Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Post-Senior Bowl edition

Carolina Panthers select Bubba Bolden – S (Miami)

With Sean Chandler and Juston Burris out of contract, this offseason would be a good time for the Carolina Panthers to bolster their safety options.

Jeremy Chinn was highly productive on the backend in 2021 after starring as an outside linebacker during his rookie year. Outside of perhaps Myles Hartsfield and Kenny Robinson, there is no real consistent presence on the depth chart if Burris eventually departs.

Getting a proven veteran in free agency should be explored. But acquiring a talented prospect at some stage of the draft is also important.

If the Panthers decide to wait until the later rounds, then Bubba Bolden represents a player that seems to fit the mold of what Carolina has been building on defense. Although there are some flaws, the Miami product has agility, vision, and is a ferocious hitter that takes absolutely no prisoners whatsoever.

Bolden holds his own in coverage and anticipates things well from the safety spot. The biggest concern heading to the pros is strength, so if the prospect wants to improve his chances of success, then bulking up is an absolute necessity.

A lack of elite speed is another thing that can prove his undoing on occasions. However, Bolden is well worth a shot on Day 3 and might even force his way onto the rotation during his first season in a professional environment.