2021 NFL Draft: Panthers kiss Trevor Lawrence goodbye in latest mock

Round 5 (No. 134): Merlin Robertson – LB (Arizona State)

The Carolina Panthers might need to address the linebacker position earlier in the draft than this. Micah Parsons and Dylan Moses are realistic first-round options but they were off the board by No. 7 in this simulator.

Merlin Robertson is a versatile three-down linebacker that can play the run game or in coverage with equal success. His ability to rush the passer from the second level is another standout feature that shouldn’t be overlooked.

While Robertson is supremely gifted physically, there are some concerns about his energy when he makes a substantial step-up in class next year.

Round 6 (No. 166): Dyami Brown – WR (North Carolina)

This would be a hugely popular pick by the Carolina Panthers. Dyami Brown is beloved in the region thanks to his exceptional level of play for the North Carolina Tar Heels and he is the sort of weapon that every offensive coordinator loves.

Brown recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 2019 and followed this up with a six reception, 94-yard game to open the season this time around. He locates the ball extremely well and although the wideout needs to improve his technique, there is plenty of talent to work with.

Round 7 (No. 199): Al Blades Jr. – CB (Miami)

The Panthers started this mock draft by taking a Miami prospect and they round it off with the second player from The U. Al Blades Jr. could make a potential move to safety at the next level thanks to his physicality in coverage.

There is little doubt that Blades needs to bulk up to make the most out of his skill set at the next level. If he can do this, then it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go higher than the seventh round.