Panthers: Why Carolina must consider taking a QB in the 2021 NFL Draft

Take advantage of the situation

As mentioned previously, this quarterback class looks to be one of the most talented in recent memory. Though Carolina is not in a position to grab Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, there are still three quarterbacks who they could either trade up for or fall to them.

Brigham Young quarterback Zach Wilson, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields and North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance are realistic targets for the Panthers. Though the team might need to trade up to get some of those prospects, all three of them have the talent to elevate the Panthers.

Whether Carolina chooses to trade up or not, the team is in a position to grab a quarterback that can help it improve. The team has other holes, but a good quarterback can cover up those holes.

Additionally, this situation allows Carolina to aggressively target a young quarterback and develop the player correctly. Teddy Bridgewater cannot raise the ceiling of this team, but he is a quality starter and can properly mentor the future franchise quarterback. Teams typically do not have the luxury of already having a quality starter, a need for a true franchise quarterback and a top 10 pick in the draft.

The Panthers can kickstart their rebuild and become competitive quicker than expected if they simply take advantage of the situation. If the team does aggressively pursue its franchise quarterback, it has a supporting cast for the prospect. This is a rare situation, and that is why the Panthers must use it to their advantage.