4 clear signs the Carolina Panthers process isn’t working in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers OL gamble failed
It wasn’t hard to point out where one area of grave concern was for the Carolina Panthers. A series of bizarre decisions in terms of offensive line recruits gave many fans and analysts severe cause for pessimism – something that’s come to fruition almost from start to finish.
Head coach Matt Rhule gets the final say on personnel decisions, which is why there are more than a few murmurings of discontent regarding his methods. Signing Cam Erving and Pat Elflein to two-year deals on the first day of free agency indicates pro player evaluation isn’t where it needs to be – with the Panthers also choosing to ignore this critical area of the field until the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Trading up for Brady Christensen was an intriguing move. But the coaching staff waited until the last possible moment to put the BYU product at his preferred position of left tackle, citing short arms as the primary factor behind the decision.
Judging by the way Christensen’s performed over the last two games, this was a major error. And sixth-rounder Deonte Brown has seldom been seen due to lack of development, injury, and weight issues.
Rhule stated in his Monday presser that improving protection needs real investment this offseason. However, this front office hasn’t proven up to the task of finding the right talent so far.