With The First Pick
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Panthers 2021 NFL Draft primer as they build around Sam Darnold

By Geoffrey Godfrey

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Jets beat the Bills 13 to 6. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Jets beat the Bills 13 to 6. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Panthers; Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers just a few weeks ago rocked the NFL swinging a trade for Sam Darnold at quarterback, while still keeping Teddy Bridgewater. Somehow, they did not give up much for Darnold overall compared to some of the other trades we have seen. This should also be a good signal for Panthers fan as it does not signal a rebuild, more a moving forward type move.

The Panthers as whole were a bit of a let down last year, Teddy Bridgewater was not the next level quarterback they wanted after Cam Newton left. When you match that with Christian McCaffrey’s injury at running back, and their first year without elite linebacker Luke Keuchley it was a rough season. Then fact that their new head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady worked out well, was quite a good sign.

It does not seem like the Panthers wanted to kick start a rebuild with already having good young players, when they came into the off-season. However, their lack of free agency additions was a bit odd. When you go back to early 2020, the Panthers did not seem like they were that far away. So, to not see them be a little more aggressive until the Darnold trade raised some eyebrows. On the plus side for the Panthers the Saints and Falcons seem to be going backwards faster than forward.

The team still has multiple needs across the board after losing a few players in free agency. While the draft is loaded, they still are lacking a lot of overall depth across the roster.

The Panthers need to get the NFL Draft right

With the Sam Darnold trade, if they can’t surround him with talent it may be a waste of their time. There were four or five solid quarterbacks in this years draft, depending on who you like, but they opted for a player who has had a sketchy NFL history and will need a new contract. They need to take the draft by storm getting him weapons after losing Curtis Samuel at wide receiver, and adjusting that offensive line.

Missing on that would spell doom for the success of the newly traded quarterback. While the defense needs to get better in the secondary, I think it could take a back seat to offensive playmakers and offensive line. Not doing so and letting Sam fail, could cost more than just one job in the front office. This will be their emphasis in the 2021 NFL Draft.

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