Trades aplenty in full 7-round Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers pick No. 145
Isaiah Pola-Mao – S (USC)
Addressing the safety position is another key element to the Carolina Panthers’ offseason. Juston Burris and Sean Chandler are both out of contract, with the future of Jeremy Chinn on the backend also set for a discussion in the coming weeks.
Chinn is a dynamic playmaker whose instincts allow him to be around the football consistently. However, if there was one area where the player struggles, it’s in coverage, so a potential move back to outside linebacker could be considered by the coaching staff.
If the Panthers decide to go in this direction, the safety position becomes a greater priority. For now, Carolina waits until the fifth round before drafting Isaiah Pola-Mao – a player with an elite pedigree and the production to match.
Pola-Mao is the nephew of former Pittsburgh Steelers legend Troy Polamalu. If he’s looking to follow in his family member’s footsteps at the same position, the bar is incredibly high.
The prospect is currently debating whether or not to declare for the draft or stick around at USC for his senior season with Lincoln Riley at the helm. But the risks that come with staying on despite the new NIL ruling are well documented.
This is a low-risk, high-reward pickup by the Panthers. Pola-Mao is a tremendous player and a better person – which is something every successful locker room needs.