Carolina Panthers 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft after Sam Darnold trade
After trading away valuable mid-round draft capital to acquire their new franchise quarterback, I could see the Carolina Panthers looking to recoup that capital with a trade down in the 2021 NFL Draft. This trade down could come in the first round but in this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Panthers take Surtain in the first and look for a trade down scenario in the second round.
Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 2, 55th overall
After making the move down in the second round of this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Carolina Panthers address their offensive line at No. 55. Jalen Mayfield stands out as a great value pick in this range and would be a fantastic addition to the Panthers’ offensive mix.
In Mayfield, the Panthers find a player who they can use in a variety of ways. If the Panthers want to give Greg Little a chance to take over as their starting left tackle, they could move Mayfield inside and have him compete for a starting guard spot. If they believe in Mayfield’s ability as an offensive tackle, they could immediately give him a chance to compete at left tackle.
Either way, Mayfield is a gifted offensive line prospect who displays an impressive combination of power and athleticism. Whether he plays inside or outside, Mayfield has a ton of long-term upside and would be a great addition for the Panthers in this range.
Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 3, 73rd overall
The Panthers lost wide receiver Curtis Samuel in free agency this offseason and are not in a great position to naturally replace him on the roster. Their starting duo of D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson is strong but the Panthers lack ideal depth at the wide receiver position. They address their wide receiver depth in the third round of this NFL mock draft, adding Amon-Ra St. Brown to the mix.
St. Brown is a tough and physical slot receiver who shines in the middle of the field. He is not the most explosive player around but he is quick in short spaces and has a knack for creating after the catch. Simply put, St. Brown is a solid and dependable player who would provide immediate value to the Panthers’ offensive attack.