Panthers trade up for different QBs in new mock drafts from Pro Football Focus, NFL.com
The Panthers are all in on getting a new quarterback. The latest reporting from the Athletic says Carolina is in on the trade talks for “most” of the veterans who are expected to change teams in the coming weeks. There are some very intriguing names that could get dealt in the days ahead. However, the best place for this team to find its next franchise quarterback remains the 2021 NFL draft.
Mel Kiper’s first mock of the year had the Panthers staying put at No. 8 and picking Trey Lance of North Dakota State. There’s no guarantee Lance or anybody else they want will still be on the board, though. Several QB-needy teams are picking ahead of Carolina and several others could trade up. To make sure they get one of this year’s top-four QB prospects the Panthers might have to move up, themselves.
Pro Football Focus came out with an interesting scenario this week. In their mock, they had Carolina trading up with the Falcons from No. 8 to No. 4 in order to select Justin Fields of Ohio State. Instead of explaining the trade or the pick they elected to dunk on Teddy Bridgewater in their blurb.
“The Panthers are on the upswing and won’t be in a position to pounce on next year’s quarterback class. Teddy Bridgewater is a limited passer whose 66.4 passing grade isn’t getting it done in this day and age. I don’t expect them to leave their quarterback decision up to whoever falls in their lap.”
Fair enough. The idea of trading up itself is a sound one, especially given the urgency they’ve shown of late in trying to trade for Matt Stafford. It’s not impossible but seems unlikely that the Falcons would make a deal with a division rival that could give them a new long-term starter, though.
There’s another idea out there we like a little more.
Chad Reuter at NFL.com just came out with a mock that has the Panthers trading up with the Jets to No. 2 and picking Zach Wilson from BYU.
“For the Panthers, Wilson could be the playmaker at quarterback they need to take the offense to the next level. Carolina will likely have to give up its first-, third-, and fourth-round selections this year along with a first- and third-rounder in 2022, but Matt Rhule and new GM Scott Fitterer will have their guy.”
Wilson and Fields are the second and third-best quarterbacks in this draft class after Trevor Lawrence. The order may change depending on who you ask. Assuming Lawrence is out of reach we wouldn’t hate the idea of moving up for either one.
That said, it sounds like these Panthers are eager to get a deal done for a quarterback sooner than the draft.
Deshaun Watson remains the grand prize and the only one really worth selling the farm for. Carson Wentz is expected to be the next domino to fall, followed by Sam Darnold. Both are worth at least a kick of the tires. However, according to Joe Person, the team isn’t nearly as interested in Wentz or Darnold as they were in Stafford or are in Watson.
