Carolina Panthers Draft: 7-round all-offense mock draft
By Dean Jones
Pick No. 4: Michael Carter – RB (North Carolina)
Christian McCaffrey has gone through his fair share of injury problems this season. Mike Davis has done a solid job in the All-Pro’s absence. But he is out of contract this spring and it remains to be seen whether the Carolina Panthers are going to be in a position to give the veteran a longer-term commitment.
They will need a primary backup to shoulder some of the responsibility if Carolina and Davis go their separate ways. Michael Carter will be no stranger to Panthers fans after starring for North Carolina in recent seasons and averaged 7.1 yards-per-carry for the Tarheels in 2020.
Carter is a smooth runner who is explosive enough to penetrate gaps quickly. He is also comfortable in a dual-threat role, which is something else that will assist him during the evaluation process.
Pick No. 5: Sadarius Hutcherson – OG (South Carolina)
Staying in the Carolinas for their fifth pick, Sadarius Hutcherson is a big body who is difficult to move off the block and this represents solid value here at a real position of need.
The Panthers need some better reinforcements at the guard positions, although John Miller has done well overall. Chris Reed cannot really say the same and is sure to be removed from the roster next spring. So getting some young, hungry replacements in the 2021 NFL Draft is going to be crucial.