Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Major trade brings options

Carolina Panthers select Sean Rhyan

Scott Fitterer has made it clear this offseason that the offensive line is one of, if not, the top priorities for areas of improvement. In this scenario, while the Carolina Panthers didn’t take a premier offensive lineman with their first selection of the draft, they’re able to acquire a potential first-round talent across the protection with their newly-acquired second-round pick.

Sean Rhyan is an underrated offensive lineman in this year’s draft class. Despite playing left tackle during his time with UCLA, his lack of length may slide cause him over to guard at the next level.

Rhyan is the type of player you draft in case you miss out on Ikem Ekwonu, a projected top-five pick. For someone his size, the prospect is a smooth athlete with great flexibility, quickness, body control, and footspeed. He’s also shown good ability in his pass sets and displays plenty of power at the point of attack.

Despite his lack of length for a prototypical starting offensive tackle, Rhyan has shown to hold his own against long and powerful pass rushers. This would allow for versatility along the left side of the Panthers’ offensive line that could feature Brady Christensen as a starter at either guard or tackle.