2021 3-round NFL mock draft: Washington Football Team adds a QB
By Ian Cummings
20. Carolina Panthers (via CHI): Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II
The Carolina Panthers traded for maligned Jets quarterback Sam Darnold earlier in the offseason. At first, the move didn’t take them out of the QB race entirely, but the Panthers might exercise Darnold’s fifth-year option. That essentially makes Darnold’s impending stint in Carolina a two-year tryout. And given how important situation is for a quarterback, it’s okay to have some measured optimism as Darnold joins Joe Brady and Carolina’s talented cast.
With quarterback tentatively locked down, and with the Panthers having traded down to No. 20, they can now turn to the defensive side of the ball. They need cornerback help desperately, and for their hyper-athletic defense, Greg Newsome II might be the best fit here. Newsome is incredibly athletic and fluid for his size, but he’s also smart and reacts quickly in coverage. He has an injury history, but if he can stay healthy, this is a big win for the Panthers.