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

Carolina Panthers select Leon O’Neal Jr.

The Carolina Panthers got themselves a partner for Jeremy Chinn on the backend with the signing of Xavier Woods, who enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and should provide a spark at the safety position. However, with Juston Burris unlikely to come back after the team extended Sean Chandler, getting a development project that could help on special teams is something to consider in the later rounds.

Leon O’Neal Jr. comes with an exciting set of skills that could see the player become a productive NFL starter over time. The Texans A&M product is a reactionary safety with fantastic awareness in coverage, making quarterbacks pay for mistakes when they come.

There are some flaws in O’Neal’s game, but the Panthers wouldn’t need him to step in and make an immediate contribution given they just brought Woods into the fold. His tackling needs some significant work and speedier players may also get the better of him in the pros.

That being said, there is far more good than bad where O’Neal is concerned. He has also made his presence felt within the SEC throughout his college career, which is always considered to be the gold standard and something NFL teams pay attention to.

Carolina might be afforded a luxury or two at this stage of the draft providing other needs are filled beforehand. If O’Neal develops as expected, then it might allow the coaching staff to put Chinn back at the second level as soon as 2023.