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Panthers: 3 options in first round of 2021 NFL Draft following Sam Darnold trade

By Nicholas McGee

Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Panthers target Kyle Pitts. Mandatory Credit: Brad McClenny-USA TODAY NETWORK /

1. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

The Panthers got precious little production from the tight end spot in 2020. It was a glaring weakness for them last season – Ian Thomas their most productive tight end with 145 receiving yards – but they could immediately turn it into a strength by drafting Pitts.

Pitts has unquestionably earned his reputation as one of the best tight end prospects in the history of the league and his athleticism and versatility would be of great benefit to Panthers play-caller Joe Brady, who showcased creativity in how he moved departed wide receiver, Curtis Samuel, around the offense last season.

When they were each on the field for the Jets, Darnold demonstrated encouraging chemistry with tight end Chris Herndon. As a raw talent, Pitts is on another level to Herndon and the jump-ball dominance he has shown in the red zone could be critical in helping Darnold settle and find early success should he indeed become Carolina’s starter under center.

The Panthers may not get their shot at one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, but they remain in the mix for arguably the best overall player in the class, whose potential impact in 2021 could be far greater than that of any of the signal-callers on the board.

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