2021 NFL Mock Draft: Two teams trade up for QBs in 2021 NFL Mock Draft
2021 NFL Draft: 3rd overall
87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. BYU. Zach Wilson. 3. player
Another trade! This time, it’s the Carolina Panthers moving up to the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to the Miami Dolphins’ spot. Of course, this is all for yet another quarterback here early in the mock.
Despite the poor record, head coach Matt Rhule had the Panthers competitive for much of the season. The defense looked strong for how young they are and Joe Brady’s offense invigorated the team. While Teddy Bridgewater has played well, he isn’t the difference-maker this team needs to reach the postseason.
Zach Wilson has shot up boards significantly since the summer, and he’s done so with excellent tools. Wilson has a rocket arm and a fluid motion, and he can push the football outside the numbers and is accurate deep down the field. He can make plays off-platform and off-script and is an impressive runner. Wilson has the look of Kyler Murray “lite”.
While the tools are there, he has issues that need cleaning up. Wilson leaves clean pockets at times and his processing speed drops when pressure comes his way. He’s going to need to sit and learn, but his upside warrants the pick this early, and it’s a risk that could pay off for Carolina.