Trades aplenty in full 7-round Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers pick No. 116
Sam LaPorta – TE (Iowa)
After doing a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Carolina Panthers select a tight end that could provide more assistance in the passing game than any of their current options. Ian Thomas is out of contract and underperforming, with Tommy Tremble showing signs of quality during his rookie season so far – even if his pass-catching does need some work in the offseason.
Iowa has a history of producing NFL-ready tight ends that go on to have prolific careers. Sam LaPorta is the latest off the conveyor belt and the upside is there for all to see.
LaPorta has sufficient size at 6-foot-4 and 249 pounds to become a matchup nightmare across the middle and in the red zone. His balls skills are first-class and the player isn’t shy when it comes to assisting in pass protection to further heighten his potential influence on any given down.
After occupying a rotational role during his first two seasons with the Hawkeyes, LaPorta has come of age as the team’s starter in 2021 and currently has 46 receptions, 548 receiving yards, and two touchdowns from 13 games.
His route-running needs some refinement, but there is something there to work with. Creating separation in tight windows is the hallmark of any great player at the position and once LaPorta figures out how to do this consistently, someone is going to have exceptional talent on their hands.
A tight-end combination of LaPorta and Tremble gives the Panthers endless possibilities, whoever the quarterback or offensive coordinator may be.