Panthers full 7-round NFL mock draft if Cam Newton stays in 2022

Trevor Penning – OT (Northern Iowa)

It’s been ignored for too long. This offseason upgrading the offensive line has to be the Carolina Panthers’ top priority.

This is a group that’s struggled as expected more often than not this season. Expecting the likes of Cam Erving and Pat Elflein to turn their dismal careers around was a gamble that didn’t pay off, with the rookie duo of Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown offering almost nothing through the first 10 games.

Unless things change, then the Panthers will only get so far. And although Cam Newton has experience of playing behind less than accomplished protection throughout his career, that cannot go on for much longer.

First up, find a franchise left tackle.

Something Trevor Penning could be from Day 1 if he continues his encouraging development in the coming months.

Penning is a tremendous athlete with all the right size and strength to make a real go of things at the next level. He is a brute force protecting the edge in run or pass blocking situations. The player’s quickness is another thing that’s really stood out throughout his college career.

Although the standard of competition wouldn’t be classed as great at Northern Iowa, that shouldn’t impact Penning’s stock and especially after the assessment process, where he’s expected to shine.

If the prospect can work on some technical elements to his game, someone is going to have a real player on their hands.