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

Josh Whyle – TE (Cincinnati)

Tommy Tremble has made some encouraging strides during his rookie season. However, the Carolina Panthers could use another pass-catching presence at the tight end position in pursuit of becoming a more productive offense.

The Panthers are unlikely to retain Ian Thomas, which won’t be a great loss given his production and lack of targets over the last two seasons. Tremble could very well be a complete tight end by 2022 with additional involvement, but most playoff-contending NFL teams have two players at the position who can make a difference.

Carolina might take a look at someone like Josh Whyle in the mid-rounds. The Cincinnati product has soft hands, is a smooth route-runner, and has a reputation for coming up with big plays over the middle and in the red zone.

Whyle has the wingspan and frame normally associated with NFL tight ends. One thing that gets overlooked regarding his production is blocking, which is sufficient with room to grow.

Providing the player bulks up to cope with NFL defenders and improves his route tree, then someone will have a tremendous prospect on their hands. Carolina hasn’t found a long-term successor for Greg Olsen just yet, so it might have to be a committee approach rather than relying on one star to produce the goods.