Panthers trade for Sam Darnold in 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Kelvin Joseph – CB (Kentucky)

Although Kelvin Joseph doesn’t have much in the way of college game day experience, the early entry has a lot of likable traits to call upon and thrives covering strong, physical receivers thanks to his supreme length.

Joseph was given some stern challenges in 2020 by the Wildcats, most notably against Alabama and going up against Florida’s stud tight end Kyle Pitts. Handling himself well won’t have gone unnoticed by NFL scouts and this would give the Carolina Panthers a possible steal in the mid-rounds who could develop into an outside cover presence opposite Donte Jackson.

The prospect is only going to get better with more in the way of reps, especially against elite wideouts at the next level. So the Panthers could do far worse than take him at this spot.

Tre’ McKitty – TE (Georgia)

Carolina got little in the way of production from their tight ends in 2020. Ian Thomas couldn’t make the step-up to replace Greg Olsen and getting in a potentially better option would be the best way to progress the organization in the coming years.

The Panthers got a great look at Tre’ McKitty during the Senior Bowl and it was hard not to be impressed by what the player demonstrated during team drills. There is every chance the Georgia prospect goes higher than this thanks to his superb physical attributes and he is one to keep a close eye on throughout the 2021 NFL Draft weekend.