2021 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins get top pick in new mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
16. Carolina Panthers: Israel Mukuamu, Cornerback, South Carolina
The Panthers drafted solely defense this year and I don’t think that changes at the front end of the 2021 NFL Draft. Teddy Bridgewater showed he’s still well capable of being a starter when in New Orleans and he fits perfectly into Matt Rhule’s system with Christian McCaffrey.
It will be interesting to see how Rhule utilizes Bridgewater’s skill set along with McCaffrey and the other versatile players on the offensive side of the ball. All given with growing pains, I have the Panthers at 8-8 and smack in the middle of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Of all the defensive players the Panthers took this year, cornerback still seems to be a need they will have to address next year. I could see a wide receiver or tight end with this pick, but in a division with Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, and Mike Evans, a strong secondary is a must.
Mukuamu only has 17 games of experience so far in college but has impressed enough to already be considered a first-round talent. In those 17 games he’s shown a well-rounded skill set totaling 76 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and five interceptions, including a pick-six. If this coming season is similar, leaving early will make a lot of sense for him.