Carolina Panthers snag new QB and more in 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

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2021 NFL Draft prospect Zach Wilson #1 of the BYU Cougars (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers build for the future in this seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft

In the first year under the direction of head coach Matt Rhule, the Carolina Panthers currently sit at 4-9 and in last place in the NFC South. While that may seem like a disappointing season on the surface, 2020 was always going to be a bit of a rebuilding year for this team. The Panthers have probably performed a bit better than expected this season and have had some exciting young players establish themselves as important players going forward.

Rhule has this team headed in the right direction and they should be ready to compete soon. They undoubtedly have work to do on both sides of the ball, but there is a lot to like about this team going forward. How can the Carolina Panthers improve their stock of talent through the 2021 NFL Draft? Find out in this complete seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft for the team.

Note: This mock draft was completed using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.

Round 1, 6th Overall

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 6. player. QB. BYU. Zach Wilson. 861

Teddy Bridgewater has been solid for the Carolina Panthers this season, but let’s be honest, he is a bridge quarterback for this team. Bridgewater is a solid veteran option at the quarterback position, but the Panthers do not currently have their long-term answer at the position on the roster. If the right opportunity presents itself, the Panthers should attack this need early in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields were long off of the board when the Panthers went on the clock at No. 6 in this mock draft, but Zach Wilson out of BYU was still on the board. Wilson is an extremely talented quarterback prospect who is undoubtedly worthy of being taken in this range.

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Wilson has taken his game to the next level this season, completing 73.1% of his passes for 3,274 yards, 30 touchdowns and only three interceptions through 11 games. He has also been a dangerous weapon on the ground, piling up eight rushing touchdowns on the season.

The BYU quarterback is a perfect fit for the modern NFL, showing impressive mobility and natural playmaking ability. Wilson is great at improvising, making the most out of a bad situation and does a great job of keeping his eyes down the field, looking for a big play after escaping the pocket. He also shows impressive natural arm talent and hits his receivers with accuracy at all three levels of the defense.

Simply put, Wilson is a gifted quarterback prospect who could quickly grow into an impact player at the next level. Wilson may not start over Bridgewater right away if the Carolina Panthers bring him into the mix, but he would undoubtedly be the long-term franchise quarterback of the team.

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