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.
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.
Carolina Panthers select Bernhard Raimann – OT (Central Michigan)
Acquiring a second-round selection gives the Carolina Panthers plenty of options. They could select a promising young quarterback, a game-changing defender, or bolster an offensive line that’s been ignored for far too long.
In this scenario, the Panthers pick up another option on their protection that might end up being a Day 1 starter on the edge. Bernhard Raimann fits the mold of what Carolina’s current regime values in a tackle – a long, athletic prospect that boasts a supreme level of consistency that cannot be ignored.
There is a slight concern regarding the standard of competition Raimann faced during his time at Central Michigan. But his dominance in 2021 saw his draft stock go through the roof and he is a name to watch closely during the evaluation process.
Whether it’s in pass protection or establishing running lanes, Raimann can do it all. Not bad considering he arrived in the United States as a foreign exchange student from Austria to embark on his football journey.
Not only is Raimann imposing to look at, but he also has the strength, footwork, and speed to match. He gave up one sack, three quarterback hits, and six hurries from 895 snaps in 2021 en route to an exceptional 94.6 grade from Pro Football Focus, which is a sign of exceptional growth in no uncertain terms.
There is a chance Raimann goes much higher. However, if he is still around at this stage, the Panthers should not hesitate.
Carolina Panthers select Jamaree Salyer – OL (Georgia)
This would be another shrewd move that could sure up the protection. Something the Carolina Panthers desperately need after another five-win season that brought little in the way of progress.
Jamaree Salyer remains a coveted prospect who did his chances of success no harm at all following a standout campaign with Georgia. The offensive lineman manned the blindside extremely well throughout the season, giving up just one sack, one quarterback hit, and two hurries from 579 snaps as the Bulldogs clinched a sensational national championship.
While Salyer might not have the hype of someone like Evan Neal, the tape he put together against Alabama’s phenomenal edge rusher Will Anderson is sure to make NFL scouts sit up and take notice.
There is some debate about where Salyer is best suited once he gets to the pros. Although his product at left tackle was hugely impressive, some analysts suggest the player might be better on the interior thanks to his sturdy frame and power at the point of attack.
In this situation, the Panthers could slot Salyer at guard alongside Raimann, with Linderbaum working as the new center. Brady Christensen could switch to right tackle and Taylor Moton remains on the edge at right tackle.
This could be the answer Carolina has been looking for. A young, hungry offensive line that has the potential to easily make their presence felt in no time at all.
Carolina Panthers select Bailey Zappe – QB (Western Kentucky)
It’s pretty apparent that Sam Darnold is not the long-term quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. His production and the same problems that blighted his time on the New York Jets mean the gamble to bring him on board backfired in a big way.
Another thing complicating the Panthers’ offseason is the fact they picked up Darnold’s fifth-year option without getting a chance to fully evaluate him in person. With a guaranteed $18.85 million coming the player’s way in 2022, Carolina might be stuck with the USC product given no team will take on this sort of contract given his lack of production.
Perhaps finding someone to develop from the college ranks is a smart route to go down. Bailey Zappe is coming off a sensational year at Western Kentucky and although the standard of competition wasn’t exactly stellar, the signal-caller’s upside means he’ll be one to watch closely throughout the evaluation process.
Zappe will get the chance to bolster his stock at the 2022 Senior Bowl, which is going to be pivotal in terms of how NFL scouts perceive the prospect. The Panthers should take a keen look at the quarterback, who threw for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns last season.
There are some question marks surrounding Zappe, but considering Darnold is likely to be under center, the Panthers wouldn’t need any miracles from him right away.
If it doesn’t work out or Zappe cannot make the necessary improvements, then they can focus their attention elsewhere in 2023 and give the player a little more time.
Carolina Panthers select Cole Turner – TE (Nevada)
The Carolina Panthers still have high hopes for Tommy Tremble, their third-round pick out of Notre Dame who flashed real promise during his rookie season. New offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo must find a way to get the tight end more involved next time around, but it might be worth the organization getting another exciting pass-catching prospect from the college ranks with Ian Thomas out of contract.
Carolina has missed the reliable production of Greg Olsen after the Pro Bowler left in free agency before the 2020 season. Considering their needs elsewhere, the Panthers might have to wait until a little later on in the draft and if this scenario comes to fruition, then Cole Turner is someone to monitor.
Turner converted from a wide receiver to the tight end position in 2020 and thrived in his new role. His is a big-bodied, athletic presence across the middle or in the red zone, which is reflected by the 10 touchdowns he attained during the previous campaign.
Again, someone like Turner could enhance their stock at the Senior Bowl in the face of sterner competition. But there is a lot to like about his particular set of skills making a smooth transition to the next level.
Blocking efficiently seems to be the biggest worry regarding Turner, who will also need to bulk up somewhat to cope with the NFL. However, there is a lot to work with and he could be a shrewd addition in the mid-rounds.
Carolina Panthers select Pierre Strong Jr. – RB (South Dakota State)
Christian McCaffrey’s frustrating season ravaged by injuries – his second in succession – was a leading catalyst behind the Carolina Panthers struggling throughout the campaign. There was simply no real Plan B without the All-Pro taking up the majority of touches, so taking the pressure off and maximizing his production while keeping him healthy is of paramount importance moving forward.
Chuba Hubbard and Ameer Abdullah flashed in McCaffrey’s absence. But it might be worth the team taking another prospect during the draft that might give them another option to call upon when needed.
If this is something the organization ends up doing, then Pierre Strong Jr. might be worth a gamble at this stage of the selection process. The running back enjoyed a phenomenal 2021 season at South Dakota State with 1,489 rushing and 16 touchdowns, with his power running style exactly what Carolina is looking for right now.
Strong is also a quality receiver out of the backfield, even if this wasn’t utilized all that much. There is also the small matter of a lack of high-quality opposition in college, which is another potential red flag regarding the player.
However, if Strong can build on his positive recent momentum, then he’s sure to hear his name called at some stage. And from the Panthers’ perspective, bringing Strong in for short-yardage situations could make a massive difference.
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.
Carolina Panthers select Josh Rivas – OL (Kansas State)
Rounding off the draft with another offensive lineman would also help considering the Carolina Panthers have some real issues in terms of depth across the board. Starting so many different combinations in 2021 was a damning indictment of this and something that those in power have to address as a matter of urgency this offseason.
Finding gems in the later rounds has been a core component of Scott Fitterer’s achievements in the NFL both with the Seattle Seahawks and in his first year as general manager. If someone with the enticing skills and experience of Josh Rivas is still available by this point, it represents a low-risk, high-reward pick-up by the Panthers.
Rivas has an aggressive blocking style that’s really stood out during his time at Kansas State. His length is a real asset when it comes to pass protection and the player’s footwork is also something working in his favor ahead of the all-important assessment process.
As is the case with prospects taken at this stage of the draft, Rivas does have some flaws. Most notably when it comes to movement and consistency dealing with speedier pass-rushers on the edge or interior.
Rivas couldn’t be classed as a Day 1 starter by any stretch. But he could end up being a nice depth piece in the very near future providing his transition is a smooth one.