Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL draft: Top 25 big board 1.0

Derek Stingley Jr. – CB (LSU)

Of course, taking a cornerback one year after acquiring Jaycee Horn is unlikely for the Carolina Panthers. But this positional group might become more of a need depending on what transpires with Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore in free agency.

Derek Stingley Jr. is a lockdown cornerback in the making who shone at LSU. His physical gifts are off the charts with speed, agility, and vision to cover in every way possible for good measure.

Stingley does need to work on his tackling at the NFL. However, there is a lot to like about his chances of putting together a highly productive career.

Andrew Booth Jr. – CB (Clemson)

There is a fine line between the top-three cornerbacks atop the draft this year. Any one of them could be the first taken, but Andrew Booth Jr. has more going for him than most after an outstanding time in college at Clemson.

Timing is the biggest and best trait of Booth’s game. He is also fluid in his movements and has the speed to go downfield with receivers easily.

Booth does need to get off blocks better and improve from a technical standpoint. A concerning injury history cannot be overlooked either despite his immense skill set.

Charles Cross – OT (Mississippi State)

As far as pass-protecting offensive tackles go, Charles Cross is right up there within the 2022 class. His footwork is exceptional and this is matched by elite technical traits that come with Day 1 starting potential at the next level.

Cross might be the most realistic option for the Panthers if the top-two tackles are off the board by the time No. 6 overall comes around. But the Mississippi State product is far from a consolation prize and has a Pro Bowl ceiling that cannot be overlooked.

If the Panthers were in a position to select Cross, it’s something they should strongly consider. One that could instantly turn around their fortunes on the blindside.