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

Carolina Panthers select D’Marco Jackson

Getting better at linebacker is another option for the Carolina Panthers to consider during the draft. Jermaine Carter might not be back after failing to reach the required standard in 2021 and if he doesn’t come back in free agency, a replacement on the depth chart needs to be found at the earliest possible opportunity.

Switching Shaq Thompson to the interior and putting Jeremy Chinn on the outside is an option. There is also the situation regarding Haason Reddick to consider after Frankie Luvu got a deserved extension recently.

He might not have the blue-chip tag, but D’Marco Jackson is a player worth considering at this stage of the draft. His size and athleticism make the linebacker an intriguing development project that could emerge as a potential starting option with additional work, but expecting him to come in on Day 1 and acquire significant responsibilities might be pushing things a little.

Jackson needs to bulk up upon arriving in the pros. The Appalachian State product also need to progress his tackling and pass-rushing moves to get the most out of what appears to be a very exciting set of physical attributes.

This is dependent on the Panthers coming up with an immediate solution to what’s become an ongoing dilemma ever since Luke Kuechly retired. If they can, then Jackson could be a nice pickup with high upside.