Major trade with familiar faces in full 7-round Panthers 2021 mock draft

Round No. 7 (Pick No. 243)

Jermar Jefferson – RB (Oregon State)

The first of two additional picks for the Carolina Panthers in the final round sees them boost running back depth. Mike Davis departed for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency and a primary backup option to Christian McCaffrey needs to be found in the event he suffers more complications with injury moving forward.

Jermar Jefferson might be classed as undersized at 5-foot-9, but he represents a dual-threat talent that can break off big plays at the drop of a hat.

He was a prolific ball-carrier at Oregon State that played a solid role in the passing game. So providing there isn’t too much in the way of responsibility on his shoulders from the outset – which there wouldn’t be with McCaffrey taking up the majority of carries – then the prospect represents someone that could come in rotationally and make a difference.

Round No. 7 (Pick No. 247)

Sadarius Hutcherson – OG (South Carolina)

Carolina rounds off their 2021 NFL Draft with their third player from South Carolina. As stated previously, the offensive line needs some substantial work if the Panthers want to maximize Sam Darnold’s chances of thriving in a different environment. Sadarius Hutcherson is a huge body that is incredibly difficult to move off the block, with the prospect boasting the ability to play multiple positions across the line of scrimmage.

Hutcherson will be best suited to guard, of that there is little doubt. Expecting the lineman to come in and produce miracles right away wouldn’t be smart, but as far as development projects go the Panthers could do far worse than look in his direction.