6 Senior Bowl standouts that should be on Panthers 2022 draft radar
By Dean Jones
Zion Johnson – OL (Boston College)
Getting help on the offensive line is absolutely paramount for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. A key positional group that was ignored in 2021 is obviously something that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency after a rag-tag group of underperforming veterans and mid-level draft picks failed to become a cohesive unit throughout a torrid campaign.
Even if the Panthers bring in a couple of veterans capable of making their presence felt immediately during free agency, one has to think they’ll also look for a prospect or two from a strong offensive line draft class. If this scenario comes to fruition, then Zion Johnson will be among those examined and the Boston College product displayed all the traits associated with a strong professional from start to finish at the Senior Bowl.
Johnson is a supreme interior protector who has the power and footwork to emerge as an NFL starter in no time at all. The player also spent this week honing his skills as a center, staying behind after practice, and also getting some game reps at the position with great success.
Versatility is something that the Panthers value highly in their college players. Johnson might not be under consideration at No. 6 overall, but if they decide to trade down for more assets it becomes a more likely proposition.
Must Read. 5 power RB options the Carolina Panthers should target in 2022. light
Johnson is a Day 1 starter on Carolina’s line and represents a substantial upgrade on anything they churned out in 2021. But the team has other options that they could end up with who’d be equally as effective right out of the gate.