The Carolina Panthers are entering the second year of the Matt Rhule era. In his first draft class, Rhule and the Panthers were the only team to use all their picks on defensive players. However, don’t expect that to be the same this year. The Panthers have several upcoming free agents on offense, and many of those holes need upgrading. After a 5-11 record in 2020, Carolina earned the eighth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at what the future holds for Carolina.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 8: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
It’s no secret that the Panthers want to upgrade at the quarterback position. They reportedly offered this pick to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford. Furthermore, the Panthers have been one of the more aggressive teams trying to trade for Deshaun Watson. However, if all else fails, expect the Panthers to select a quarterback with their first pick. If Carolina stays at pick eight, expect Lance or Mac Jones to be the selection. While the Panthers’ coaching staff had Mac Jones on their Senior Bowl squad, Lance has more upside. Teddy Bridgewater‘s contract has an easy out after the 2021 season, allowing the Panthers to sit Lance for a year before handing him the starting job in 2022.
For more on Lance, check out our scouting report on him here.
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Round 2, Pick 39: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Four of the Panthers’ five starting offensive linemen are free agents. However, right tackle Taylor Moton will be back next season after Carolina placed the franchise tag on him. On the other side, Russell Okung is a free agent after his first season in Carolina and might find a better offer on the open market. 2019 second-round pick Greg Kittle has been a disappointment so far in his career and might be better suited to start at left guard next season. Meanwhile, Radunz made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle to close out his career at North Dakota State. He could end up being a first-round pick, so for the Panthers to grab him with this pick is a steal.
For more on Radunz, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 3, Pick 73: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
In his first season as the starter, Ian Thomas struggled. He totaled only 20 catches for 145 yards and one touchdown last season. Furthermore, Thomas is entering a contract year and isn’t a lock to make the Panthers’ final roster. Meanwhile, backup tight end Chris Manhertz is a free agent. It’s clear, Carolina needs more production out of their tight ends. In his final season at Miami, Jordan broke out with career-highs of 38 catches, 576 yards, and seven touchdowns. The last Miami tight end the Panthers had was Greg Olsen, and he was a star for eight years. Carolina is hopeful Jordan ends their tight end problems.
For more on Jordan, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 4, Pick 113: Keith Taylor, CB, Washington
Last year the Panthers spent a fourth-round pick on Troy Pride Jr. While he had some ups and downs during his rookie season, Carolina believes he’s a long-term starter. However, on the other side, Donte Jackson is entering a contract year and will likely want a massive contract extension. The depth behind them is thin, as veteran Rasul Douglas is an upcoming free agent. While Taylor didn’t have an interception during his time at Washington, he rarely got beat for a touchdown. The Panthers need to prepare themselves for Jackson leaving next year, and adding Taylor would provide them protection.
For more on Taylor, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 5, Pick 152: Chauncey Golston, DE, Iowa
The Panthers have invested in the defensive line in the past two drafts, using a 2019 first-round pick on Brian Burns and a 2020 first and second-round pick on Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos. However, the depth is thin. Furthermore, backup defensive end Marquise Haynes is a free agent after the 2021 season. Golston likely will never turn into a full-time starter but can rotate with Burns and Gross-Matos at defensive end while kicking inside in obvious pass-rush situations. In his final season at Iowa, Golston had a career-high 5.5 sacks and showed potential.
#Iowa DE Chauncey Golston #57 is going to play in the NFL beyond his rookie contract.
Upright and a little stiff, but long and physical. Nonstop hustle. DE/DT versatility. One of my favorite day 3 values this year. pic.twitter.com/tPBfKGHCfr
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 19, 2021
Round 5, Pick 185: Dazz Newsome, WR, North Carolina
Starting wide receivers D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson both had excellent seasons in 2020. However, Curtis Samuel had a breakout season and just in time to hit the open market. Carolina would like to re-sign Samuel, but he will likely get a better offer from another team. Furthermore, veteran wide receiver Pharoh Cooper is also a free agent, leaving limited depth at the position. Newsome has drawn a comparison to Golden Tate as a hybrid running back/wide receiver who is dangerous after the catch. Over his last two seasons at North Carolina, Newsome totaled 126 catches for 1,702 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns. With Samuel likely leaving, Newsome has a similar game and would be an excellent replacement.
For more on Newsome, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 6, Pick 195: Tommy Kraemer, G, Notre Dame
All three of the Panthers’ top offensive guards, Michael Schofield, John Miller, and Chris Reed, are upcoming free agents. While Carolina will try to upgrade the offensive line in free agency, adding depth at the position is critical. Kramer finished his final season at Notre Dame on a high note. He was named All-ACC First Team and AP All-America Third Team. Kraemer might not ever turn into a starter, but his experience guarantees he will be an excellent backup.
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