Panthers 2021 Draft: 7-round mock after first week of free agency

Round No. 3 (Pick No. 73)

Osa Odighizuwa – DT (UCLA)

The Carolina Panthers made some outstanding additions to their defense with the signings of Denzel Perryman, Haason Reddick, and Morgan Fox. But they might still be on the lookout for an interior lineman to put alongside their No. 7 overall selection Derrick Brown.

This is not the needs it once was considering Fox can play the three-technique well and has proven production in this area during his time with the Los Angeles Rams. So they might look at the mid-rounds to address this area.

If this scenario comes to fruition, then Osa Odighizuwa comes into the equation. The UCLA standout has a tremendous amount going for him and looks to be tailormade for Phil Snow’s defense from the outside looking in.

Odighizuwa is a stout presence against the run, recording 27.5 tackles for loss during his college career. He is also more than capable of getting after the quarterback as is reflected by the 7.5 sacks accumulated over the last two seasons.

There is a size issue if Odighizuwa wants to be considered as a defensive tackle at the next level. But considering the talent Carolina has already, this should be more than beneficial to his overall development.