5 Panthers draft picks who must reach their potential in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers draft picks must start living up to their potential as the team looks to get themselves back on track in 2022?
Building through the NFL Draft is the hallmark of every great franchise. This is the cheapest and most reliable option when it comes to forming a contender, although the Los Angeles Rams are proving that sacrificing capital for proven veterans can also work providing the right recruits are found.
The Carolina Panthers tried to do the same to a lesser degree with trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson, leaving them with no Day 2 pick in 2022. This hasn’t come with the same desired effect and there are now significant doubts surrounding the direction of the organization under the current regime – especially as head coach Matt Rhule gets the final say on personnel decisions.
Some draft picks don’t work out, that is just the nature of the beast. But the Panthers have made some shrewd moves that should serve them well in the coming years providing problem positions are strengthened this offseason.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers draft picks that must realize their potential in 2022.
Player No. 1
Troy Pride Jr. – Carolina Panthers CB
It might be a little harsh for Troy Pride Jr. to end up on this list. But the cornerback missing an entire season through injury means his status on the roster is far from guaranteed.
The NFL waits for no man. Pride struggled as a rookie and since then Stephon Gilmore, Keith Taylor Jr., C.J. Henderson, and Jaycee Horn have all been acquired to turn the cornerback unit into one of strength providing the All-Pro and the Carolina Panthers work out an extension.
This will make things difficult for the Notre Dame product, who needs to hit the ground running when physically able to do so. Otherwise, Pride will be on the outside looking in.