2021 NFL Draft: Dream target falls to the Panthers in 7-round mock

No. 152: Jack Anderson – OG (Texas Tech)

Although the Carolina Panthers have gotten some nice production from their offensive line through Week 8, there are cracks beginning to show on the interior that will probably need to be addressed in the offseason. Chris Reed, in particular, has struggled to cope in the face of some sustained pressure of late and he won’t be around next year if things continue.

Jack Anderson represents solid value at No. 152 overall. He is an aggressive interior lineman who projects to be a plug and play starter in the NFL, which is something the Panthers could do with in no uncertain terms.

No. 190: Tariq Castro-Fields – CB (Penn State)

The Panthers’ cornerbacks have been performing at a good level for the most part. Donte Jackson has done well despite dealing with a toe injury and Rasul Douglas‘ contribution has been nothing short of tremendous since joining the organization.

That being said, the unit could still use an athletic individual to provide the group with a further boost. Tariq Castro-Fields has a lot of likable traits that could assist both in the short and long-term, and there wouldn’t be a great deal of pressure on him to make an immediate impact if Carolina extends Douglas as expected.

No. 217: Tarron Jackson – EDGE (Coastal Carolina)

Generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks is something that’s getting better, but it’s hard to deny that things haven’t been disappointing in this regard outside of premier pass-rusher Brian Burns. The Panthers will get Yetur Gross-Matos back into the lineup shortly, but it doesn’t appear as if Stephen Weatherly is a viable starter after failing to record a sack during the first half of the campaign.

Tarron Jackson is as dominant a physical presence as you are likely to find coming out of college next year. He is still raw, but if the edge rusher can put it all together then it should come with plenty of NFL success.

No. 234: Peyton Hendershot – TE (Indiana)

Things just aren’t working out in the passing game with Ian Thomas. For whatever reason, the former Indiana standout hasn’t been able to generate the sort of volume that the Panthers gave Greg Olsen and the decision-makers might choose to go in a different direction next spring.

Carolina Panthers Draft: 3 reasons Micah Parsons should be priority No. 1

Here are three reasons why the Carolina Panthers should make Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons their top priority in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Bringing in a veteran during free agency is a real possibility with more financial resources available, but someone like Peyton Hendershot could become an intriguing development prospect with high upside thanks to his dependable hands across the middle.