Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: OT Evan Neal has it all
By Dean Jones
Could the Carolina Panthers get lucky and get the opportunity to select Alabama’s imposing left tackle Evan Neal in the 2022 NFL Draft?
The Carolina Panthers have done an impressive job of bolstering their offensive line this offseason. Their interior options got a massive shot in the arm with the signings of Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett, which should give whoever is under center a solid foundation to make plays with running back Christian McCaffrey is also returning to the lineup.
However, there does appear to be a gaping hole at the left tackle position unless the Panthers decide to finally give Brady Christensen an extended look on the blindside. There are a couple of intriguing veterans available in free agency, but Carolina might also go down the draft route to find a longer-term solution.
This would be extremely welcome despite the team’s obvious need for an upgrade at quarterback. Carolina has not had a franchise left tackle since Jordan Gross retired and this is absolutely inexplicable considering how important the position is to an offense.
If this is an avenue the Panthers go down, then Evan Neal is someone that warrants significant consideration. The former Alabama stud was projected by many to go No 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but now that Cam Robinson was given the franchise tag, it could see them focus on the defensive front instead.
On the subject of Neal, we took a longer look at the prospect for an in-depth scouting report and how he would fit on the Panthers next season and beyond.