5 prospects that might tempt the Panthers to go defense in Round 1
By Dean Jones
Are there any 2022 NFL Draft prospects that could tempt the Carolina Panthers to go down the defensive route once again with their first-round selection?
Although it’s hard to gauge just how the Carolina Panthers will approach their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft before free agency, there are some obvious holes that need to be filled right now. A new quarterback could be sought for the third straight offseason after Sam Darnold failed to produce consistently, with the complications on the offensive line something that cannot be overlooked if the team wants to stand any chance of making strides next season.
The stakes could not be much higher for the Panthers in 2022. Things are hanging by a thread regarding the fortunes of head coach Matt Rhule and another campaign of underachievement is going to come with pretty grave consequences.
Considering where Carolina is compared to others across the league, having just $17.86 million in cap space and one selection in the top-100 isn’t ideal. This only increases the urgency and the influence of team owner David Tepper is another component to consider when examining their potential offseason fortunes.
Without further ado, here are five draft prospects that could tempt the Panthers into improving the defense with their first-round selection.
Prospect No. 1
Carolina Panthers could draft Kayvon Thibodeaux
The chances of Kayvon Thibodeaux still being around by the time No. 6 overall comes around are remote. But stranger things have happened on draft night and if the Oregon product was sitting there, the Carolina Panthers thought process could change in an instant.
Haason Reddick and Marquis Haynes are both out of contract this offseason. The Panthers also have to pay Brian Burns megabucks at some stage over the next couple of years, so acquiring an insurance policy such as Thibodeaux is something to ponder providing the necessary reinforcements are acquired elsewhere in free agency.
Simply put, Thibodeaux has an NFL superstar written all over him. His explosiveness is off the charts and there is even a possibility he goes No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars as it stands.