4 biggest 2022 draft priorities for the Carolina Panthers through Week 5

Linebacker

Speaking of Auburn, there is also another prospect that could help push the Carolina Panthers’ defense over the edge to a more consistent level of elite. Even when they’re going up against some top-scoring competition.

Zakoby McClain has been one of the better linebackers in recent program history, and his presence as a leader and competitor is felt by everyone on the field.

The only slight against him is his play has brought him up the draft boards. Meaning that Carolina would be wise to obtain some additional Day 2 picks to try and get the senior.

Some other names that should be called in the first round include Christian Harris (Alabama) and Brandon Smith (Penn State).

There is no question that the offensive line should be Carolina’s top priority. But one could argue that acquiring a linebacker should be their second pick.

C.J. Henderson and Jaycee Horn can lock down the back half of the field for a few years, while Derrick Brown, Bruan Burns, and Hasaan Reddick (who I believe will sign an extension with us in the offseason) have proven to be more than capable of handling the front.

Since Luke Kuechly retired in 2020, the middle of the pack has played okay at best and this is something that has to change if the Panthers want to enter legitimate playoff contention.