2021 NFL Draft: Panthers land stud TE in 32-team first round mock

Which way will the Carolina Panthers go in the 2021 NFL Draft?

The Carolina Panthers face another crucial offseason period next spring in pursuit of becoming a postseason contender in the near future. They have gotten off to a positive start in head coach Matt Rhule’s first campaign at the helm, but it is clear that more will be needed to fix certain positions that are becoming weak links.

This is something that the Carolina Panthers might be able to do in free agency with more financial resources at their disposal. However, with the salary cap staying the same or even coming down due to a lack of gameday revenue surrounding COVID-19 restrictions, the decision-makers will need to strike big during the 2021 NFL Draft in no uncertain terms.

Their 2020 selections have been welcome additions overall. The likes of Jeremy Chinn, Derrick Brown, and Yetur Gross-Matos all look like they could help in a big way going forward. But the jury is still out regarding the prospects of Troy Pride Jr., Kenny Robinson, and Bravvion Roy.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where Carolina needs to improve. Lets take a look at who the Panthers might end up taking in out first full 32-team 2021 NFL Mock Draft of the season.

1. Trevor Lawrence – QB (Clemson)

There were some that expected the Carolina Panthers to be in a position to select Trevor Lawrence at No. 1 overall. Bit it was apparent from very early on this wasn’t going to be the case.

Lawrence will be the first player selected, of that there is little doubt. He has franchise-changing potential and would be the Jets’ salvation. However, speculation regarding the player returning to Clemson for his senior year if Adam Gase’s men got the first refusal wasn’t exactly quashed by the signal-caller during a recent interview.

A situation to keep a close eye on in the weeks and months ahead.