The Carolina Panthers drafted Brady Christensen in the 3rd round, 70th overall of the 2021 NFL Draft. So far, Christensen has been all over the place in his first four seasons in the National Football League. He has played 39 games with 24 career starts to his name.
Christensen saw playing time at four offensive line positions in his rookie season, excluding center. He appeared in 16 games and started six in 2021, including four starts at left tackle (Weeks 7, 16-18), one at right guard (Week 14), and one at right tackle (Week 5).
He switched positions in Year 2.
The Carolina Panthers offensive lineman switched positions in Year 2
Since the Panthers selected left tackle Ikem Ekwonu in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and considering they already have right tackle Taylor Moton, they converted Brady Christensen from offensive tackle to left guard in his second season. Christensen started 17 games at LG in 2022 and did a decent job. They decided to keep him there for the 2023 season, but he suffered a season-ending biceps injury in the first game of his third season.
Once again, he had to switch positions.
He switched positions heading into Year 4
The Panthers addressed their interior offensive line in free agency by signing Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. Since the team signed Lewis and Hunt, cut starting center Bradley Bozeman, and moved Austin Corbett from right guard to center, they had to find a backup, considering Corbett’s injury history. Ultimately, they decided to convert Brady Christensen from guard to center. Christensen has received reps there ever since OTAs.
He will make his first career start in his new position
Since Austin Corbett suffered a season-ending biceps injury in last week’s game, Brady Christensen will make his first career start at center against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6. Christensen has a golden opportunity to thrive in a new position and also has a chance to make an impression on the Panthers coaching staff, front office, and other teams since he’ll become an unrestricted free agent after the season’s end.
He is excited for the opportunity
Brady Christensen (70) of the Carolina Panthers stops to sign gear.
“This is a huge opportunity for me. I’m excited. You play this game to play on Sundays,” he said. “And so I’m really, really excited and happy for my opportunity. I’m just gonna go grasp it, have fun, work my butt off, lean on the guys and just really take advantage of it.”
