Why Evan Neal poses a draft dilemma for the Carolina Panthers

Evan Neal poses a dilemma for the Carolina Panthers early in the 2022 NFL Draft if Alabama’s stud left tackle is still available.

Focusing on the future is something Carolina Panthers fans have been doing for some time now. Another campaign that promised much but failed to deliver is almost at an end, with the pressure well and truly on the franchise to get their personnel decisions right if they decide to keep faith with head coach Matt Rhule as expected.

Just how the Panthers are going to approach this with $28.3 million in salary-cap space and no Day 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is uncertain. But that’s what you get for trying to speed up a rebuilding process after getting delusions of grandeur following a 3-0 start.

Carolina also has a number of key players out of contract, which will only hinder their plans further in terms of recruitment. That’s without looking at a complete offensive line makeover and the constant complications emerging from poor evaluation at the quarterback spot.

The Panthers look set for another high-end draft pick this spring. One that could pose a significant dilemma if one prospect, in particular, is somehow still on the board.

After another dominant display in the college football playoff semi-final against Cincinnati, Evan Neal‘s draft stock has officially gone through the roof.

Alabama‘s imposing left tackle is sure to be one of the first names called providing everything checks out as expected during the evaluation process. If he was somehow still around by the time Carolina came on the clock, it would leave them with a massive decision to make.

Evan Neal could be a problem-solver for the Carolina Panthers.

The left tackle spot has been a constant source of frustration ever since Jordan Gross hung up his cleats. Carolina’s decision to sign Cam Erving to man the blindside was the disaster everyone anticipated and even though rookie Brady Christensen’s shown promise over the last two games, the jury is still out as to whether he is capable of filling the void long-term.

Christensen’s short arms were to blame for Rhule staying with Erving. It was also the reason why Rashawn Slater – a potential All-Pro as a rookie with the Los Angeles Chargers – was completely ignored at No. 8 overall in 2021.

One suspects Neal’s availability would be a pause for thought. But general manager Scott Fitterer will also want to acquire more draft capital by potentially trading down from a prominent position.

It might be that Christensen gets the nod. But prospects like Neal don’t come around every year and using their only pick in the top-100 to secure his services could solidify a pivotal position for the next decade.

Obviously, it’s a fine line. And the Panthers might not even have the chance to select Neal judging by his ever-growing hype.

However, those in power would need to be extremely confident in Christensen’s ability to pass up such an opportunity – which they haven’t appeared to be throughout the campaign.

Neal is an absolute stud. He’ll get one more big audition against Georgia in the National Championship game and if he passes with flying colors once again, it’ll take a brave team atop the draft to look at alternative options.

For Carolina, it’s a wait-and-see scenario and making sure they react accordingly.