2021 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock
Louisville. 87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. Tutu Atwell. 104. player
The Panthers are set with a quality pair of starting wide receivers on the outside. Both Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore have a chance to blossom into legitimate stars for Carolina. The possibility of Curtis Samuel departing in free agency does leave the Panthers with a potential opening in the slot.
At just 5-foot-9, that’s really the only role Atwell can play at the NFL level. Fortunately, he’s got the elite speed and wiggle in the slot to play the spot at a high level. He put up big numbers at Louisville despite questionable quarterback play late in his tenure with the Cardinals.
He’s got the athletic profile of a Round 2 selection, but questions about his hands and route-running acumen are causing him to fall down some team’s boards. The Panthers can afford to gamble on improvement in both areas at this juncture in the draft.
Atwell can’t step in and replace Samuel’s production during his rookie season, but he can give the Panthers another home-run hitter to play with at wide receiver. He’s a weapon Rhule’s offense can find a way to maximize.