Panthers 2021 NFL Draft: 7-round all-defense mock draft

Shaka Toney – EDGE (Penn State)

Following on from the Carolina Panthers taking Yetur Gross-Matos in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. They go back to Penn State for another pass-rusher with eye-catching potential.

Shaka Toney has the versatility to line up as a defensive end or as an outside linebacker, which is a trait that the front office sought heavily in their recruitment process last time out. The player is a little rough around the edges but has the scope to get even more impressive physically once he gets to the NFL.

Toney does have some outstanding athleticism to call upon, which will serve him well. And once he refines his moves on the edge and works out how to make a bigger difference in run support, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.

Keith Taylor – CB (Washington)

Carolina has some depth problems to answer at cornerback if they decide not to bring Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder. Both have done well at certain parts of the campaign, but it remains to be seen just what sort of money will be available for the Panthers to utilize on their roster with the salary-cap coming down due to COVID-19 losses.

Keith Taylor might not have the game-changing speed on the outside normally associated with a corner at the next level. But he has had plenty of success covering from the slot that might just come in handy if Carolina decides to go in this particular direction.