5 potential draft targets for Panthers to keep an eye on for 2022
By Dean Jones
Kyle Hamilton – S (Notre Dame)
One area where the Carolina Panthers did not address during the 2021 NFL Draft was at safety. This might be a surprise considering the relative lack of strong depth on the backend, so allocating their first-round pick next year to get themselves a long-term partner for Jeremy Chinn could be the missing piece to the puzzle.
Kyle Hamilton burst onto the scene at Notre Dame as a freshman in 2019, recording four interceptions. He followed this up with a strong season last time out that only enhanced his stock further, so there will be more than a few NFL teams sending scouts to watch his production in his junior year.
Hamilton has everything one looks for in a prolific starting safety at the next level. He is fast, physical, and reads the game extremely well for someone so young.
The prospect seems to fit the mold of what Matt Rhule is trying to build in Carolina. Hamilton possesses exceptional athleticism and has no trouble coming down to the second level to make an impact should the opportunity arise.
Nothing is guaranteed with one year to go until Hamilton comes out of the college ranks. But he will be one of the first names called in 2022 with another solid season.