49ers news: Winners, losers from blockbuster NFL Draft trade

Loser: The Carolina Panthers

Earlier this offseason, the Carolina Panthers were reportedly big in on the market for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Whether or not Houston tries moving Watson in the wake of some serious legal accusations surrounding him is anyone’s guess. But it did tell us the Panthers were highly thinking about making a move under center to replace their quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, for the long run.

Trevor Lawrence is going No. 1 overall, and let’s go ahead and assume the New York Jets, selecting at No. 2 overall, grab BYU’s Zach Wilson.

Prior to the trade, and knowing what we know now about the Dolphins’ commitment to Tua Tagovailoa, a non-quarterback selection with the third overall pick would have pushed at least one more quarterbacking possibility closer to the No. 8-drafting Panthers.

Now, those prospects just took a serious hit with the 49ers now all but guaranteed to take a quarterback at No. 3.

There’s also buzz the Atlanta Falcons, who recently reworked veteran quarterback Matt Ryan’s deal, could still be in on a quarterback to eventually replace him. If the Falcons indeed go this route, or another QB-needy team works its way into the top seven selections, the Panthers will be almost completely out of luck with top-end quarterbacks at No. 8 overall.

Not a great situation to be in.