Which way will the Carolina Panthers go with their 2021 NFL Draft selections now they have a new quarterback in Sam Darnold from the New York Jets?
Much has been made about the quarterback problems that surfaced within the Carolina Panthers in 2020. It was clear from very early on that Teddy Bridgewater was only going to get the team so far. But after failing to land Matthew Stafford and deciding not to make another bold bid to land Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, the organization finally settled on trading for Sam Darnold for three draft picks over the next two years.
If this results in Darnold going through something of a renaissance, it will be worth its weight in gold. Should the former No. 3 overall selection fail to make the most out of this opportunity, it didn’t cost the Panthers much to find out what the signal-caller could actually do.
This is the only avenue they had left. They weren’t keen on moving up for a quarterback not named Trevor Lawrence or Zach Wilson, so considering their intentions regarding pursuing a potential upgrade on Bridgewater, this was the right way to go.
Carolina is expected to pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option, according to reports. This gives them two years to see just what the USC product can do with more in the way of weapons at his disposal. But whether offensive coordinator Joe Brady will be around for the duration is another matter entirely with a head coaching job in the offing sooner rather than later.
Darnold’s arrival has completely shifted the landscape of what Carolina might do in the draft. Using the Pro Football Focus simulator, we had a go ourselves in a full seven-round mock.
Round No. 1 (Pick No. 8)
Penei Sewell – OT (Oregon)
With the Carolina Panthers now unlikely to select a quarterback at No. 8 overall, attention now turns to other key positional groups that need an upgrade. Sam Darnold won’t do anything if the protection around him doesn’t improve, so drafting one of the top offensive linemen is the smart way to go here.
As it so happens, the best edge protector entering the league in a generation falls into Carolina’s laps in this scenario. Penei Sewell is the complete package that comes to the NFL with an All-Pro ceiling and although the Panthers might need a bit of luck for him to drop this far, it shouldn’t take them long to pull the trigger.
Sewell has the right blend of size, aggressiveness, and athleticism that is going to be a sure-fire hit at the next level. Much will depend on what the Cincinnati Bengals do at No. 5, but if they decide to reunite Joe Burrow with Ja’Marr Chase and the Miami Dolphins get Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, only the Detroit Lions stand in Carolina’s way if they identify the Oregon stud as a player of interest.
The Panthers can also take Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater here if Sewell is selected beforehand, which wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize by any stretch of the imagination.
Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 39
Now, this isn’t something normally associated with the New England Patriots. But Bill Belichick is a man on a mission this offseason after watching former quarterback Tom Brady lift a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his first campaign away from the franchise.
The Carolina Panthers need to get additional draft capital at some stage after giving up three picks for Sam Darnold, with this trade seeing the Patriots move up to take their potential signal-caller of the future in Kyle Trask out of Florida.
This is a win-win for the Panthers, who get two draft selections in 2021 and also get a second-rounder next year that they’re going to sacrifice as part of the Darnold trade.
Round No. 2 (Pick No. 46)
Alex Leatherwood – OL (Alabama)
Another offensive tackle, I hear you say? Wrong.
Although Alex Leatherwood is an accomplished edge protector during his time at Alabama, there are plenty of NFL scouts who think the prospect might be better suited to interior protection in the pro ranks. This is something the player has discussed with interested teams during the evaluation process, with his professionalism sure to make his transition a smooth one if this is the route he eventually goes down.
Carolina needs additional assistance in pass protection within their guard spots. Putting Leatherwood at left guard alongside Penei Sewell on the blindside is a mouth-watering proposition that could assist Sam Darnold considerably.
Round No. 3 (Pick No. 73)
Ifeatu Melifonwu – CB (Syracuse)
The Carolina Panthers need some assistance at cornerback, which they might address earlier than this depending on how the 2021 NFL Draft plays out. They need a more stable presence covering opposite Donte Jackson on the outside and although they did acquire A.J. Bouye this week, someone like Ifeatu Melifonwu definitely fits the bill if the opportunity arises.
Melifonwu has everything head coach Matt Rhule looks for in a college recruit if last season’s selections are any indication. He is big for a cornerback, has exceptional length and athleticism, with his physical style of play fitting the mold of how Phil Snow’s defense goes about their business.
The Syracuse standout needs to work a little bit on his route anticipation. But he will never be found wanting for effort and Melifonwu’s willingness to assist on running downs is another big eye-catcher on tape that is going to help his cause.
Round No. 3 (Pick No. 96)
Jamar Johnson – S (Indiana)
The Carolina Panthers struck gold last year when they selected a defensive playmaker in Jeremy Chinn, who turned out to be a rookie sensation that was consistent and dynamic in equal measure. Although Jamar Johnson might not have his size, he is also a hybrid-type safety that is versatile enough to play on the backend or cover in the slot thanks to some impressive physical attributes.
Johnson never caught fire at Indiana right away. He had to work hard for a starting role and this is reflected in outstanding effort on almost every down – taking absolutely nothing for granted.
His instincts, ability to create turnovers and football IQ ensure someone will take a chance on him on Day 2 and the Panthers would be wise to look in his direction after the success they had with Chinn in 2020.
Round No. 4 (Pick No. 113)
Jaylen Twyman – DT (Pittsburgh)
Considering how much Jaylen Twyman helped his draft stock at Pittsburgh’s pro day – which drew comparisons with All-Pro Aaron Donald – the Carolina Panthers take no chances here and take him in the fourth round rather than waiting to see if he makes it down further. This appears highly unlikely at this juncture and there is every chance the stud defensive tackle will go much higher than this when it’s all said and done.
We have made no secret about how much Twyman would help the Panthers. He is a human wrecking ball on the interior that has a lot of similar traits to Donald – who also played for Pittsburgh on his way to being a first-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams.
Expecting the same level of impact from Twyman is unrealistic, at least initially.
Donald is arguably the NFL’s best defender after a sensational career so far. Anyone expecting the same where this prospect is concerned might be out of luck during his adjustment from college to the pros, which he’s had extra time to prepare for after opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 health concerns.
That being said, Twyman generates considerable pressure and could form a profitable partnership with Derrick Brown if given the opportunity. Despite having to take him one round higher than in recent mock drafts, it could still be a high-value selection.
Round No. 5 (Pick No. 151)
Amari Rodgers – WR (Clemson)
Curtis Samuel is no longer on the Carolina Panthers after signing for the Washington Football Team in free agency. The organization has re-signed Keith Kirkwood and Brandon Zylstra, together with making a shrewd addition in the form of David Moore. But taking advantage of another strong wide receiver class is something that should also be considered at some stage.
The Panthers have a reputation for not selecting Clemson players. However, this is a new regime and there is a lot to like about the sort of skills Amari Rodgers brings to the table.
The wideout was a revelation during his time with the Tigers, which makes him incredible value in this spot. Rodgers has worked wonders out of the slot in recent seasons, which is exactly where Carolina needs assistance after Samuel decided to take a big-money offer to reunite with former head coach Ron Rivera.
Rodgers enjoyed the finest season of his college career in 2020 with more responsibility on his shoulders, hauling in 77 receptions for 1,070 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as Clemson missed out on another National Championship with defeat to Ohio State in the college football playoffs.
If the Panthers are looking for another weapon for Sam Darnold to call upon, they could do far worse than look in Rodgers’ direction.
Round No. 6 (Pick No. 195)
Chauncey Golston – DE (Iowa)
After generating an extra late-round selection from the Houston Texans by trading down two spots so that they could get their hands on Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger, the Carolina Panthers got another option in their pursuit of getting pressure in opposing backfields by taking Chauncey Golston.
The prospect excels on early downs thanks to his size, power, and length. So at least from the outside looking in he represents a nice complementary piece to what Phil Snow already has at his disposal.
There are some limitations in terms of explosiveness. Golston will also need to add to his pass-rushing repertoire to make a real go of things in the NFL. But his high motor and willingness to learn means the prospect has upside worth exploring further.
Round No. 6 (Pick No. 212)
Kenny Yeboah – TE (Mississippi)
One area where the Carolina Panthers might be looking at reinforcing is at the tight end position. They did manage to bring in Dan Arnold from the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. But considering how disappointing Ian Thomas was in his bid to become Greg Olsen’s long-term successor, getting someone who is also familiar with the coaching staff is a smart move on Day 3.
This is where Kenny Yeboah comes in. The prospect has worked with Matt Rhule before from their time together at Temple and his transfer to Ole Miss in 2020 brought around the best statistical campaign of his college career despite the strength of competition in the SEC.
Yeboah is still scratching the surface of just how dominant he can be from a physical standpoint. He is a threat in the red zone, has some eye-catching route running qualities, and can also hold his own when it comes to blocking on the edge.
Round No. 6 (Pick No. 222)
Javian Hawkins – RB (Louisville)
Don’t let his 5-foot-9 size fool you, Javian Hawkins is a big play waiting to happen that has enjoyed some tremendous success during his college career at Louisville. He was almost unstoppable in 2019 on his way to 1,525 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, with his elite speed and elusiveness sure to go down well with whatever team drafts him.
The Carolina Panthers could use someone with Hawkins’ skill set to slot behind Christian McCaffrey, although the rigors of an every-down role might be out of the player’s reach initially thanks to his frame.
However, that should not put any teams off considering what he could offer in the right fit.
Round No. 6 (Pick No. 226)
Deommodore Lenoir – CB (Oregon)
The Carolina Panthers have reportedly met virtually with Deommodore Lenoir during the evaluation process and he makes a ton of sense here. He has the versatility to play on the outside or in the slot, with the secondary needing help in both areas after Corn Elder and Rasul Douglas hit free agency.
Lenoir might be a work in progress. But the skills are there providing there is not too much pressure on the Oregon prospect right away.
Round No. 7 (Pick No. 242)
Tristen Hoge – OG (BYU)
Carolina started this mock draft by picking up two standout offensive linemen with undoubted starting potential and they conclude their selections with another eye-catching blocking presence that might end up being a useful part of the rotation.
Tristan Hoge was part of BYU’s exceptional protection that gave Zach Wilson seemingly all day to do his thing on his way to becoming the No. 2 overall selection by the New York Jets unless there is a drastic change of heart over the next fortnight. While the standard of competition is going to substantially improve once he gets to the next level, there is definitely something to work with where the lineman is concerned.