7 pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers drafting Carson Strong in 2022
By Brian Emory
Draft stock flexibility
This is a bit more speculatory-based, but currently, it is difficult to find mock drafts that have Carson Strong projected to go in the first round.
A lot can change, obviously. Players always rise and fall throughout the pre-draft process, and all it takes is one team to fall in love with a prospect for that player to hear their name called earlier than anticipated.
If Strong doesn’t see a significant ascent, he could wind up being a Day 2 choice. The problem for the Carolina Panthers is they currently don’t possess a second or third-round pick.
However, general manager Scott Fitterer has already displayed an affinity for trading down to accumulate more assets. Plenty of fans and draft experts alike are already speculating that Carolina could look to move down from their first pick.
If the Panthers get their hands on a second-rounder, using one on Strong could be a decent option. The fanbase is roaring for upgrades to the quarterback room, so it would satisfy that vocal majority while also not signaling a serious commitment to one passer.
Typically, if you draft a quarterback in the first round you’re going to spend at least a year or two building around that player to properly evaluate the return on your investment. Prospects chosen on Day 2 or later usually don’t represent as serious of a commitment.
If Strong is able to show the potential that he can be a quarterback worth building around, great. If he doesn’t pan out, it’s not like you invested too much into him in the first place.
Strong is as tempting of a Day 2 prospect as they come, and I still wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up being a first-round choice. If Carolina could move down in the draft and obtain his services a bit later, this could allow the team to attack the offensive line earlier in the draft.