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

Tyler Linderbaum – C (Iowa)

Another position on the offensive line that might need a makeover this offseason is the center spot. Matt Paradis is out of contract and currently recovering from an ACL tear suffered against the New England Patriots, so it would be a big surprise if the veteran was brought back in any capacity.

Paradis will still count north of $9 million in dead-cap money following a restructure. The Carolina Panthers might also decide to give Pat Elflein the starting job long-term after showing signs of life at the position he stood out in college at Ohio State.

However, should Carolina look to the draft for an elite solution, then Tyler Linderbaum might be the answer. The Iowa stud is a flawless communicator and protector, possessing the sort of athleticism and aggressiveness that makes him the best center prospect in this class by a considerable margin.

Linderbaum comes into the league as a Day 1 starter with All-Pro potential.

Yes, he is that good.

If the Panthers want a better indication of what Linderbaum could potentially bring to the organization, then getting the opinion of former teammate Daviyon Nixon – who came up against him every day in practice – would be a good place to start.

Linderbaum might be the surest thing in the 2022 NFL Draft. Finding a left tackle is more pressing, but the Panthers wouldn’t have to worry about the center position for the next decade if they went in this direction.