2021 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys fix defense, Justin Fields slides to Broncos

8. Carolina Panthers: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

In a bit of a surprise move, the Carolina Panthers elected to send a future second and fourth-round selection as well as a sixth-round pick in this round to the New York Jets in exchange for Sam Darnold. Adding Darnold was a huge move for them as it gave them someone to replace Teddy Bridgewater, who they clearly didn’t believe in.

It also meant they didn’t have to try and make any crazy moves in this draft to get high enough for a starting quarterback. Of course, in this mock, a couple of options are still available but that has to do with trades not being predicted. With possible trades not happening here, we look at the best option on the board for the Panthers and that ends up being Penei Sewell from Oregon.

Carolina did just place the franchise tag on Taylor Moton and they also have Greg Little. If they feel comfortable with them long-term, this pick could still work since Sewell can really play anywhere on the line.

Adding him simply means they can put another solid starter out there for Darnold to feel comfortable in the pocket and then they have someone to fall back on as a tackle if Moton doesn’t get an extension following this season.