2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 8th overall
Pick Analysis. North Dakota State. 8. player. 87. Scouting Report. QB. Trey Lance
While the Detroit Lions might not need to reach for a quarterback the Carolina Panthers might not be in a similar position. The team signed former Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgwater to a three-year, $63 million contract last offseason hoping he would be at least the short-term answer at quarterback. However, it looks like the team is already ready to move on from him as head coach Matt Ruhle has stated in order for Bridgwater to keep his job that he is going to need a tremendous offseason.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, the top three quarterbacks will likely be long gone by the time they pick at the eighth spot in the 2021 NFL Draft. This means they will have to reach for North Dakota State’s Trey Lance at this pick. While Lance has been outstanding in college as he completed 67% of passes for 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns in his last full season of college football he does have some questions.
One of the biggest concerns I have with him is his overall accuracy. Even though he did complete a high percentage of passes, he did not always hit receivers in stride. The other question with him is the level of competition jump.
Due to these concerns, Carolina would be wise to have Lance backup Bridgwater for a year or two before inserting him into the starting lineup.