Panthers 2021 mock draft: Trading up for a franchise QB

Rest of day three picks

5. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State

Having coached against him at Baylor, Matt Rhule knows what Chuba Hubbard is all about as a player. Hubbard’s stock took a nosedive in 2020 but he was one of the best backs in college football in 2019.

Perhaps he can find a way to bounce back at the next level and prove to be one of the most under-drafted players in this class.

With Mike Davis off to the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers need some more depth in their running back group.

6. Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR, Illinois

In such a deep wide receiver class, many teams would be wise to double up and grab a couple of playmakers if possible.

Josh Imatorbhebhe is a freakish athlete who posted an other-worldly 46.5-inch vertical jump at the Illinois pro day.

The former USC transfer averaged over 19 yards per reception in the 2019 season and had 12 touchdown catches among his 55 total receptions with the Illini.

7a. Alaric Jackson, OT, Iowa

Any of the 32 NFL teams should have their radar on for Alaric Jackson if he’s available this late in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Although Jackson’s body type does not profile great at tackle, he has inside versatility, and coming from the Hawkeyes program, he is going to be extremely well-coached.

7b. Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Buffalo

With their final pick in this 2021 mock draft, the Panthers go after some upside in pass rusher Malcolm Koonce of Buffalo, who had 13 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in his final 17 college games.

He can play down on the defensive line with his hand in the ground or standing up as a pass rusher.