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2021 NFL Draft: 5 bold predictions for Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

Justin Fields, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Justin Fields, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NFL Draft rumors, Carolina Panthers
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Carolina Panthers runs off the field after the first half against the Washington Football Team at FedExField on December 27, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

3. The Panthers won’t take a quarterback

Carolina is clearly intrigued with the idea of replacing Teddy Bridgewater under center as soon as possible. His inability to win close games cost the Panthers dearly in 2020. Matt Rhule and his coaching staff are absolutely looking for a more dynamic option at quarterback.

The Panthers clearly are interested in landing Deshaun Watson if the Texans actually decide to move him. If that doesn’t happen, most NFL executives believe Carolina will simply look to the draft to land their quarterback of the future.

The argument here is that the Panthers are a little more satisfied with Bridgewater than they’re letting on. They aren’t in love with him, but they realize he’s a decent starter. If they can’t land a clear star like Watson, Carolina could easily decide to forego the process altogether. The team has plenty of other needs to fill with this year’s first round pick. There’s nothing more important to the Panthers than finding a potential star quarterback, but they’re not going to sacrifice their long-term prospects to force the issue this offseason.

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