Panthers 2021 NFL mock draft: The Deshaun Watson edition
By Dean Jones
Round 3 (Pick No. 83)
Greg Newsome – CB (Northwestern)
More picks were acquired by the Carolina Panthers from the Miami Dolphins, who moved up to select Alabama running back Najee Harris and pair him once again with college teammate Tua Tagovailoa. This is a win-win for both parties and gives general manager Scott Fitterer some extra selections in the mid-rounds where he gained a strong reputation for being successful with the Seattle Seahawks.
With Donte Jackson heading into a contract year and plenty of questions surrounding other cornerbacks on the depth chart, strengthening this area should be one of Carolina’s top priorities. Greg Newsome enjoyed a standout year at Northwestern that has seen his draft stock soar as a result, with his physical attributes and ability in press coverage something the Panthers desperately need opposite their No. 1 option next season.
Newsome has more upside than most cornerback prospects entering the league this year. He has all the size and fluidity needed to make a real go of things at the next level and if the prospect can improve his decision-making at times, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
Just how important getting another young corner is will be dependent on what the coaching staff does with out-of-contract duo Rasul Douglas and Corn Elder in addition to their thoughts on Stantley Thomas-Oliver and Troy Pride Jr.