5 draft prospects the Carolina Panthers could reach for at No. 6

Which incoming college prospects could the Carolina Panthers potentially reach for at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft?

Now that the NFL Scouting Combine has come to a conclusion, speculation is turning up a notch regarding the Carolina Panthers and what they are going to do at No. 6 overall. The team has some enticing options available if they stand pat in the top-10, but general manager Scott Fitterer would also be wise to look for a shift down the board and possibly acquire a Day 2 selection given up during the Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson trades.

Finding a suitor will be tough with the questions surrounding the standard of quarterbacks coming out of college this year. The Panthers might also take this opportunity to select an instant difference-maker in a problem positional group.

Things will become clearer after free agency, where the Panthers could be bigger players after clearing $11 million in cap space by restructuring Taylor Moton’s contract. But convincing the right players to join the organization with the uncertainty of Matt Rhule’s future is the biggest stumbling block.

Without further ado, here are five prospects that the Panthers could reach for at No. 6 overall if they don’t end up trading down.

Prospect No. 1

Carolina Panthers could reach for Trevor Penning

Trevor Penning caused a stir at the 2022 Senior Bowl with a ruthless approach to practice that threatened to spill over on occasions. This has boosted his draft stock in the weirdest possible way and according to one general manager, they would be surprised if the Northern Iowa product made it past the Carolina Panthers at No. 6 overall.

This could be a major reach. For all Penning’s qualities, his high body makes him susceptible to speed rushers and there is a holding issue that could cause severe complications at the next level.

Gambling on Penning so high in the draft is a franchise-altering call. One the Panthers should approach with extreme caution.