Panthers 7-round mock draft featuring Baker Mayfield blockbuster trade

Carolina Panthers acquire Baker Mayfield

In this mock draft, the Carolina Panthers opted out of drafting a quarterback altogether. This means that by selecting an offensive tackle in the first round, the team showed their hand as to what they may do after the conclusion of the draft.

The result?

Scott Fitterer makes a deal with Cleveland Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry to acquire Baker Mayfield.

This deal would have Carolina taking on only half of Mayfield’s contract and fill one of their biggest needs while the Browns eat the other half of the fifth-year option.

Mayfield, the former 2018 No. 1 overall pick, had shown great promise throughout his four-year career with the Browns. This includes a first professional campaign in which he originally broke the rookie single-season record for passing touchdowns and a 2020 season in which he turned in his best season as a pro with 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.

Compared to his counterpart Sam Darnold, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2018, Mayfield has shown legitimate stretches of great play under center. He also has the competitive fire and drive that offers a prime example of what it means to “Keep Pounding“.

Mayfield is most likely a bridge quarterback with will operate within the confines of the offense. Even so, this allows Carolina to build their roster around the quarterback position with an eye towards the draft class of 2023, which could be headlined by Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud this time next year.