4 prospects the Panthers could draft at No. 6 not named Evan Neal

Tyler Linderbaum  – C (Iowa)

This is the logical pick for many. While a tackle could be seen as a priority, we’ve seen enough from Brady Christensen to suggest he has enough to start on the blindside at the pro level and is deserving of an opportunity, at the very least.

Tyler Linderbaum, who was the 2021 Rimmington Trophy winner given to the best center in college football, would be an immediate upgrade at the position. Matt Paradis won’t be back after a torn ACL curtailed his stint with the Carolina Panthers and while Pat Elflein – a previous winner of the award at Ohio State – was serviceable at times, he isn’t the long term answer at the position.

In a recent mock draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper, he had Linderbaum taken at No. 14 by the Baltimore Ravens, and this is something that could be beneficial for Scott Fitterer and his team. With no Day 2 picks, it could allow the Panthers to potentially trade back for additional selections and still draft a starter with instant Pro Bowl potential that the Iowa product clearly possesses.

Christensen demonstrated enough over the final three games of the season to show that at least for next season, he’s more than competent enough for Carolina to potentially skip on someone like Charles Cross out of Mississippi State.

However, Elflein’s inconsistencies and the clear upside Linderbaum brings to the table make this a realistic option for the Panthers and one they will undoubtedly consider.