Projecting which positions the Panthers will draft in each round

Carolina Panthers Round No. 4

• Position – Offensive Guard

The Carolina Panthers did sign Pat Elflein and Cam Erving in free agency. John Miller was also brought back on a team-friendly deal despite going through some struggles in pass protection last season. But one couldn’t say with any conviction the trio will provide anything like consistent protection from the interior in 2021.

This is a deep class for offensive linemen that Carolina needs to take advantage of. Prospects like Ben Cleveland, Aaron Banks, and Kendrick Green could be available here and come with plug-and-play potential. So building the trenches can only help Sam Darnold and the offense reach new heights when competitive action rolls around.

Carolina Panthers Round No. 5

• Position – Safety

It appears highly likely that the Panthers will move stud rookie Jeremy Chinn back to his preferred position of safety after starring at outside linebacker in 2020. However, considering they released Tre Boston and Juston Burris went through some complications following his arrival last year, more will be needed with Sam Franklin and Myles Hartsfield needing a little more time to develop.

There are some fabulous mid-round prospects that Carolina could target to boost their options on the backend. Players like Ar’Darius Washington, Caden Sterns, Paris Ford, and Damar Hamlin all fit the mold of what Matt Rhule is trying to build within the locker room, with the presence of Burris taking some of the immediate pressure off while a new college recruit gets up to speed.