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

Carolina Panthers select TE Jalen Wydermyer

The Carolina Panthers have not had a reliable starting tight end on the roster since releasing Greg Olsen during the 2020 offseason. The hope is that Ian Thomas can be that guy in Ben McAdoo’s tight end-friendly offense after signing him to a 3-year, $16.9 million contract.

Scott Fitterer added a tight end to the roster via the 2021 draft with the selection of former Notre Dame tight end Tommy Tremble in 2021. The former Fighting Irish stud flashed on occasions, but not enough to potentially convince Matt Rhule and the rest of the offense that he is truly the future at the position.

In this mock draft, the Panthers take another shot at the tight end spot with the selection of Jalen Wydermyer. While he isn’t an elite athlete by any means and is not the player that will run away from defenses like Travis Kelce or George Kittle, the Texas A&M product is a great receiving tight end with good ball skills, body control through the catch, and route-running ability.

Wydermyer would most likely be the No. 3 tight end on the roster behind Tremble and Thomas. However, the prospect would provide ample depth at the position while he develops into a high-end No. 2 tight end on the roster by his third year.

It’s easy to forget that Wydermyer was a potential first-round pick once upon a time. But a disappointing 2021 campaign coupled with poor athletic testing during the evaluation process could mean he slides significantly.