Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL draft: Top 25 big board 1.0
By Dean Jones
. . AHMAD 'SAUCE' GARDNER. 12. player. 830.
Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner – CB (Cincinnati)
After an incredible college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats, Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner is a cornerback that enters the league with shutdown capabilities. Some analysts even have the Carolina Panthers taking him at No. 6 overall despite their decision to select Jaycee Horn in the first round last year.
Gardner is an elite athlete who thrives in man coverage. His college statistics are absolutely phenomenal and there is a swagger to the player’s production that is hard not to love.
Although it would be highly unlikely for the Panthers to take a defender right now, that could change depending on which players come on board in free agency.
. . DAVID OJABO. 11. player. 811.
David Ojabo – DE/OLB (Michigan)
One of the main reasons why the Michigan Wolverines made the college football playoffs was their ability to generate pressure. David Ojabo was a significant part of this and even though he’s playing second-fiddle to former teammate Aidan Hutchinson during the evaluation process, that doesn’t detract from what an outstanding prospect he is.
Ojabo gained 11 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season. He might be a little inexperienced with just one full college campaign under his belt, but the ceiling could not be higher thanks to an outstanding set of physical traits.
Expect Ojabo to go anywhere between picks 8-15. And make no mistake, the defensive end is well worth this sort of commitment.
. DEVIN LLOYD. 10. player. 843. .
Devin Lloyd – LB (Utah)
This is a special player. Devin Lloyd arrives in the NFL with Pro Bowl or better potential and providing he finds the right fit, has the scope to completely change the narrative for whatever defense he ends up.
Lloyd has it all. He is dominant against the run, has the speed to create havoc in pass-rushing situations, is a supreme leader at the second level, and also excels in coverage.
There is nothing h cannot do on the football field. If the Panthers want to find their heir apparent to Luke Kuechly via the draft, Lloyd should be very high on their shortlist.