Carolina Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: All-offense edition
By Dean Jones
Which way could the Carolina Panthers go with their 2022 NFL Draft selections if they decide to firmly focus their attention on the offense?
We are now firmly focused on an offseason of real importance for the Carolina Panthers. An alarming series of results following the team’s 3-0 start came with some severe pressure coming Matt Rhule’s way, but owner David Tepper is giving him a chance to turn things around in the third year of his lucrative deal.
Getting recruitment right in free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft is essential. There is no more leeway for rash decisions at key positions. Otherwise, it might end up costing Rhule his job when it’s all said and done.
The Panthers don’t have much in the way of spare funds right now. They are also without a Day 2 pick in the draft following trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson, which doesn’t exactly help their cause.
Using the Pro Football Focus mock machine, we took a look at which way the Panthers could go with their selections if they decided to utilize every pick to improve the struggling offense.
Round No. 1 (Trade)
Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 6
If Evan Neal comes off the board as expected by the time Carolina is on the clock, then it might be worth exploring the possibility of a trade down. Getting additional draft capital at some stage seems like a given considering the Panthers don’t have any second or third-round picks currently, which is something general manager Scott Fitterer will no doubt look to address before or during the selection process.
In this scenario, the Panthers strike a deal with the Baltimore Ravens, getting two extra selections in the top-100. This enabled the AFC North team to surge up the board and select Kyle Hamilton, leaving Carolina will multiple options that could significantly benefit their team.