerns when it comes to consistency and getting to his second and third reads quickly. But something that does jump off the screen when you watch him play is pure athleticism and instincts.

These traits are going to make him a successful quarterback in the NFL.

How successful depends entirely on his growth this season and whether Rattler’s composure in the pocket takes the expected leap forward.

For the Carolina Panthers, who have seemed one foot in and foot out on Sam Darnold, Rattler is a signal-caller of immense intrigue if things don’t work out with their marquee signing of the current offseason.

If Carolina gets the opportunity to draft him, however, it will mean their season has gone horribly wrong and come with some serious questions about their recruitment process under the new regime.

As an emergency option, the Oklahoma star should stay on Carolina’s radar as the best option if they are forced to go in a different direction next season.

If he continues to show growth during the campaign, Rattler would have the potential to make the Panthers instant contenders relevant not only during the season but in the playoffs, too.

Something they still are not sure Darnold can do.