Trades galore and major early focus in Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft

Carolina Panthers pick No. 97: Lewis Cine – S (Georgia)

Getting a long-term partner for Jeremy Chinn on the backend is also something the Carolina Panthers should contemplate next spring. Juston Burris is out of contract and it remains to be seen whether he’ll return, with the likes of Sam Franklin and Myles Hartsfield seen as rotational pieces rather than prominent starters at this juncture.

Lewis Cine could be a high-value selection here. The Georgia star has a ton of useful athletic traits to call upon which seem to compliment the skill set Chinn’s brought so successfully to the Panthers.

Although Cine is no Kyle Hamilton, there’s nothing to suggest he cannot go on to have a successful NFL career. His ferocious hitting is something that really stands out, with this physicality sure to go down well in Carolina and within Phil Snow’s emerging defense.

Cine is a relentless force against the run and possesses the necessary instincts to make a real difference. The prospect also has explosiveness and athleticism in equal measure – which won’t go unnoticed by the Panthers or other teams across the league.

If there was a particular area of Cine’s game that needs work, it’s ball-tracking and awareness in coverage. However, the player is a solid leader that seems willing to be coached up, so bringing him to Carolina might just be a shrewd bit of business.