5 early mid-round draft steals the Panthers should monitor for 2022
By Dean Jones
Which college prospects currently projected to go in the mid-rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft should the Carolina Panthers have their eye on?
Considering the Carolina Panthers don’t have a second or third-round selection during the 2022 NFL Draft currently, it’s more important than ever that those in power make the right calls later on in the process. Of course, this is something that will probably change given how active general manager Scott Fitterer has been in the trade market since arriving from the Seattle Seahawks.
Judging by what we’ve seen from the Panthers‘ recruits in 2021, it appears as if Fittterer managed to find a real steal or two from an eventful three days – his first in a strong position of leadership. The likes of Keith Taylor Jr., Tommy Tremble, and Daviyon Nixon all flashed enormous promise, with Shi Smith also demonstrating some upside during the preseason and his limited time on the field.
Carolina doesn’t appear that far off from legitimately contending for honors. Another strong period of recruitment next spring will go a long way to achieving these objectives.
Without further ado, here are five early mid-round prospects that the Panthers should have their eye on ahead of the all-important evaluation process.
Prospect No. 1
Ed Ingram – OL (LSU)
The Carolina Panthers’ offensive line has made some encouraging strides over the last four games. But the unit could be set for yet another makeover this offseason.
Finding a franchise left tackle should be the team’s top priority, with the interior protection also needing some reinforcements as John Miller and Matt Paradis are out of contract.
If the Panthers are looking for a violent blocker who could end up representing real value is Ed Ingram. The LSU guard is a commanding presence in run support and also possesses the firmest of anchors in pass protection that is extremely difficult to get around.
Although his footwork and overall speed wouldn’t be classed as elite, Ingram has sufficient balance and is a player who could provide Carolina with assistance in an area of the field that lacks quality depth.