What are some intriguing options available to the Carolina Panthers if their poor run of results lands them a top-five NFL Draft pick in 2022?
With just four games remaining and the Carolina Panthers all but out of playoff contention, it’s hard not to cast half an eye on the offseason and the 2022 NFL Draft, in particular. This is not exactly what the doctor ordered in Year 2 of Matt Rhule’s tenure as head coach, with a torrid run of results following their 3-0 start leaving far more questions than answers regarding the current regime.
This was always going to be a process. Rhule was given a seven-year, $60 million deal and the final say on personnel decisions. His program-building at both Baylor and Temple also didn’t see real progress until Year 3.
However, there doesn’t appear much in the way of progression this season. And for some Panthers fans, they have already seen enough to draw an opinion that Rhule is not the right man for the job.
What comes next this spring is absolutely pivotal for Carolina and team owner David Tepper’s aspirations. The billionaire hasn’t had a winning campaign to speak of since buying the franchise from Jerry Richardson and one suspects his patience will wear out at some stage.
Finding the right college prospects is all part of a strong offseason. General manager Scott Fitterer made waves with some incredible trade activity over his first draft weekend in the role, so hopes are high he can make things happen to strengthen the team’s cause.
With this in mind, what options become available to the Panthers if their dismal form continues and they land a top-five NFL Draft selection in 2022?
Carolina Panthers trade down for a king’s ransom
Trades for Sam Darnold and CJ Henderson mean the Carolina Panthers are currently without a Day 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Not exactly the most ideal situation for a team with multiple holes in key positional groups.
If things continue in a similar fashion down the stretch and the Panthers get themselves a top-five pick as a result, then that means they’ll also be giving away a top-37 selection to the New York Jets as part of the Darnold deal.
An absolute disaster whichever way one looks at it.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have, obviously. Carolina cannot do anything about the past, but it still holds plenty of cards when it comes to its future.
A top-five pick is always highly sought after for anyone looking to move up for a prospect. Providing there is sufficient interest in a quarterback or someone else, then the Panthers could trade down for additional draft capital and still take a promising player later in the first round.
This is all dependent on how the board plays out initially and whether Carolina receives the right sort of offer. But this should be strongly considered and something Scott Fitterer might be aggressive about when the Panthers are on the clock.
Carolina Panthers finally select a franchise LT
It comes as no surprise that the offensive line has been another disaster this season. A group that consisted of mid-round draft prospects and underperforming veterans has become an expected source of frustration in 2021 and strengthening this critical area of the field should be priority No. 1 for the Carolina Panthers this offseason.
Considering that premium offensive linemen don’t usually become available on the free-agent market and the cost involved if they so, building through the draft is a necessity. The Panthers waited until the third round in 2021 to take someone to bolster their protection, but Brady Christensen is being mismanaged and Carolina still doesn’t know what it has in the BYU product.
Should the Panthers be picking in the top-five, it gives them an exceptional chance to finally find the franchise left tackle they’ve been looking for since Jordan Gross retired.
Someone like Alabama‘s commanding blindside protector Evan Neal could be available at this spot, which would be a dream come true if Carolina holds firm and cannot find the right sort of offer to trade down.
Neal is a mammoth presence that has the size, length, and technique to become a real force at the next level. The Panthers shouldn’t overthink it if the left tackle is there, but there are some other intriguing options also worthy of consideration.
Carolina Panthers select a game-changing defender
The Carolina Panthers have spent a lot of draft capital on improving their defense since Matt Rhule took charge. This has seen Phil Snow’s unit progress considerably overall this season, even if a few cracks reared their ugly head before the bye and during the team’s dismal loss against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
There are some glaring needs on the offensive line and obvious uncertainty at the quarterback position that should take priority. But if the Panthers go with the best player available, then selecting a game-changing defender cannot be ruled out, either.
Carolina’s front office is big on athleticism. Something a prospect such as Kyle Hamilton has in abundance.
The Notre Dame safety looks like a potential Pro Bowler in the making, boasting a unique skill set that took the college football world by storm during his time with the Fighting Irish.
Strengthening the backend is a need for the Panthers. Especially if the coaching staff decides to move Jeremy Chinn back to the second level this offseason.
Hamilton has all the intangibles needed to have a hugely successful NFL career. Although it does seem like a luxury, if he’s still around by the time Carolina’s pick comes along, they’ll have a massive decision to make.
Would it be a shock? Given their current problems, yes.
Is it possible? Absolutely.
Carolina Panthers gamble on a QB
It’s been a comedy of errors for the Carolina Panthers when it comes to the quarterback position. Cam Newton is now back after being released in 2020, which comes after Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker proved they cannot be trusted to man the plate efficiently – something that’s cost the organization draft picks and an unbelievable amount of financial capital.
Bridgewater is getting paid $17 million by the Panthers to play for the Denver Broncos this season. They also inexplicably picked up Darnold’s fifth-year option before the campaign, which comes with a fully guaranteed $18.85 million in 2022.
Just what the future holds for Newton will be determined over the next four games. If the former NFL MVP doesn’t do enough, then gambling on a quarterback in the draft is another potential option in the top five.
This would be a risk. Carolina had the chance to take Mac Jones or Justin Fields at No. 8 overall earlier this year, opting for cornerback Jaycee Horn instead as they moved forward with Darnold.
A decision they’d probably like to have back.
The 2022 class isn’t seen to be anything like the standard of the 2021 group. Matt Corral, Malik Willis, Sam Howell, and Kenny Pickett seem like the best available, although expecting them to come in and start right away is unrealistic.
Perhaps it might be better for the Panthers to wait until 2023 when the crop could be outstanding. There is also the prospect of Carolina looking for yet another splash in the trade market given David Tepper’s influence.