5 rough diamonds the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which high-value college prospects could the Carolina Panthers take a look at when it’s time for the 2022 NFL Draft to begin?
With free agency now a fortnight old, attention is slowly turning towards the 2022 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers have done a nice job of filling some holes on their roster, although one of two key positions still boast some significant questions that might end up holding the team back next season.
This is something Matt Rhule can ill-afford with his job status on the line during the upcoming campaign. The leash will be short after team owner David Tepper opted to keep him around, but it remains to be seen just how much genuine progress can be accomplished from a tricky-looking schedule that represents the biggest of challenges.
Carolina isn’t blessed with much draft capital after trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson. But general manager Scott Fitterer has a solid reputation for finding diamonds in the rough and fans will be hoping he can do the same again from what appears to be a deep class overall.
With this in mind, here are five rough diamonds the Panthers could draft in 2022.
Prospect No. 1
Carolina Panthers could draft Zach Tom
The Carolina Panthers still have a real need at left tackle, which they might end up resolving at No. 6 overall despite the obvious interest in one of the top quarterbacks. Selecting someone like Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis is a major risk not only in terms of their NFL prospects, but it would also leave them dangerously short on the blindside unless a veteran free agent is acquired.
If the Panthers choose to wait and look for a lineman later on in the draft, then Zach Tom could come into play. The former Wake Forest star is a little undersized and raw to come in and make his presence felt from Week 1, but his pass protection alone is going to see an NFL team take a risk later on in the selection process.
Another thing that might put the Panthers off is Tom’s arm length, which was a key factor behind their decision-making process last time around.