3 ideal draft scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu fall to the Carolina Panthers
All the talk has been of the Carolina Panthers selecting a quarterback with the No. 6 overall selection. Top decision-makers within the organization spent a considerable portion of last week taking in pro days regarding the main prospects, with general manager Scott Fitterer speaking about the benefits of having a rookie signal-caller on a cheap deal when it comes to roster building.
Matt Rhule reportedly had dinner with former Pittsburgh standout Kenny Pickett before his pro day according to Todd McShay of ESPN. But this could all be a smokescreen to fish out potential trade-up partners when it’s all said and done.
The need for a left tackle also cannot be ignored. Should someone like Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu make it out of the top five, then the Panthers would be wise to select a game-changing blindside protector and finally resolve this ongoing complication.
Neal and Ekwonu are both Day 1 starters with Pro Bowl or better potential. Adding either prospect to a line that also consists of Taylor Moton, Austin Corbett, and Bradley Bozeman would be a major shot in the arm for the Panthers – one that is sure to transform their fortunes in this critical area of play.
Passing on either prospect is something those picking before Carolina might not do. But this is not only an ideal scenario for the Panthers, it might be the dream one.