Way too early four-round Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft
By Dean Jones
Nick Broeker – OT (Ole Miss)
If the Carolina Panthers are still looking for a franchise left tackle next year then their decision to take Brady Christensen didn’t work out as planned. There is every chance the BYU product can excel on the interior thanks to his athleticism, but there are some who believe that he won’t be able to successfully transition his elite college blindside presence protecting Zach Wilson to the pro ranks.
There is just no telling what’s going to happen where Christensen is concerned. He’ll be getting a baptism of fire in no uncertain terms and if the lineman doesn’t raise his production accordingly, it could see the Panthers on the lookout for their third left tackle in as many seasons under head coach Matt Rhule.
Not exactly ideal.
But Nick Broeker could be the answer to their prayers.
The Ole Miss prospect was named to the All-American Freshman Team in 2019 and followed this up with an eye-catching transition over to left tackle in 2020. Broeker’s performance against a stout South Carolina defensive front no doubt made NFL scouts sit up and take notice, with the player’s quick feet and improving technique something to keep an eye on as he enters his junior season.
If Broeker makes additional strides in 2021, then he might just enter the first-round discussion. He plays a lot more athletic than his 6-foot-4, 305-pound frame would suggest, so the tackle fits the mold of what Matt Rhule is trying to build in Carolina.