Multiple changes in full Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL redraft at the bye
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Pick No. 126
Caden Sterns – S
- Original 2021 pick: Chuba Hubbard – RB
Chuba Hubbard is going to be a solid pro. The running back has his faults – most notably when it comes to catching out of the backfield – but he’s coped well overall with plenty of responsibility after Christian McCaffery’s injury problems continued for almost the entire campaign.
The Oklahoma State product gets a good chance to enhance his status further after the Carolina Panthers placed McCaffrey on season-ending injured/reserve with an ankle problem. Although he is expected to share the load with Ameer Abdullah over the next five contests.
However, getting a long-term partner for Jeremy Chinn considering Juston Burris’ inconsistent, injury-plagued campaign was perhaps a bigger need and Caden Sterns is undoubtedly one that got away.
Sterns came into the league on the back of an outstanding college career in Texas. The Denver Broncos have put a lot on his plate and in credit to the safety, he hasn’t looked overawed in the slightest.
The fifth-round pick has two interceptions and a creditable 67.9 grade from Pro Football Focus as a result of his efforts this season. Had the Panthers gone with Sterns, then worrying about any problems on the backend would be a thing of the past based on what we’ve witnessed so far.