5 possible Panthers targets who could go undrafted in 2021
By Dean Jones
Mekhi Sargent – RB (Iowa)
The Carolina Panthers need to find themselves a talented running back who could become the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey sooner rather than later. Mike Davis was hugely productive in the All-Pro’s absence in 2020 to secure himself a two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, but it remains to be seen whether the likes of Rodney Smith, Trenton Cannon, or Reggie Bonnafon are capable of filling the void.
Addressing this need during the 2021 NFL Draft is not out of the realm of possibility. If they wait until the undrafted free-agent market then it might see someone like Mekhi Sargent enter the equation.
The former Iowa star is extremely elusive in tight windows thanks to his slender 5-foot-9 size. But it is this very thing that probably indicates he’ll never be a bell-cow back at the next level.
Sargent plays every down like it’s his last. His aggressiveness also comes across well in pass protection and the prospect clearly has a chip on his shoulder that might be of some use in the pros.
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If Sargent can improve his ability to avoid going down at first contact and assisting a little more in the passing game, then there could be something there worth taking on.