5 potential Panthers first-round 2022 draft targets nobody is talking about

Jaxson Kirkland – OT (Washington)

Finding a franchise left tackle should be the biggest need for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Much will depend on whether the team keeps around quarterback Cam Newton, but considering the questions surrounding the 2022 class of signal-callers, it would be wise to extend the player given the impact he’s made in such a short space of time.

This will enable the Panthers to have some continuity at the most important position on the field, strengthen other areas, and potentially look for a future franchise signal-caller from a strong class in 2023.

Obviously, this all centers on where the Panthers end up picking. But someone like Jaxson Kirkland has Day 1 starting potential and could be the answer Carolina’s been looking for on the blindside since Jordan Gross retired.

Kirkland is a commanding force against the run and is also accomplished in pass protection. This is down to good athleticism and technique that already looks to be NFL-ready.

When one examines the Washington prospect, there doesn’t appear to be much – if anything – to pick at. Perhaps becoming a little more explosive to the point of attack would help Kirkland at the next level and adding some extra weight wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.

This is a deep group of college offensive linemen entering the league in 2022. Kirkland is one of the best.