5 draft prospects from local programs the Panthers could target in 2022

Carolina Panthers could target Isaiah Likely

Finding a long-term successor to Greg Olsen has been a challenge for the Carolina Panthers since the veteran Pro Bowler departed in 2020 free agency for the Seattle Seahawks and is now in contention to be FOX Sports’ prime analyst with Troy Aikman agreeing on a landmark deal with ESPN.

Ian Thomas is coming back, which could help. But asking Tommy Tremble to become the complete package with just one season of experience could be too much at this juncture.

It’s therefore essential that Carolina finds a game-changing tight end in the passing game and if they strike out in free agency, then a prospect such as Isaiah Likely could come under consideration.

Likely was one of the biggest beneficiaries of having Grayson McCall under center at Coastal Carolina. His athleticism and ball skills are off the charts, which resulted in 59 receptions for 912 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns during his final year in college.

There are some concerns about Likely’s blocking ability. But the Panthers have Tremble and Thomas for that and it’s hard to look at the prospect’s skill set and not think he wouldn’t be a major asset for Ben McAdoo during his first season as Panthers offensive coordinator.

There is a high chance Likely will be long gone by the time Carolina picks early in Round 4. So either moving up or acquiring more assets by trading down could be worth its weight in gold.