Panthers 2021 NFL Draft: Building through the trenches in latest mock
By Dean Jones
Ifeatu Melifonwu – S (Syracuse)
Ifeatu Melifonwu is a supreme athlete who could bolster a safety position that has come with its fair share of concerns in 2020. Tre Boston and Juston Burris have struggled overall during the campaign and there will be plenty of speculation regarding their respective futures before the decision-makers come to a final conclusion in the coming months.
Melifonwu’s length is something that really sets him apart. He has the frame to play cornerback if required and providing the Syracuse prospect can work on areas of his game such as run support and press coverage, then someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
Spencer Sanders – QB (Oklahoma State)
The Carolina Panthers will probably look to take a quarterback higher than this. But with Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Zach Wilson all off the board by the time they were up at No. 9 in this scenario, focusing on improving other areas was the correct call to make.
Of all those lower down the pecking order, then Spencer Sanders might have the most intriguing skill set of all. He possesses a lightning-quick release and isn’t afraid to get the ball downfield early and often, which is something that’s been missing from Teddy Bridgewater‘s game for large parts of the season.
Sanders is a work in progress, of that there is little doubt. But the signal-caller will get plenty of time to develop his skills in Carolina with the team stuck with Bridgewater’s contract until 2022.
Zach McCloud – LB (Miami)
The level of production displayed by Jermaine Carter since he replaced Tahir Whitehead in the starting lineup might mean that linebacker isn’t the pressing need it once was. The trio of Carter, Jeremy Chinn, and Shaq Thompson have all looked good in recent weeks. But defensive coordinator Phil Snow might move his stud rookie back to his normal position of safety next season.
Zach McCloud is a little undersized for the NFL. But he is a fluid sideline-to-sideline presence who has the necessary instincts and explosiveness to make his presence felt providing he can improve his skills in coverage and being a bit more disciplined with his run fits.