Coming off one of our easiest editions of “Player Prowl” yet, we have quite a complicated choice for the Carolina Panthers this week. And although it’s twice as fun (hypothetically) taking away a player from a division rival, there’s some tough layers to this one.
So, if we were given the chance to pirate a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, we have to be logical. Being that the Panthers are about to dive right back into a rebuild, we have to go with a long-term investment.
Now, surely, owner David Tepper would love a quarterback of Tom Brady’s stature. But even though he’s “The G.O.A.T.,” how much tread is left on those 45-year-old tires?
The same goes for linebacker Lavonte David, who’s still dominating at age 32. While the Carolina defense could use some pop in the middle, and that’s also where Devin White can contend, the three-time All-Pro is on his 11th campaign.
We’d also jump, as we did last season, at the 23-year-old Tristan Wirfs. Carolina, however, has thrown quite a bit of resources into their talented bookends, Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton. We don’t need immediate help there like we used to.
After all that, it comes down to two receivers—Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. After trading a disgruntled Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals, the Panthers offense has a wide-open spot to fill next to DJ Moore.
And even though the latter is headed to Canton when it’s all said and done— we have to stick with our approach, adhere to the rebuilding timeline and go with the younger Godwin over the 29-year-old Evans.
At 26, Godwin has already established himself as one of the most reliable and productive pass catchers in the game. The 6-foot-1, 208-pounder—through 76 games—is up to 364 catches, 4,893 yards and 29 touchdowns in his career.
He’s quite athletic, strong at the point of the catch and possesses the sharp footwork to create his own space. The Panthers need some touchdowns and this man is one heck of a target in the end zone.
There’s no doubt, for whoever is ultimately under center for Carolina in the future, that a tandem of Moore and Godwin would be a dangerous card to play.
Did we get it right?
