Carolina Panthers: 3 Biggest priorities in the 2021 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers draft priority No. 1: Offensive Tackle

A problem with the Teddy Bridgewater era, also known as last season, was the protection up front. The Carolina Panthers went 5-11 last year, losing games that they could have won thanks to a lack of execution. Improving an offensive line is always crucial to improve the prospects of the quarterback they are protecting.

The Panthers’ offense gave up 31 sacks against Bridgewater and 35 overall through the season last year. This is far too many to realistically give the passing game a sense of security and time on the ball to execute.

With Darnold coming from an organization where he was consistently punished for the franchise’s oversight in adding protection, the offensive line should be the priority need for the Panthers in the upcoming draft.

On many 2021 NFL Draft evaluations, including Pro Football Focus and ESPN+ (subscirption required), there are 3-4 offensive linemen evaluated as top 20 players. Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater should be instant successes at tackle in the NFL. Alijah Vera-Tucker is a threat at either side of the line (or on the interior) and Christian Darrisaw had one of the highest-graded seasons in college.

At least one — if not three or four — of these players will be available at the No. 8 when the Panthers are picking. The front office should jump at the chance to secure the best protection possible. A path to success in the near future will be guaranteed if they get the right piece to complement the weapons they already have on offense.