Panthers 7-round mock draft featuring Baker Mayfield blockbuster trade

Carolina Panthers select Chigoziem Okonkwo

• Tight End | Maryland

The Carolina Panthers have not had a reliable starting tight end since Greg Olsen was released shortly before 2020 free agency. A hole that has been glaring with no reliable production ever since.

Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, and Colin Thompson are the top three tight ends on the roster at the moment. From the outside looking in, this group isn’t exactly ideal.

Thomas has shown promise in recent years with occasional flashes and growth. However, he’s entering his fourth year in the NFL with very little production. Maybe that could change in Ben McAdoo’s tight end-friendly offense, but there’s just no telling for sure.

While Tremble has also shown flashes, neither player has displayed enough on film to suggest they are the guys at their position. This could lead to the Panthers drafting a tight end for the second year in a row and in this scenario, they go with Chigoziem Okonkwo.

Okonkwo is a true sleeper in this draft class.

He hasn’t been touted much throughout the offseason. However, Okonkwo offers raw talent and athleticism that could intrigue Matt Rhule, McAdoo, and the rest of the front office.

The former Maryland Terpin offers amazing athleticism for the position with great versatility, explosiveness, and phenomenal run-after-catch ability. Okonkwo’s ball skills also flashed a ton as he has the ability to high point the ball and catch it away from his frame to acquire more yards after the catch.

Okonkwo has to develop his ability as a run blocker and route runner. Though, the upside he possesses might be too hard to pass up.