Projecting every 2022 draft pick before Carolina Panthers are on the clock

What could happen during the early stages of the 2022 NFL Draft before it’s time for the Carolina Panthers to go on the clock at No. 6 overall?

We are now well into the 2022 NFL Draft assessment process and the Carolina Panthers have a lot on the line this spring. Their previous two drafts have been largely successful outside of the odd rash move, but it’s absolutely essential the organization gets things right in the coming weeks after a season that brought almost no encouragement in terms of progression.

Matt Rhule is a man under the microscope. But team owner David Tepper remains confident he can turn things around and having knowledgeable figures such as Dan Morgan and Scott Fitterer in the front office is only going to assist during this crucial period of analysis where incoming college recruits are concerned.

The Panthers are picking at No. 6 overall. This is their only selection in the top-100, which only heightens the sense of urgency to make the correct call when the time comes.

There promises to be plenty of draft drama before this point. With this in mind, we took a look at what might happen before Carolina is on the clock.

Pick No. 1

Evan Neal – OT (Alabama)

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to surround quarterback Trevor Lawrence with every possible piece of assistance if they want to make the most of the best prospect to enter the league in a generation. His rookie campaign was a mixed bag, but it was a toxic situation and those in power need to find the right man to replace Urban Meyer and move the team forward.

Taking the best offensive lineman would be a smart move by the Jaguars. Judging by his efforts in 2021, that man is Evan Neal.

The former Alabama stud is a supreme blindside protector with all the size, speed, and power to make his presence felt at the next level. His athleticism is off the charts for a man this size and if Jacksonville went in this direction, nobody would be happier than Lawrence.