5 prospects with Matt Rhule links that the Panthers could draft in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could draft Jalen Pitre – S
The Carolina Panthers might not be on the lookout for any secondary help this offseason. But that could change in an instant if Stephon Gilmore, Juston Burris, and Donte Jackson don’t come back before free agency.
Even if one departs, it would be worth the Panthers bringing in another exciting recruit from the college ranks to bolster an area of the field that could be set for big things once Jaycee Horn returns from injury and Jeremy Chinn continues to progress. Matt Rhule will know more than most what Jalen Pitre brings to the table and he is a player to monitor closely throughout the evaluation process.
Pitre was a model of consistency with the Baylor Bears in 2021 en route to an eye-catching 86.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. The safety is versatile, is exceptional against the run, and more than holds his own in coverage for good measure.
Another thing that Pitre has going for him is tremendous instincts to be around the football prominently. He is the sort of hybrid player that Rhule clearly loves and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world to see the head coach keep a keen eye on the player in the coming weeks.
The Panthers don’t have a Day 2 draft picks right now, which is exactly where Pitre is expected to go. However, general manager Scott Fitterer did plenty of deals in 2021 and might do the same again this time around.