Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL draft: Top 25 big board 1.0

Garrett Wilson – WR (Ohio State)

There is an abundance of talented wide receivers entering the league this year. Garrett Wilson is among the best prospect at the position and he did his chances no harm at all with a blistering demonstration of his athletic attributes at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Wilson is a smooth route-runner with the ball skills to match. This might not be classed as a major need for the Carolina Panthers, but that could change if Robby Anderson is traded at some stage during the offseason.

The Ohio State product has an opportunity to be the first receiver off the board. Wilson is also a candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year depending on where he ends up.

Jermaine Johnson – DE/OLB (Florida State)

Another prospect worth noting is Jermaine Johnson, a physically imposing defensive end that enjoyed a standout career with Florida State in the ACC. He is a commanding force against the run and can also generate pressure seemingly at will – traits that are always in high demand at the next level.

Johnson boasts elite footwork and is explosive to the point of attack. He is the latest in a long line of dynamic pass-rushers from the Seminoles, with the Panthers getting Brian Burns from the prestigious program in 2019.

Whether Johnson will be out of reach for the Panthers this time around is unclear. But it would be a surprise if he wasn’t a top-15 pick judging by the hype.

Malik Willis – QB (Liberty)

Perhaps no player has done more to enhance their stock during the evaluation process so far than Malik Willis. The former Liberty quarterback is riding on the crest of a wave following dominant displays at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Cobine, with many now predicting him to be the first signal-caller to go off the board.

The Carolina Panthers would be betting on Willis’ upside if they went in this direction. It’s unlikely he’d be able to adjust quickly enough to be a Day 1 starter, but his elite arm strength and dual-threat ability are all the rage in today’s NFL and this could see a team gamble on the player early in the first round.

Willis does have some work to do regarding decision-making, but the ceiling is extremely high and the Panthers might take a swing if he’s available.