Trades aplenty in full 7-round Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers pick No. 71
Rasheed Walker – OT (Penn State)
As previously stated, the Carolina Panthers need reinforcements on the offensive line. This bears special significance at the left tackle spot, which has lacked any sort of consistency ever since Jordan Gross retired following the 2013 season.
That’s a long time to be without solid blindside play.
Russell Okung wasn’t brought back this offseason as the Panthers moved forward with Cam Erving. The underperforming veteran got a two-year deal on the first day of free agency, which was a questionable call at the time and something that’s come with the same inconsistent production from a player who is failing to live up to being a first-round selection.
Someone like Rasheed Walker makes a lot of sense here. The Penn State prospect was seen by many as a first-round pick prior to the campaign and there is a lot to suggest he might become a Day 1 starter with a high NFL ceiling.
Walker is fluid in his movements at the line of scrimmage. His hand placement is also top-notch and the player’s footwork is right where it needs to be – which is another thing working in his favor.
Carolina should seek the opinion of Yetur Gross-Matos during the assessment process, who was a former teammate of Walker’s with the Nittany Lions and could have some crucial information about his talent and overall character in the locker room.