Panthers 2021 Draft: Post-Senior Bowl 7-round mock draft

Has working with some exciting college prospects at the Senior Bowl impacted what the Carolina Panthers might do in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Being a big part of the 2021 Senior Bowl is something that might make all the difference for the Carolina Panthers as they look to bolster their roster in this year’s NFL Draft. Head coach Matt Rhule described the experience as “unbelievably invaluable” and it will give the organization a strong indication of just what sort of individuals should be taken off their board or warrant further consideration during the evaluation process.

It is going to be an immensely eventful offseason for the Panthers, who are looking to build on their 5-11 record that could have looked far different had they come through in critical moments of close contests.

What comes next will be equally as important. Carolina is obviously being aggressive in their pursuit of an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and there is also the matter of 25 current players out of contract with little in the way of financial resources to consider.

Carolina Panthers have an exciting core to build around.

The pieces are there to make a real go of things next time around. There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding a couple of teams in the NFC South that the Panthers can take advantage of. But it’s vital they get recruitment right both during free agency and when it’s time to select the next batch of college prospects.

With that being said, we took a look at which way Carolina might go with their picks in a post-Senior Bowl mock draft using The Draft Network’s simulator.

Pick No. 1

Penei Sewell – OT (Oregon)

This is the dream situation for the Panthers and one that might become a reality if Penei Sewell makes it past the Cincinnati Bengals. A lot needs to go their way for Oregon’s left tackle to fall into their laps, with plenty of realistic destinations for the player before Carolina is on the clock.

Sewell has the potential to be the best edge protector coming to the pros in a decade. He is quick-footed, possesses ruthless power at the point of attack, and is mobile enough to assist at the second level when required.

This also fits a significant need for the Panthers. Four of their five starters from this season are out of contract and there is also a high probability they release Matt Paradis to save more than $5 million in cap space that might be better spent elsewhere.