3 ways Russell Wilson trade could impact the Carolina Panthers
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could have extra draft competition
Even though the Seattle Seahawks got Drew Lock as part of the Russell Wilson deal, they might want to explore the possibility of drafting a quarterback in pursuit of a long-term replacement for Russell Wilson. This year’s batch of college recruits comes with their fair share of concerns, but one or two prospects could emerge as franchise players at the position with a little more refinement.
Someone like Malik Willis could be tailormade for Seattle’s scheme. He is similar in stature to Wilson and has a rocket for an arm – traits that always ensure one NFL team will take the plunge high-up the pecking order.
The Seahawks currently have the No. 9 overall selection, which could leave them free to move up and take Willis or someone else if they feel like the Carolina Panthers are going to get in there first. This represents a real complication for a team that isn’t blessed with much draft capital, so it’s a situation worth keeping a close eye on if they are still searching for a signal-caller by this point.
Perhaps the Seahawks will take their chances with Lock and wait until a strong 2023 class to find the heir apparent to Wilson. However, Pete Carroll and his staff wouldn’t have signed off on this trade without forming some sort of contingency plan first.
Wilson will be hard to replace, but Willis might have that X-factor so many teams crave. Yet another intriguing element to this situation that cannot be overlooked.