Carolina Panthers make huge trade in full 7-round 2022 mock draft

Carolina Panthers select Rasheed Walker – OT (Penn State)

Whether the Carolina Panthers need another left tackle will depend on the coaching staff’s evaluation of Brady Christensen. Matt Rhule was hugely reluctant to put the BYU product at his preferred position on the blindside, citing short arms as the reason why he might be better suited to the interior.

Christensen got some meaningful reps on the edge in the absence of underperforming veteran Cam Erving down the stretch, more than holding his own against two stout defensive fronts. This does his chances of solidifying the position in 2022, but there’s no telling for sure which way Rhule will go with his eventual decision.

If the Panthers determine Christensen is a guard rather than a tackle – which is entirely possible – then acquiring another option in free agency of the NFL draft is an absolute must. And if Rasheed Walker is still around by this stage of the selection process, Carolina should not hesitate to pull the trigger.

Walker has been a real force protecting the edge for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Although he might not be considered an elite athlete, he has a wide wingspan and a broad block radius that makes him a tough proposition to get around and something the current Panthers regime values heavily.

A disappointing 2021 campaign for the most part has seen Walker’s draft stock fall. But he is well worth a flyer in this region and could end up being a steal when it’s all said and done.