Multiple changes in full Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL redraft at the bye
By Dean Jones
Which way would the Carolina Panthers go with their 2021 NFL Draft selections if they had the chance to go back and do it all over again?
It certainly wasn’t boring during the 2021 NFL Draft for everyone associated with the Carolina Panthers. Scott Fitterer’s introduction as general manager came with a frenzied period of activity in the trade market, which saw the team come away with no fewer than 11 selections to boost their long-term aspirations.
Carolina couldn’t have asked any more from the entire process – the first with Fitterer calling the shots alongside Matt Rhule and team owner David Tepper – but in terms of true production on the field right out of the gate, there’s only been a small handful of worthy performers at this stage.
Transitioning from the college ranks is difficult. The Panthers haven’t exactly done themselves any favors by either utilizing some rookies in the wrong way or showing reluctance to give them meaningful playing time.
That’s something which should hopefully change after the bye week. Carolina’s postseason hopes look dead in the water after consecutive losses in games they were expected to win, so experimenting with those less experienced will give those in power a better indication of what’s needed this offseason.
Considering the Panthers acquired Sam Darnold from the New York Jets shortly before the draft – shipping off Teddy Bridgewater in the process – the chances of them selecting a college signal-caller were slim.
However, we took a look at what the Panthers would do differently in a full 2021 redraft at the bye week.