2021 NFL Draft: Kawann Short and Luke Kuechly replacements secured in latest mock

No. 136: Tre’ McKitty (TE) – Georgia

Ian Thomas isn’t working out as expected for the Carolina Panthers. The tight end has been a relative afterthought in Joe Brady’s offense so far this season and things will have to improve quickly for the organization not to look at possible alternatives.

One possible avenue they could go down is with a mid-round prospect in the draft, and Tre’ McKitty fits the bill. The Georgia pass-catcher has the build of a wide receiver, possessing superb athleticism to line up almost anywhere on the field.

No. 168: Dazz Newsome (WR) – North Carolina

The Panthers have plenty of wide receivers who are out of contract next spring. Pharoh Cooper, Brandon Zylstra, and Seth Roberts might not be with the team going forward. And the situation with No. 3 option Curtis Samuel is another big talking point that people are monitoring closely.

Dazz Newsome would help alleviate these concerns. He has a rare ability to create separation at the earliest possible opportunity, can impact the game deep, and also has no trouble catching under pressure which makes him a high-value pick late in the 2021 NFL Draft.

No. 200: Brock Purdy (QB) – Iowa State

Rounding off the latest mock draft, the Panthers use a late-round flyer on a quarterback who could be a nice development project for the team to work with.

Brock Purdy might not have the limelight of a Trevor Lawrence of Justin Fields, but there is a lot to like about the tools he brings to the table. His mechanics seem on point, albeit a little upright, and the player has no trouble escaping the pocket under pressure.

If he can work on his outside throwing, go through his reads a little quicker, and protect the football more efficiently, then Purdy might just have a chance at the next level.