Carolina Panthers avoid QB temptation in 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft

Ellis Brooks – LB (Penn State)

Perhaps nobody benefitted more from Micah Parsons opting out of the 2020 season than Ellis Brooks. Penn State gave him a substantial opportunity as a starter as Parsons began preparing for the NFL, which proved to be the making of him in no uncertain terms.

Brooks is a dynamic playmaker with supreme instincts to be around the football consistently. He is a tackling machine at the second level that can generate pressure when required, although he is still a little raw when it comes to gap discipline at times.

That being said, the problems Brooks currently has with his game can be easily coached out of him. The prospect has leadership ability and is a strong communicator in the field, which is a key component of any productive NFL linebacker in the modern game.

The Carolina Panthers have both Jermaine Carter and Haason Reddick out of contract next spring. They also face a big decision regarding the future of Shaq Thompson, who will count more than $18 million against the salary cap in 2022.

Acquiring a talented player from the draft should be one of the team’s targets considering the Panthers aren’t blessed with great depth. Brooks definitely fits the bill in that regard and he brings a level of excitement that could see him become a fan favorite in double-quick time.