Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft: Needs shift after Week 1 of free agency

Carolina Panthers select Marquis Hayes

As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers acquired two solid veteran offensive linemen in Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett. However, some questionable players sit behind the recent additions on the depth chart, so it might be worth the organization getting themselves another protector from the college ranks with tremendous upside.

Marquis Hayes fits the bill and could go a lot higher than this due to his skill set. The Oklahoma product enjoyed a fantastic college career with the Sooners and has backed this up with a strong evaluation process so far to further enhance his stock.

What Hayes lacks in athleticism, he more than makes up from a technical standpoint. His power is extraordinary and the prospect’s ability to create holes in the run game is something the Panthers have sorely lacked during the two seasons since Trai Turner was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Considering the Panthers are looking towards implementing a downhill running attack under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, Hayes is a solid scheme fit and should be able to thrive in Carolina. Whether they’ll get the opportunity to pick up the player in this spot is another matter entirely.

Obviously, this all depends on what happens with Brady Christensen. But it’s something to monitor nonetheless.