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

Brandon Smith – LB (Penn State)

Again, bolstering the linebacking corps wouldn’t be classed as a pressing priority for the Carolina Panthers at the present moment. But that could all change depending on how contract negotiations go with those currently on the depth chart.

Jermaine Carter, Frankie Luvu, and Haason Reddick are all out of contract. There is also the small matter of Shaq Thompson’s huge salary-cap hit to consider despite his exceptional contribution during the campaign.

If the Panthers cannot keep everyone around, then acquiring a talented prospect is going to become more critical. Perhaps not in the first round, but during the draft at some stage.

However, if Carolina does look at potential first-round talent to become the long-term successor to Luke Kuechly, then Brandon Smith should be at the top of the list. The Penn State standout is so athletic it’s scary and can impact a game anyway he chooses.

Smith has a rare blend of size, speed, athleticism, and agility. He can get after the quarterback, provide supreme assistance against the run, and he also more than holds his own in coverage situations.

The Nittany Lions are producing some outstanding defenders of late, including versatile linebacker and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Micah Parsons. Smith looks to be next off the conveyor belt and although he’s unlikely to end up in Carolina, adding him to Phil Snow’s defense is a mouth-watering proposition in different circumstances.