The Carolina Panthers are expected to be a player in the quarterback market in the 2021 NFL draft, with some mock drafts suggesting they’ll use the eighth overall pick on one if a player like Ohio State’s Justin Fields falls to them.
Veteran Teddy Bridgewater was a competent bridge player for Carolina in 2020, and P.J. Walker is an intriguing developmental option at QB2, but if coach Matt Rhule is going to take the organization to the heights he’s expected to, he’ll need to add a blue-chip prospect like Fields or even North Dakota State’s Trey Lance in Round 1.
But do either of them have what he values in a quarterback?
Rhule addressed the specific traits he assesses when evaluating quarterbacks and mentioned mobility as a critical factor for young passers entering the league. Fields and Lance both fit that mold.
Check out Rhule’s complete answer in this clip:
Matt Rhule when asked about what traits he looks for in a QB. #49GM #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/fIq9uBQHLr
— Jason Aponte (@JasonAponte2103) January 26, 2021