Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL draft: Top 25 big board 1.0

How could the Carolina Panthers rank the latest batch of college recruits set to enter the league during the 2022 NFL Draft?

The Carolina Panthers and other teams across the league got a good chance to speak with and evaluate college hopefuls over the past few days during the NFL Scouting Combine. This is always one of the key dates on the offseason calendar, with prospects taking part in drills to boost their stock ahead of the all-important selection process.

Just what the Panthers are going to do at No. 6 overall remains to be seen, They could trade down to acquire a Day 2 pick and general manager Scott Fitterer also stated that finding an elite offensive lineman or potential franchise quarterback is high on the organization’s list of priorities.

This is a critical offseason for the Panthers. One that could see them enter the NFC South divisional title picture if they nail their upcoming moves after Tom Brady retired and Sean Payton left his position as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

Without further ado, we took a look at the top college players and put together our first top-25 draft big board of the offseason.

Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL Draft Big Board 1.0

Player No. 25

Kenny Pickett – QB (Pittsburgh)

This year’s quarterback class doesn’t have a Trevor Lawrence. Far from it, actually. But that doesn’t mean the Carolina Panthers won’t select their future signal-caller if they fail to make another big splash in free agency or the trade market.

Kenny Pickett is widely regarded as the most pro-ready player at the position and surged into first-round consideration thanks to a sensational final season at Pittsburgh. The prospect is also linked to head coach Matt Rhule, who originally got a commitment from the player during his time at Temple before he eventually opted to go in a different direction.

Pickett is a smart decision-maker that can make things happen through the air or on the ground. However, his ceiling is not expected to be that high and if the Panthers went in this direction, it’s a franchise-altering call that may not work out in the long run.