5 potential draft targets for Panthers to keep an eye on for 2022
By Dean Jones
Evan Neal – G/T (Alabama)
Hopefully, the Carolina Panthers can get some instant production from new offensive linemen Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown. If they don’t, it could be a long season for quarterback Sam Darnold at a critical stage of his career.
Even if Christensen and Brown do end up being productive starters, the Panthers could use some additional reinforcements from the college system in 2022. One name that instantly jumps out thanks to his unique blend of size and athleticism is Evan Neal, who was a prolific presence for Alabama last season on their way to another convincing national championship under Nick Saban.
Don’t let Neal’s 360-pound frame fool you. The lineman is an exceptional athlete and someone that possesses this sort of size shouldn’t really be able to move around the way he does.
Another impressive campaign from the player’s standpoint would put him on the radar for a potential top-10 pick next year. The Crimson Tide will need him more than ever after Alex Leatherwood, Brown, and Landon Dickerson all bolted for the NFL and if he can cope with more responsibility on his shoulders, the prospect is going to be a hot commodity.
The Panthers need to get better from a protection standpoint. This is an area they’ve ignored at the top-end of the draft for too long.