5 mid-round steals the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022

Carolina Panthers could steal Tyquan Thornton

Tyquan Thornton posted a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. What makes this all the more remarkable is that the wide receiver stands at 6-foot-3.

Thornton has a wide catch radius, but at just 181 pounds, there are questions about whether or not he can stick in the NFL. Nobody will know more about this than Matt Rhule, who worked with the prospect during their time together at Baylor.

He has small but very good hands and tends to catch the ball away from his body. A good practice for any receiver.

On tape, Thornton’s instincts jump out and you notice how much separation he’s able to create using his speed. He isn’t just a deep threat but that might end up being his role in the NFL if the wideout does end up struggling against the bigger cornerbacks at the next level like many expect him to.

Thornton is a tough player to gauge and if he wasn’t as thin as he is, you could probably bet on him being at least a second-rounder. Unfortunately, guys with his frame don’t tend to stick but with this sort of blazing speed to call upon, that’s something you can take a chance on with a mid-round pick.

Rhule also likes to surround himself with players he’s previously worked with. So this selection cannot be dismissed entirely if other needs are addressed first.