Panthers 2021 draft: Trades galore in full 7-round mock draft

Round No. 6 (Pick No. 189)

Shi Smith – WR (South Carolina)

Another Gamecock arrives with the Carolina Panthers and Shi Smith could offer a unique skill set to Joe Brady’s scheme. Curtis Samuel departed in free agency as expected and although the front office did bring in David Moore as a replacement, adding another wideout via the 2021 NFL Draft would be a smart move.

This is another deep class, although they’ll have to go some to match the production of the 2020 group. Smith showcased what he can do in front of the Panthers coaching staff at the Senior Bowl and recorded 633 receiving yards, 57 receptions, and four touchdowns from just nine games.

Round No. 6 (Pick No. 193)

Tommy Kraemer – OG (Notre Dame)

The Carolina Panthers brought back John Miller to go with the free-agent signings of Pat Elflein and Cam Erving. But some young options on the offensive line with the potential of starting in the not-too-distant future should be sort via the draft.

Tommy Kraemer comes with bags of experience from his time at Notre Dame. He has superb power at the point of attack and an NFL-ready frame. So providing there isn’t too much pressure on the prospect initially, there could be a part to play sooner rather than later.

Round No. 6 (Pick No. 222)

Elijah Mitchell – RB (Louisiana)

Christian McCaffrey’s injury problems in 2020 mean it is vital that the Carolina Panthers get some solid options behind him on the depth chart now Mike Davis has joined the Atlanta Falcons. Trenton Cannon, Rodney Smith, and Reggie Bonnafon all had their moments over the last two seasons. But whether the Panthers can rely on them to shoulder the load if the All-Pro is forced to miss time again is another matter entirely.

Elijah Mitchell was a four-year player at Louisville who gained a lofty 6.2 yards-per-carry average during his college career. He is elusive, has tremendous balance, and provides a dual-threat presence catching out of the backfield.

Whether he’ll be a starter at the next level is questionable. But there could be a spot on the depth chart for him.

Round No. 6 (Pick No. 226)

Tony Fields – LB (West Virginia)

The Carolina Panthers bolstered their linebacking options with the free-agent signing of Denzel Perryman and with Christian Miller and Jordan Mack also coming back into the fold, things might be looking up at the second level after struggling so much in the immediate aftermath of Luke Kuechly’s retirement.

With that being said, Tony Fields represents good value at this point. His transfer to West Virginia was a shrewd move and resulted in a significant increase in production that was full of memorable moments. This will stand him in good stead as the player looks to forge a successful career in the NFL.