7 prospects on defense for Panthers to watch at 2022 Scouting Combine
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should watch Travis Jones
After a standout effort at the 2022 Senior Bowl, Travis Jones will look to enhance his draft stock even further at the NFL Scouting Combine. The defensive tackle is a brute force on the interior who has all the intangibles needed to make a real go of things at the level, with his presence against the run something the Carolina Panthers could certainly do with after struggling in this area once again last season.
Jones is a nose tackle with supreme physicality. He is explosive to the point of attack, is a difficult proposition to shift off the block, and has NFL-ready hand placement that will go down extremely well with teams looking for an instant difference-maker.
There is some refinement needed in certain key areas if Jones wants to maximize his potential. The Connecticut product needs to work on improving his production in the face of double-teams and isn’t the best when it comes to pass-rushing, which could lead to him becoming a two-down player in the pros if things don’t improve.
It’s hard to gauge just where the ceiling is for Jones right now. That might change as the evaluation stage progresses, but he might be available for the Panthers in the fourth round should they target him as a prospect of interest.
Putting Jones next to Derrick Brown long-term has potential. But if DaQuan Jones gets an extension, this pick appears to be a non-starter due to the presence of Bravvion Roy and Daviyon Nixon.