2021 NFL Draft: Jets, Jaguars make trades in new 2021 NFL mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
Panthers protect Teddy Bridgewater
Scouting Report. Tennessee. Trey Smith. 18. 87. Pick Analysis. OL. player
The Carolina Panthers have been one of the bigger surprises of the 2020 NFL season. A team thought to be in the running for Trevor Lawrence is instead in the running for a playoff spot. With a young roster, especially on the defense, the Panthers can begin to build around the team they have, instead of trying to build a team.
Teddy Bridgewater has been impressive this season and most of that production has come without Christian McCaffrey. For that reason, Carolina doesn’t have to worry about finding their quarterback, but rather protecting the one that they have.
Russell Okung is currently the left tackle for the Panthers, but with Okung being 33-years old the Panthers could look elsewhere. Tennessee entered the season having one of the best offensive lines in college football and Trey Smith is the anchor of the group. Adding him to Bridgewater’s blindside should go a long way in not just rebuilding this offense, but making it strong and stable for years to come.
While there are other positions that the Panthers could address, Matt Rhule understands the importance of controlling the trenches. With an athletic quarterback in Bridgewater and a playmaker in McCaffrey, finding athletic lineman will be key.