Multiple changes in full Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL redraft at the bye
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Pick No. 222
Trey Smith – OG
- Original 2021 pick: Thomas Fletcher – LS
This is the one prospect that the entire NFL is kicking themselves about. Trey Smith was projected by analysts to be a borderline first-round talent following an exceptional stint with Tennessee, but some health concerns forced many organizations across the league to take him on their draft boards entirely.
Smith lost a ton of money as a result, eventually being taken by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round. And the player has wasted no time in making 31 other teams pay for their lack of confidence.
It didn’t take long for Smith to make his presence felt in training camp. He was slotted into the starting lineup almost instantly and thrived, becoming an ever-present force on the interior that’s assisted quarterback Patrick Mahomes an endless amount.
The rookie has given up four penalties and conceded seven penalties from 792 snaps to secure a 76.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. Considering the problems suffered by the Carolina Panthers in this particular area of the field, it only increases the frustration.
Instead of gambling on Smith’s health, the Panthers ended up taking Alabama long-snapper Thomas Fletcher, who was placed on the reserve/injured list during camp and it didn’t appear as if he was going to beat veteran J.J. Jansen out for the spot anyway.