Panthers 2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top-10 QB prospects
By Dean Jones
No. 6: Kellen Mond – Texas A&M
The Carolina Panthers got a good look at Kellen Mond during Senior Bowl week and will have been impressed by the way he conducted himself and performed throughout. He has more going for him than most entering the 2021 NFL Draft this year and could be a steal on day two with a little more development.
Mond is almost there in terms of mechanics, which were honed well during his time with the Aggies. He recognizes pressure extremely well and has an eye-catching composure in the pocket that is sure to go down well with scouts.
Providing Mond can sit and learn from a proven veteran during his rookie year and improve his decision-making with things happening quickly around him, then he could become a possible starter in the not-too-distant future.
No. 5: Mac Jones – Alabama
There isn’t a more polarizing quarterback in the draft this year than Mac Jones. The Alabama standout enjoyed a phenomenal 2020 for the Crimson Tide, throwing for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just four interceptions to guide Nick Saban’s men to another National Championship triumph.
This production is up there with Joe Burrow, who was the consensus No. 1 overall selection last year. But there are some who think Jones could falter once he gets to the next level thanks to his lack of mobility.
Not every signal-caller is Michael Vick or Cam Newton. One only has to look at Tom Brady’s success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to see how relevant a pocket-passer is with the right players around him. So much will depend on where Jones is drafted as to whether or not he can defy his critics.
No. 4: Trey Lance – North Dakota State
This is a feast or famine prospect who might be who the Carolina Panthers end up taking as their quarterback of the future. Trey Lance is the player being mocked to Matt Rhule’s men the most through the evaluation process so far and there is plenty to like about the skills he brings to the table.
The competition Lance came up against in college might not be classed as stellar – and there is also the lack of competitive action in recent months to consider – but it’s hard not to look at the prospect’s tape and not be enticed by what he could do at the next level.
Lance can make every throw possible from the pocket or on the run. He has an absolute rocket for an arm and also boasts threatening capabilities when running the football.