Panthers 7-round mock draft featuring Baker Mayfield blockbuster trade

Carolina Panthers select Drake Jackson

• Defensive End | USC

Ironically enough, the Carolina Panthers traded back with the same team that signed their former star pass rusher Hasson Reddick in free agency to a three-year, $45 million contract. Using one of their original draft picks, they take this opportunity to draft his potential replacement with the No. 81 pick.

While the pass rush group of Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Marquis Haynes should hold up for 17 games this season, adding more depth – and future starters – should be a priority at one of the most valuable positions in the sport.

Drake Jackson is an interesting case.

Throughout last summer he was considered one of the best pass rushers in the country. However, Jackson offered very little growth in his skill set in 2021 and in some ways is still the same player that he was during the COVID-19 shortened Pac-12 season.

While there is room for growth, the upside in Jackson’s game cannot be ignored. If you love pass rushers with great bend and dip around the corner, he is your guy.

The USC product also offers a great first step off the line of the scrimmage with good lateral mobility to crash down the line and great athleticism. If Jackson can develop his pass-rushing moves and grow into a better run defender, he could be one of the steals of the draft.