5 rough diamonds the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could draft Pierre Strong Jr.
The Carolina Panthers acquired a major boost to their running game by signing D’Onta Foreman in free agency, who performed extremely well for the Tennessee Titans in 2021 filling in for Derrick Henry. This should take some heat off Christian McCaffrey and provide more balance to the rushing attack, which is set to feature a lot more under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
Carolina does also have Chuba Hubbard, but some real frailties to his game reared their head during his rookie campaign and it remains to be seen whether the former fourth-round pick can make the necessary adjustments to remain on track.
If the Panthers want to bring in a fourth running back to further boost their options, then Pierre Strong Jr. is an imposing figure that might be available as a potential steal. The South Dakota State product is a powerful back that can break off big yardage when needed, but anyone expecting miracles right away will be out of luck.
Strong has to get better in the passing game to make a real go of things. His awareness when it comes to pass protection also raises some significant concerns when watching the film.
The Panthers are probably set with their current three running backs and they will hope that McCaffrey’s injury problems become a thing of the past. However, taking someone like Strong cannot be entirely ruled out at this stage.