8 prospects surging up Panthers draft board after the 2022 Combine
By Dean Jones
Kellen Diesch – OT (Arizona State)
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers are in dire need of substantial upgrades on their protection. Unless this gets resolved, then there is not much anyone under center will be able to do in pursuit of improving the team’s fortunes in 2022.
Hopefully, one of the top linemen will be available at No. 6 overall. But this is a deep draft class that the Panthers could take advantage of further down the pecking order.
One of the more intriguing prospects generating momentum at the perfect time came away from the NFL Scouting Combine with a large amount of credit. Kellen Diesch enjoyed a phenomenal 2021 season with Arizona State and the left tackle put on a real show in front of evaluators from start to finish at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Diesch ran a 4.92-second 40-yard dash and his movement skills already look NFL-ready. The blindside protector is also a sound technician, which is always something teams across the league covet either for starting jobs or as part of the rotation.
If Diesch can bulk up a little in the pro ranks and improve his run blocking, someone could have a real steal on their hands. If the Panthers can get him in the fourth round, they should jump at the chance.