Panthers 2021 Draft: 7-round mock draft ahead of Week 12
By Dean Jones
No. 187: Amari Rodgers – WR (Clemson)
It remains to be seen whether the Carolina Panthers will have Curtis Samuel around next season. The wide receiver is going to be a hot commodity on the free-agent market and the driven up price might be too much for the organization despite the player’s immense talent.
Even if Samuel does end up signing an extension, Amari Rodgers is a high-value pick here. The Clemson wideout does his best work in the slot and is a yards-after-catch monster, racking up 720 receiving yards and six touchdowns from just 48 receptions in eight games.
No. 216: Ty Chandler – RB (Tennessee)
Not having Christian McCaffrey for the majority of 2020 has only heightened the need for a long-term solution to the primary backup role. There is every chance Mike Davis could be extended if he doesn’t receive a better offer of more playing time elsewhere after catching the eye in the All-Pro’s absence, but someone like Ty Chandler could be an eye-catching addition and a solid pick in the late rounds.
Although Chandler might not have the power of Davis, he is a very intelligent runner who has a nice balance and can also assist in the passing game should the opportunities come his way. These have been few and far between in Tennessee despite his ability to gain significant yards in open space.
No. 231: Michael Penix Jr. – QB (Indiana)
Indiana has been one of the real feel-good stories of the college football season so far and Michael Penix Jr. is obviously a huge part of that. The quarterback has some promising traits that could ensure he forges a successful career in the NFL such as mobility and a natural passing motion. But his accuracy getting the ball downfield is something that will need to improve.
The Panthers might be on the lookout for a development project if Will Grier moves on and slight questions remain about Teddy Bridgewater’s ability to lead Carolina back to the postseason and Penix Jr. is a low-risk, high reward selection here if they choose to go in this particular direction.