Carolina Panthers land future QB in full 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft

Xavier Henderson – S (Michigan State)

Finding a long-term partner for Jeremy Chinn at the safety position might be a need for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Although the production of Juston Burris could mean he’s given a contract extension providing the money works for both parties.

Burris has been sorely missed since going down with an injury. However, it might be worth the Panthers picking up a dynamic young prospect at some stage during the draft.

Xavier Henderson has been riding on the crest of a wave for Michigan State this season. He has taken on some additional responsibility in his senior year with the Spartans, something that’s clearly bringing the best out of a player with enormous promise.

Henderson has good size and athleticism to assist in coverage. The safety is also being utilized at the line of scrimmage plenty in 2021, which has come with two sacks and seven tackles for loss.

Asking Henderson to come in and become an immediate starter would be strengthening things.

If Carolina gives Burris a one-year extension, it gives them the opportunity to develop someone like Henderson on a rotational basis with a view to starting him in the not-too-distant future.