5 early mid-round draft steals the Panthers should monitor for 2022

Markquese Bell – S (Florida A&M)

Getting a long-term partner for Jeremy Chinn could be a pressing priority for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Although veteran Juston Burris has performed well this season before getting hurt, there are some key players looking for contract extensions next spring and they might not have enough resources available to keep the North Carolina State product.

Sean Chandler and Sam Franklin are serviceable backups. And there are hopes Myles Hartsfield can continue his encouraging development with a view to becoming a starting option down the line.

However, picking up a promising college recruit that can integrate into the rotation quickly would be beneficial.

Markquese Bell fits the bill. He’s overcome some adversity after an off-the-field incident at Maryland forced him to make a transfer over to Florida A&M, where he’s balled out in no uncertain terms.

Bell plays fast and his ability to get to the point of attack quickly is exceptional. He also possesses the versatility that Carolina’s front office loves in all their new recruits.

This needs to be reined in once he gets to the NFL as Bell can be a feast or famine player that gambles a little too much in coverage. Couple this with a lack of true recovery capabilities and it might become a complication at the next level.

That being said, Bell is an intriguing prospect that is only going to get better. He is projected to be a mid-round pickup by someone and the Panthers might want to examine his capabilities further in the coming months.