Carolina Panthers complete seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 2, 40th overall
Pick Analysis. Clemson. Derion Kendrick. 2. player. Scouting Report. CB. 879
The cornerback position stands out as a major position of need for the Carolina Panthers. They have put together an exciting group of players on the defensive side of the ball but need to address this cornerback need quickly. With their second-round pick of this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Panthers address that cornerback need with the selection of Derion Kendrick out of Clemson.
Kendrick was exposed last weekend against Justin Fields and the Ohio State Buckeyes, getting beat deep multiple times in the CFP semifinals. While Kendrick certainly struggled in a big way in this game, it does not erase everything that he has done at the college level.
Kendrick is still an extremely talented cornerback prospect who has exciting upside at the next level. He is a long and athletic defensive back who is smooth in coverage, closes on the ball quickly and competes for the ball in the air extremely well. Make no mistake about it, Kendrick is an extremely talented player who could quickly grow into an impact man-to-man defender on the outside.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 3, 72nd overall
IOL. player. 829. Pick Analysis. Alabama. Deonte Brown. 3. Scouting Report
Deonte Brown is an extremely powerful offensive guard prospect who fires off of the ball in an instant and absolutely dominates at the point of attack. He is a mauling run blocker who also shows the quickness needed to attack the second level with success.
The Panthers need to start investing in some impact offensive line depth and Brown fits what they want to do well. An offensive attack built around Trey Lance and Christian McCaffrey is going to feature an exciting rushing attack. Adding an elite run blocker like Brown would only help take their ground game to the next level.