Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft after Championship Saturday

Carolina Panthers pick No. 200

Josh Paschal – EDGE (Kentucky)

There are some contractual factors in effect when it comes to the current pass-rushing options on the Carolina Panthers. Haason Reddick and Marquis Haynes are both looking for extensions this offseason, although the latter might welcome a fresh start with the promise of additional playing time elsewhere.

Picking up another physically gifted edge defender wouldn’t hurt at this stage of the draft. And considering how versatile Josh Paschal has been throughout his college career at Kentucky, he is well worth a risk.

After starting as a linebacker, Paschal switched to defensive tackle as a three-technique before making another move over to the defensive end spot. This proved to be the making of him if his numbers over the last two seasons are any indication.

Paschal has six sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 84 tackles in this span. He is difficult to shift off the block against the run and does have some explosiveness when it comes to rushing the passer that could be of use.

Anyone expecting Paschal to come in and become an immediate starter will probably be disappointed. But there’s little to suggest he cannot make his presence felt gradually as part of a rotation.