2021 NFL Draft: Panthers land stud TE in 32-team first round mock
By Dean Jones
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. ALABAMA. PATRICKSURTAIN. 7. 56
7. Patrick Surtain – CB (Alabama)
The Bengals look like they’ve got the real deal in Joe Burrow, who was transformed from a mid-round prospect to the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the passing scheme implemented by Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady at LSU on their way to a National Championship in 2019.
Drafting Patrick Surtain at No. 7 would give them a player who comes with shutdown cornerback potential thanks to his length, ability to go down the field, and some outstanding awareness that defies his age.
Pick Analysis. VIRGINIA TECH. player. 123. Scouting Report. CB. CALEBFARLEY. 8
8. Caleb Farley – CB (Virginia Tech)
To say things are a mess in Dallas would be understating it somewhat. Their high-profile stars already appear to have given up on head coach Mike McCarthy and it is going to take a substantial turnaround for them to gain any semblance of respectability from a season that has turned into a cataclysmic failure.
The Cowboys didn’t need CeeDee Lamb, but they took him anyway. They are one of the more unpredictable teams on draft night, but their backend needs suring up and Caleb Farley’s skills could be of significant use.
Pick Analysis. TREYLANCE. player. Scouting Report. QB. NORTH DAKOTA STATE. 9. 58
9. Trey Lance – QB (North Dakota State)
Former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has some questions to answer at the quarterback spot. He clearly doesn’t think much of Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen’s mediocrity has been there for all to see once again, and it remains to be seen whether Alex Smith can get back to the player of old after almost losing his leg.
Trey Lance didn’t shine in his one game this season at the college level. But he has the sort of skill set that will ensure an NFL team at the top-end of the draft takes a chance on him.
JAYLENWADDLE. 10. 13. Scouting Report. WR. ALABAMA. player. Pick Analysis
10. Jaylen Waddle – WR (Alabama)
Much will depend on how well Jaylen Waddle comes back from his season-ending injury in the lead-up to the draft, but there is no getting away from what a special prospect he is.
He is another wide receiver that has the world at his feet despite his recent misfortune. This would give Justin Herbert another prominent target in the passing game to go alongside Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry in Los Angeles.
LB. PENN STATE. MICAHPARSONS. 11. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. 47
11. Micah Parsons – LB (Penn State)
The Patriots need some defensive reinforcements and Micah Parsons is as good as it gets in this draft. He is a ferocious three-down linebacker with enormous potential that has the scope to become a real star in no time at all.
Sitting out this season due to COVID-19 health concerns isn’t going to hurt his stock whatsoever and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a player of Parsons’ caliber go in the top-ten.
LB. ALABAMA. DYLANMOSES. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 12. 45
12. Dylan Moses – LB (Alabama)
The Broncos have flattered to deceive after being a dark horse postseason contender prior to the season. There are big holes that need to be filled on defense and Dylan Moses could sure up the second level after proving his fitness with the Crimson Tide.
Moses is a big-hitter who has the speed to go sideline-to-sideline and he is sure to be a hot commodity throughout the evaluation process who is going to be coveted heavily by the Carolina Panthers.