Way too early four-round Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft
By Dean Jones
Mike Rose – LB (Iowa State)
Only time will tell as to whether the Carolina Panthers have found their answer within their linebacker corps with Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter, and free-agent signing Denzel Perryman. There should be far more energy within this trio than there was at any stage last season, but how much Jeremy Chinn will be missed in this area of the field when he moves back to safety is undetermined.
Carter will be out of contract next season and Thompson can be released at a cap saving of $5.79 million if he cannot make more of an impression with Perryman on the interior. This would leave the Panthers short of viable options if two starters do depart, so it’s vital they plug these gaps during the draft despite having more in the way of financial wiggle room next spring.
Mike Rose is an intriguing prospect who has come on leaps and bounds at Iowa State. The hard-hitting linebacker has a knack for being around the football consistently and possesses infectious energy that rubs off on the teammates around him.
Rose might only be scratching the surface of what he is capable of.
He’ll need to show improvement during the 2021 season to be considered as a potential mid-round selection. But there is nothing to suggest he is not more than capable of this thanks to his outstanding attitude and competitive edge.