2021 NFL Draft: Panthers kiss Trevor Lawrence goodbye in latest mock
By Dean Jones
Round 1 (No. 7): Gregory Rousseau – DE (Miami)
As expected, the likes of Trevor Lawrence, Penei Sewell, Micah Parsons, and Justin Fields were gone by the time that the Carolina Panthers were up at No. 7. However, Gregory Rousseau is not a bad consolation prize.
This would be the third year in succession that the Carolina Panthers could possibly take a defensive player in the first round. Rousseau recently opted out of his final college season to concentrate on getting ready for the next level and there is little disputing the fact he is the most talented pass-rusher entering the league in 2021.
Rousseau possesses the size, quickness, and power than is sure to make a successful transition to the next level. The defensive end recorded 15.5. sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2019 and he has the scope to get even better physically.
Round 2 (No. 39): Tyler Shelvin – DT (LSU)
The Panthers are probably going to be without the services of Kawann Short next year. The veteran Pro Bowler is set to count $20.83 million against Carolina’s salary cap in 2021 and it is highly unlikely he will be kept around with this sort of financial commitment.
Tyler Shelvin would be a quality replacement. The formidable interior lineman has enjoyed a standout career at LSU to date and his partnership with Derrick Brown could be nothing short of prolific for the franchise for the next decade.