Could Ahmad Gardner be a shock pick for the Carolina Panthers?

How likely is it that the Carolina Panthers select cornerback Ahmad Gardner at No. 6 overall despite some clear needs elsewhere?

There is plenty of speculation about just what the Carolina Panthers are going to do at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. An obvious need to solidify the offensive line and landing a future quarterback could become the team’s top priorities this offseason, which would be extremely welcome given the problems suffered over the last two years within these key positional groups.

The Panthers have almost no margin for error with one draft pick in the top-100. Although trading down is something general manager Scott Fitterer might consider providing they get a suitable offer that gives the organization a little more breathing space.

However, there is also a slight chance Carolina doesn’t even have a first-rounder if reports about another big splash for a veteran quarterback come to fruition.

That appears unlikely considering the current state of the franchise. It’s hard to imagine Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, or Deshaun Watson signing off on such a trade, which is another complication that cannot be overlooked and something those in power should take into account when debating what their next move should be.

The offense seems to be the primary focus after the Panthers invested so much on the defensive side of the football since Matt Rhule became head coach. But a recent mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay sparked some significant debate about whether another elite playmaker on defense could be considered.

Although McShay stated Carolina was his most difficult decision, the draft analyst tipped the Panthers to select Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, the exceptional cornerback prospect from the Cincinnati Bearcats. This would come just one year after the team took Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina at No. 8 overall, who looked like a shutdown player in the making before breaking his foot in Week 3 at the Houston Texans.

Ahmad Gardner would be a controversial pick by the Carolina Panthers

Now, this would be an incredibly controversial pick.

One that has nothing to do with the immense potential Gardner has.

Gardner is a potentially elite prospect who played a leading role behind Cincinnati achieving a shocking place in the college football playoffs. His athleticism is off the charts and this is matched by outstanding instincts and a fierce will that inspires others around him.

There is every chance Gardner is going to be a top pro. If the Panthers end up losing both Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson in free agency, then adding another corner at some stage would be beneficial.

However, if the Panthers pass up on a premier offensive lineman such as Charles Cross, Tyler Linderbaum, or Ikem Ekwonu in favor of Gardner – especially if the right free agents aren’t acquired – then it would cast even more doubt on the current regime and the team’s chances in 2022.

Carolina’s defense made some encouraging strides last season overall. Even if they weren’t assisted whatsoever by an offensive gameplan that lacked any sort of conviction once running back Christian McCaffrey went to the sidelines.

It’s all just a guessing game right now. And the Panthers could strengthen their protection with free agents that could make taking Gardner or a game-changing safety such as Kyle Hamilton more realistic.

But as of right now, it would be the wrong call to make.