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

Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 4, 113th overall

The 2020 season did not exactly go according to play for Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade. Wade had already established himself as a strong slot cornerback prospect and tried to make the move outside for the 2020 season. He struggled mightily throughout 2020, getting burnt outside seemingly on a consistent basis.

Wade’s draft stock has been in a free-fall over the last year and it is not difficult to see him fall all the way to Day 3 at this point. That being said, if a team targets him and allows him to do what he does best, Wade can still be a valuable player at the next level.

Personally, I see Wade as a bit of a safety/cornerback hybrid player. He cannot match up one-on-one against NFL receivers on the outside, but I could see him having some success as a roaming playmaker at the safety position who could also play some slot cornerback. The Panthers have needs at both safety and cornerback and while Wade does not solve those needs perfectly, he could help them get better at both positions.

Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 5, 152nd overall

The Carolina Panthers have a lot of exciting playmakers on the offensive side of the ball but lack impact talent at the tight end position. Waiting to address tight end until the fifth round would not be ideal, but the Panthers do find good value when selecting Tre’ McKitty in this 2021 NFL mock draft.

McKitty is a good athlete who moves well in space. He is quick off of the ball and even shows a bit of deep speed. While McKitty has never been a major producer as a receiver, there is certainly a bit of upside in that area of his game. Plus, he is a strong blocker who can make an impact in the run game from a variety of positions. The Carolina Panthers find good value at a major position of need late in this 2021 NFL mock draft.