5 draft prospects from local programs the Panthers could target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could target Justyn Ross
Although targeting a wide receiver early in the draft would be a surprise after the Carolina Panthers spent the No. 59 overall selection on Terrace Marshall Jr. last year, that does not mean this is out of the question entirely. Robby Anderson failed to live up to his new contract and now faces an uncertain future, which left D.J. Moore as the only reliable option in the passing game with Christian McCaffrey missing 10 games.
Scott Fitterer has always stated his intention to go with the best player available over need. One suspects he is also looking to trade out of the No. 6 position to get his hands on more selections with no Day 2 pick to speak of.
If this scenario comes to fruition, then it gives the Panthers more options. Even though they have never taken a player from Clemson to the pros, Justyn Ross could alter this train of thought if he slides down the draft as expected.
Ross was one of the most dynamic wide receivers anywhere in college until injury significantly derailed his progress. He hasn’t looked like the same player since, but at 6-foot-4 with every athletic attribute imaginable, someone will take a chance on the wideout at some stage.
This is a player the Panthers might gamble on providing they fill other needs first. Ross could be a star at the next level – but whether his injury problems are a thing of the past is highly debatable.