Panthers 'very open' to moving back in draft

The Carolina Panthers don't appear to be attached to the eighth overall pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL draft. 

According to ESPN's David Newton, the Panthers have talked to "at least five teams" who are interested in the pick.

"We're very open to moving back," general manager Scott Fitterer said Friday in a pre-draft Zoom call with coach Matt Rhule. "It just depends on how the first seven picks go."

Carolina will get more value out of the No. 8 pick if one of the top quarterbacks in the draft slips that far. Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are expected to go first and second overall, but Mac Jones, Justin Fields and/or Trey Lance could fall.

If any one of those quarterbacks is available at No. 8, Newton mentions the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots as teams that could potentially trade up. 

Considering the Panthers recently traded for former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, they likely won't select a QB at No. 8 anyway. The team's most significant needs are at left tackle, press corner, wide receiver and tight end.