Who were the NFL Draft prospects that stood out in positions of need for the Carolina Panthers during Day 1 of 2022 Senior Bowl practice?
All eyes are officially on Mobile, Alabama once again as incoming college recruits look to improve their stock at the 2022 Senior Bowl. Although the Carolina Panthers are not coaching in this year’s showcase, a strong representation from the franchise is in attendance to run the rule over some prospects of interest ahead of the all-important draft weekend.
The Panthers are currently without a Day 2 pick this spring after trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson. This complicates things in terms of recruitment with little salary-cap space available, but they do hold the No. 6 overall selection which gives those in power multiple options depending on how the board plays out.
Carolina also has a number of needs, although one or two might be filled during free agency providing the Panthers can free up additional funds through early releases and contract restructures.
Without further ado, here are five studs from Day 1 of 2022 Senior Bowl practice that the Panthers should monitor moving forward.
Prospects the Carolina Panthers should monitor after Senior Bowl practice Day 1
Stud No. 1
Zion Johnson – OG (Boston College)
It was a strong start to the Senior Bowl for Zion Johnson. The Boston College offensive lineman looked the part during individual drills according to reports and brought this momentum into the team portion of practice to further enhance his credentials.
Johnson is a borderline first-round prospect. Even if he isn’t taken in the top-32, it won’t be long before he hears his name called on Day 2 thanks to a supreme combination of size, power, and athleticism.
This also happens to be a real position of need for the Carolina Panthers. But whether they’re in a position to select Johnson with no second-round pick currently is another matter.