Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL draft: Top 25 big board 1.0

Aidan Hutchinson – DE (Michigan)

There is plenty of hype surrounding Aidan Hutchinson, and with good reason. The defensive end conquered almost everyone in his path last season with 14 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss en route to the player finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Hutchinson has a relentless motor and overawes his opposition with brute force and quickness. There aren’t many sure things in the draft, but the edge rusher is as close as it possibly gets.

The Carolina Panthers might not have the opportunity to select Hutchinson, who could stay in Michigan by becoming the Detroit Lions’ pick at second overall. If he is around, then he’d almost certainly be the best player available.

Evan Neal – OT (Alabama)

Consdered by many to be a lock for the No. 1 overall selection, Evan Neal is a gifted blindside protector with all the size, power, length, and athleticism to become an absolute star at the next level. His production for Alabama in 2021 was superb and if the lineman nails his pro day, then the Jacksonville Jaguars would have a hard time passing him up.

The Carolina Panthers would need to get extremely lucky to have a shot at Neal. But with the aforementioned momentum of Ikem Ekwonu, it is not without a slight chance.

Neal would become an instant starter at a position of need for the Panthers. His mobility defies a man this size and there are very few flaws that need work in the pros.

Kyle Hamilton – S (Notre Dame)

Positional importance might dictate that Kyle Hamilton won’t be the first player taken. But it’s hard to look at his overall skills and not think he isn’t the best prospect coming out of the college ranks in 2022.

Hamilton is a game-changing safety that can impact proceedings all over the field. He has a natural instinct for being around the football consistently and the player’s accomplished coverage traits are going to make one NFL team very lucky indeed.

A potential partnership of Hamilton and Jeremy Chinn on the backend would be unbelievable for the Carolina Panthers. However, it’s unlikely the Notre Dame product makes it past the New York Jets at No. 4 overall.