Carolina Panthers full 7-round 2022 mock draft after CFP semi-finals

Tyler Linderbaum – C (Iowa)

It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers need a complete makeover on their offensive line. This group was not expected to do all that much before competitive action began, but they’ve not even managed to reach what was an extremely low bar, to begin with.

Outside of right tackle Taylor Moton, there is no guaranteed starter next year. That’s why the Panthers might avoid the temptation of taking a quarterback prospect and build up the trenches instead.

If this is the direction they go down, then Tyler Linderbaum would be a tremendous pick. The Iowa center is the best player at the position coming from the college ranks this year by a considerable margin and would be an instant upgrade on Matt Paradis, who is out of contract this spring.

Linderbaum is physical, has exceptional footwork, and communicates well at the line of scrimmage. He enters the next level with an All-Pro ceiling and if the Panthers took the player, it’s a position they wouldn’t have to worry about for the next decade.

There aren’t many sure things when it comes to the draft. However, Linderbaum is the exception to this rule and could even go higher than mid-round if his evaluation process goes as expected.

The quarterback problems are obvious. But until the Panthers solidify their protection, it doesn’t matter who is under center.