Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL draft: Top 25 big board 1.0

Nakobe Dean – LB (Georgia)

Finding a long-term successor for Luke Kuechly is another big need for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Tahir Whitehead and Jermaine Carter just didn’t work out over the last two years and those in power should address this key positional need as a matter of urgency either in free agency or the draft.

Although an offensive lineman might be the call at No. 6, Nakobe Dean looks like a premier middle linebacker at the next level thanks to high intelligence, leadership abilities, and a sideline-to-sideline presence capable of changing the course of a game.

Dean is a rare breed of athlete and is a better man. If the Panthers trade down and the former Georgia stud is still sitting there, a serious discussion needs to be had.

Jameson Williams – WR (Alabama)

Perhaps the most exciting wide receiver entering the NFL this year. Jameson Williams is a big play waiting to happen with the quickness and ball security that should make him a pro star in no time at all.

Williams was unplayable at times during his final season at Alabama, bringing in 79 receptions for 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. The Ohio State transfer averages 19.6 yards per reception and is the latest wideout from the Crimson Tide set to shine at the next level.

Anyone fortunate enough to acquire Williams will be getting explosiveness and a significant deep threat. An ACL injury doesn’t appear to have slowed him down, so expect the prospect to go in the top-15.

Kenyon Green – OG (Texas A&M)

One lineman getting relatively overlooked compared to some top prospects is Kenyon Green. The interior protector boasts experience and solid tape against college football’s best teams in the SEC and should immediately come in and make somebody’s offensive line better right out of the gate.

Green is a brute force in run support and has the footwork to make his presence felt in pass protection. He can operate either as a guard or at the tackle position if needed – versatility that is always highly sought-after by the Panthers throughout the Matt Rhule era.

There is even more scope for improvement from Green when he gets to the pros. But it is vital he ends up on a team that can properly develop his skill set.