Carolina Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Pre-Combine edition

Carolina Panthers select Kerby Joseph

Just what the Carolina Panthers are going to do with Jeremy Chinn could dictate just how big a priority finding additional quality at safety is this offseason. The second-year-pro performed well on the backend en route to another 100-tackle campaign, but there is also a possibility he reverts back to an outside linebacker long-term after a standout rookie campaign at the second level in 2020.

If Phil Snow opts to go down this route, then finding safety help becomes a major need. Especially as Juston Burris and Sean Chandler are set to hit the free-agent market unless they are extended beforehand.

Even if they don’t move Chinn, this is a deep draft class to find a partner for the Southern Illinois product and Kerby Joseph is a diamond in the rough that has the potential to make an instant impact at the next level.

Joseph is a ballhawk that saw his draft stock go through the roof thanks to a standout final season at Illinois. His football IQ is off the charts and he has a talent for being around the football consistently either in coverage or against the run – an area of play where the defensive back thrives.

There was a lot to like about the impression Joseph made at the Senior Bowl. Another solid week at the NFL Scouting Combine could see the player go much higher than this.