Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft: Pro days offer a clearer picture

Carolina Panthers select LB Leo Chenal

The Carolina Panthers’ defense in 2021 was a fast and athletic unit with plenty of young talent across the board. Yet, one of their biggest flaws was the lack of physicality and push at the line of scrimmage, which stemmed from poor gap discipline and inconsistent production from the second level.

The front office signed Corey Littleton and Damien Wilson to help improve the lack of punch that was seen from the Panthers’ defense a season ago. However, the two veterans should not keep Scott Fitterer from selecting a top linebacker prospect if one falls into their lap.

In this mock draft, that’s exactly what happens.

Leo Chenal‘s instincts on early downs are really good. He’s a physical linebacker that will fill and charge through gaps with aggression and is also a stout tackler in space with great technique and power that will stop runners in their tracks when the player gets his hands on them.

The former Wisconsin Badger is not going to be someone you can fully rely on passing downs from the get-go. Although there is room for growth in this area of his game providing he displays a willingness to get coached up upon arriving in the pros.

Chenal would be a big help for the Panthers in their effort to add more punch to their defense.