Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft with major first-round trade

Carolina Panthers pick No. 151: Jarrett Patterson – IOL (Notre Dame)

This might be the final season we see Matt Paradis on the Carolina Panthers. The center is out of contract in 2022 and although the organization will still be paying him north of $9 million in dead-cap money following a restructure, he’ll need to do much more in pursuit of a contract extension next spring.

If Paradis is no longer around as expected, then the Panthers need a contingency plan. Productive offensive linemen in this area of the field don’t come cheap in free agency, but Scott Fitterer is renowned for finding a gem or two within this portion of the draft.

Someone like Jarrett Patterson is well worth a look. The Notre Dame protector was originally recruited as an offensive tackle before moving to the interior, with the player boasting outstanding strength and impressive communication skills as a college player to date.

Patterson gets the chance to boost his own draft stock as the only returning member of the Fighting Irish protection in 2021. If he can hold his own and continue progressing his technique, then he’ll have more than his fair share of suitors.

Carolina does have Sam Tecklenburg – who is a Matt Rhule guy that’s been around the set-up for two years now. But whether they’re confident enough in him assuming the starting role when Paradis departs is another matter entirely.