Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft after Championship Saturday
By Dean Jones
A major trade down forms the primary focus of our latest seven-round NFL mock draft that has the Carolina Panthers picking in the top-10.
The Carolina Panthers currently find themselves at No. 8 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft after two straight losses before their bye week. This is a similar position to which they have selected over the past two seasons – something that saw them land South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn from the same spot last spring.
Considering the Panthers don’t have a Day 2 pick to speak of following trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson, the higher Carolina is picking, the better chance they’ll have of finding a trade-down partner to acquire additional capital. This appears a very real prospect with general manager Scott Fitterer at the helm.
The Panthers have multiple positions that need strengthening this offseason. These might even increase when one considers how many established veterans are out of contract.
Using The Draft Network’s mock machine, we took a look at which way Carolina might go with their selections in a full seven-round 2022 NFL mock draft following Championship Saturday.
Round No. 1 (Trade)
Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 8
This is a good spot to be in if the Panthers want to trade down the order for a king’s ransom. More than a few teams came in with offers during this particular simulation, with the Green Bay Packers surging up from No. 30 into the top-10 for some substantial compensation.
The Panthers get second, third, and fifth-round selections in return. Plus a first-round pick in 2023 when there could be plenty of trade-up options in pursuit of landing a franchise quarterback.
Scott Fitterer developed a fierce reputation for moving up and down the board during his first draft as general manager. So it could be another eventful weekend in this regard where Carolina is concerned.