5 big gambles that backfired on the Carolina Panthers in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers mismanaged Brady Christensen
Waiting until Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft to find an offensive lineman from the college ranks was a surprise. The Carolina Panthers traded down plenty before eventually picking up wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. at No. 59 overall, passing on some quality protectors along the way.
Carolina finally got their man when they traded up for Brady Christensen, who came into the league after securing the highest-ever college grade ever given to an offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus. However, the Panthers got a little too cute where the BYU product is concerned during his rookie campaign.
Matt Rhule never seemed convinced in Christensen’s ability to protect the edge sufficiently. The head coach mentioned the player’s arm length publically as a reason he might be better suited to the interior – something that is usually kept in-house and was the subject of ridicule.
This was also the reason why Carolina didn’t strongly consider Rashawn Slater at No. 8 overall, who went to the Los Angeles Chargers and was named second-team All-Pro at left tackle in his first season.
Rhule had no choice other than to throw Christensen in at his preferred spot over the final few games. Although there were some flaws, his production was a significant upgrade on anything the Panthers had on the blindside throughout 2021.
Whether Christensen has done enough to convince Rhule and win the job long-term is another matter.