6 potential replacements for Panthers LB Jermaine Carter in 2022
By Dean Jones
Darrian Beavers
- 2021 team – Cincinnati Bearcats
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers have just one pick in the top-100 this year. Considering their current state, it would be extremely prudent of general manager Scott Fitterer to make some trades down in the first round and get some valuable capital to strengthen problem areas.
Obviously, that could change if an elite player falls into their laps. But the likelihood of Alabama‘s Evan Neal or Notre Dame‘s Kyle Hamilton being around when Carolina is on the clock at No. 6 appears remote at this juncture.
If the Panthers do get some Day 2 selections, then they might end up using one to acquire a linebacker of the future that could make a huge difference in the short and long term. Although he’s slipped relatively under the radar, Darrian Beavers has been an absolute revelation for the Cincinnati Bearcats en route to the program attaining a shock spot in the college football playoffs.
Beavers is fast, physical, and has no trouble operating in either 4-3 or 3-4 schemes. His intelligence is another strong trait that sets the prospect apart and this enables him to process the right running angles with devastating effect.
A former high school safety, Beavers also holds his own in coverage and is dynamic enough to generate pressure when required. He is a big-time tone setter that could end up becoming an important member of Phil Snow’s defense if the Panthers managed to get him on board.