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

Carolina Panthers select Kevin Austin Jr. – WR (Notre Dame)

Adding to the wide receiver room might not be a major need. Although outside of D.J. Moore, production wasn’t exactly up to the required standard.

Robby Anderson regressed with Sam Darnold under center, Brandon Zylstra was underused, and there was almost no involvement from either Terrace Marshall Jr. or Shi Smith to further complicate matters.

Much will depend on how the rookie duo progress ahead of their second season in a professional environment. Acquiring a reliable presence in free agency is another option providing the finances work for all parties.

If the Carolina Panthers want to get someone in via the draft – something they did twice last time around – then Kevin Austin Jr. represents an eye-catching prospect that might be available in the later rounds.

Austin is coming off a career season with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he brought in 48 receptions for 888 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He has a tremendous nous for getting open and also possesses the speed to make a difference on deep routes when needed.

There is a potential problem when it comes to his catch reliability. But the Panthers wouldn’t need Austin to come in and make an immediate impact – rather develop with a view to gaining targets as the season goes on.