Matt Rull’s rebuilding process with the Carolina Panthers was always going to be a long one. Last year, the team was better than expected for the offense, but their defense was not good at all. He also faced inconsistent play from quarterback Teddy Bridgwater, and the Panthers addressed that problem by trading for Sam Darnold.
But will they be able to bring another passerby to Charlotte? With the quarterbacks on the move to the 2021 NFL Draft, if they fall in their lap at No. 8, it will be difficult for them to trade down and capitalize on another team’s desire to take the quarterback.
With Darnold on the board, it is possible that Carolina will consolidate their one-time strong defense, a goal they attempted to accomplish last year by spending all seven of their draft picks on defense.
A look at the Panthers’ picks in the 2021 NFL Draft:
MORE NFL DRAFT: Complete 7-Round Mock | Top 100 Big Boards
Panthers Draft 2021: When does Carolina choose?
- Round 1, pick number 8
- Round 2, pick number 39
- Round 3, pick number 73
- Round 4, Pick Number 113
- Round 5, pick number 151
- Round 6, pick number 193
- Round 6, pick number 222
Panthers 2021 NFL Draft Order
| The goal | to select |
| 1 | . |
| 2 | . |
| 3 | 4 |
| 4 | . |
| 5 | . |
| 4 | 4 |
| 4 | 38 (compulsory selection) |
More: Read the latest NFL draft news at SN’s draft headquarters
Panthers need NFL draft
- Quarterback: Sam Darnold has a second chance to make good on his ability and lead the Panthers to the playoffs, but Carolina still wants a more dynamic passer for the groom. Justin Fields and Trey Lance could fit the bill and could also be interested in Mack Jones, whom he coached in the Senior Bowl.
- Linebacker: In their succession, the Panthers saw Luke Cuechi and Thomas Davis patrolling the lineback places in the middle of their defense. Now, they have Shack Thompson and free-agent addition Denzel Perryman. They are two solid, but have to add a three-down lineback that could at least partially replicate Kuechi’s production which would be a big win for the Panthers defense.
- Cornerback: The Panthers never replaced James Bradberry properly after losing during 2020. They have to find a way to do that in 2021 or their secondary recapture.
- Offensive line: Will the Panthers trust their starter in the second round of 2019 against Greg Little? Sure, but competing for him compared to Trent Scott and Cameron Irving would be a step in the right direction.
- Wide receiver: DJ Moore and Robbie Anderson are a great one-two punch at the receiver spot, but the Panthers lost versatile slot-man Curtis Samuel to Washington for this offseason. This is a great draft for a mid-round slot replacement that would make them a really strong top-three in WR conditions.
Panthers Mock Draft 2021
According to Vinny Iyer’s seven-round mock draft, the latest 2021 NFL draft estimates for the Panthers are:
| The goal | to select | Team | Post | College |
| 1 | . | Caleb Farley | CB | Virginia tech |
| 2 | . | Pat Freimarth | Te | Penn State |
| 3 | 4 | Amon-Ra Saint Brown | WR | Usc |
| 4 | . | Thomas graham jr | CB | Oregon |
| 5 | . | Jutter paterson | RB | Buffalo |
| 4 | 4 | Dez fitzpatrick | WR | Louisville |
| 4 | 38 | D’Ante Smith | OT | East carolina |
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