My Perfect Offseason Part 2: Free Agency Signings and the Draft!
Welcome to Part 2 of my perfect offseason. Some of these moves might not be possible due to salary cap but that's okay because it's my perfect offseason soooo...deal with it! :)
Free Agency Signings
Panthers sign TE Gerald Everett to 3 yr $24 million deal
The Rams recently signed Tyler Higbee to be their long-term tight end, and right now Everett doesn't look to factor into their plans. With this signing, the Panthers would be getting an uber-athletic playmaker who can add another exciting element to the offense. Underutilized and underrated, Everett will be an interesting addition in Joe Brady's offense.
Panthers sign Solomon Thomas DL 3 yr $15 million
Solomon Thomas can be another Efe Obada for us, with some potential upside yet to be unlocked at only 26 years old. In Robert Saleh's defense, Thomas played both off the edge and inside rusher. He could be a solid depth piece for Rhule's defense, who raved about position versatility and high character.
2021 NFL Draft:
Round 1 Pick 8: Justin Fields QB Ohio State
Panthers grab their next franchise stud in Fields, who has displayed much of the same arm talent and athleticism as that of former Panther Cam Newton. Yes, that Cam Newton. In fact, Newton actually mentored Fields in his 7v7 tournaments and was of great help to the development of the young passer. Former general manager Mike Tannenbaum said,“I was at an Ohio State practice last year, Justin Fields walked by me, I thought I was looking at Cam Newton. When you look at Justin Fields, he is remarkable. He had 41 touchdowns, he’s a great athlete. We may be talking about Justin Fields as the No. 1 pick. In his game from a pro game standpoint is more where pro football is headed." With a new QB in place, Panther nation should be excited, especially with someone of such high caliber.
Round 2 Pick 40: Dillon Radunz LT North Dakota State
With this pick, the Panthers solidify the offensive line, with hopes that they've finally found their long-term franchise left tackle. Radunz comes from a small school in NDSU, who has produced many quality NFL players, recently being Carson Wentz. Dillon will be Field's blindside protector for years to come. With his recent appearance at the Senior Bowl, I'm sure Rhule's staff took a good look at him.
Round 3 Pick 72 Tyson Campbell CB Georgia
Campbell and Jackson could be a great duo in the secondary, with Campbell standing at 6'2. In fact, he reminds me of a faster and more athletic James Bradberry. He is tall with long arms and the ability to shutdown receivers. He's not much of a ball hawk, having only recorded 1 interception his whole college career. There have been concerns about durability but after 2020, I think most of them could be settled. I think we could have an elite group of corners with Donte Jackson and Tyson Campbell. I'd be ecstatic to have him on the team come 2021.
Round 4 Pick 109: Marvin Wilson DT FSU
Panthers selected Derrick Brown in the 1st round last year, yet they go back to the well for a possible Kawann Short replacement in Marvin Wilson. In 2019, Wilson was a monster, recording 8.5 TFLs and 5 sacks. Unfortunately, he seemed to become nonexistent in 2020, having only 2 TFLs and 1 sack. Teams need to figure out his potential at the next level, whether that season was a fluke, and I think the Panthers staff has the ability to unlock it. Wilson is known more as a pass-rusher type, which the Panthers have been searching for since KK has missed the past 2 seasons to injury. Many thought he'd be Derrick Brown 2.0 but time will tell.
Round 5 Pick 148: Aaron Banks OL Notre Dame
With this pick, Panthers solidify their offensive line with a talented multi-year starter in Aaron Banks. With Daley continuing to get injured and all starters except Matt Paradis scheduled to return next year, Banks could get a shot at the starting spot. This is a quality pick in this spot as Fitterer attempts to rebuild the trenches with back-to-back line picks.
Round 5 Pick 186: Amari Rodgers WR Clemson
With Curtis Samuel set to hit free agency, even though we keep in this situation, the Panthers could grab a similar player in Amari Rodgers who Matt Rhule raved about during his week at the Senior Bowl. Rodgers has quick-twitch ability, with the assumed spot in the slot. He is a tough player much like Samuel with the ability to take jet sweeps, crazy catches, and scat back touches to the house. Rodgers is a high-upside player and great value pick for the Panthers in the 5th round.
Round 6 Pick 216: Tyreke Smith DE Ohio State
Tyreke Smith might be one of those players that is better in the NFL than in college. He's the prototypical size for 4-3 defensive end in the NFL, and has flashed more than a few times during his career at THE Ohio State University. He's shown the ability to be versatile, having been used as a spy defender against Trevor Lawrence in the NCAAF playoffs this season. Another great value pick for Matt Rhule, who's always looking for more pass rushers.
Round 6 Pick 229: Demetric Felton RB/WR UCLA
Felton could be another versatile option in this Joe Brady offense. Much like McCaffrey, he be used in the slot or in the backfield. He does have a slight body frame but should gain more weight in preparation for the next level. He's another positionless player that Rhule and Brady may love.
*The Panthers don't have a 7th round pick this year due to a previous trade for Marshall Newhouse a few years back.*
So, how did you like my perfect offseason. Good, bad, or what? Leave your comments down below.