Carolina Panthers find new franchise QB in 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 3, 73rd overall

After moving their second-round pick in the Wilson trade, the Panthers are obviously not in as great of a position for the remainder of this 2021 NFL mock draft. The trade up for a franchise quarterback is undoubtedly worth that kind of a haul, but it does make things interesting when it comes to the rest of their needs on the roster.

The Panthers do catch a bit of a break in the third round, as Notre Dame left tackle Liam Eichenberg falls to their pick. Eichenberg is not the most exciting offensive line prospect in this draft class, but he is a strong and stable player who stands out as a fantastic value pick in this range.

Eichenberg was a three-year starter at left tackle for Notre Dame. He is an extremely smart player who understands blitz pickups and stunts well, always getting himself in a proper position to protect his quarterback. Eichenberg is not the most physically gifted offensive lineman around, but he is smooth into his pass sets, has solid length for the offensive tackle position and is a tough and physical blocker who will always hold his own against power.

While Eichenberg does has limited long-term upside, he is an NFL-ready prospect who could come in and start at the left tackle position right away. The Panthers could certainly use some stability up front and having Eichenberg fall into their laps in the third round is too perfect to ignore. Make no mistake about it, Eichenberg is a rock-solid offensive line prospect who would immediately raise the floor of the Panthers’ offensive line.