Carolina Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: All-offense edition

Carolina Panthers select Tyler Linderbaum – C (Iowa)

Finding assistance on the offensive line is absolutely critical for the Carolina Panthers. This area of the field was a constant weak link to nobody’s surprise in 2021 and unless significant improvements are made, things are unlikely to progress in a sufficient manner next time around.

Obviously, there is a glaring need at the quarterback position given how much Sam Darnold struggled following his trade from the New York Jets. But the simple fact of the matter is no signal-caller would thrive in front of such abysmal protection.

Carolina starts off their draft by picking up the best center prospect to enter the NFL in a generation, Tyler Linderbaum was an absolute revelation throughout his time at Iowa and is a Day 1 starter with first-year Pro Bowl potential, according to most analysts.

There are very few, if any, flaws in Linderbaum’s game. He is a commanding force against the run, is quick enough to contribute to passing protection, and communicates extremely well at the line of scrimmage.

With Matt Paradis out of contract this spring and Pat Elflein’s unreliability there for all to see, this makes all the sense in the world. Linderbaum is an instant upgrade on anything the Panthers have right now and would be a problem-solver for the next decade providing he stays clear of injuries.