5 first-round prospects the Panthers should avoid after free-agent moves

Carolina Panthers should avoid Kyle Hamilton

Passing on a generational talent such as Kyle Hamilton is something the Carolina Panthers and others at the top-end of the 2022 NFL Draft might end up regretting when it’s all said and done. The safety spot doesn’t have much positional importance compared to others that normally get chosen high, so there is a real danger of the Notre Dame product falling out of the top five despite his exceptional skill set.

Hamilton is much more than just your average safety. He is a dominant force in coverage, has superb reactionary skills, possesses some out-of-this-world vision, and can also lend support to the second level against the run and in blitz packages.

So what’s the problem?

The Panthers picked up Xavier Woods in free agency, who should provide a solid partner for Jeremy Chinn barring injury. His bounce-back campaign for the Minnesota Vikings last season was encouraging, with the team also re-signing Sean Chandler and Juston Burris on cheap deals that should assist from a depth standpoint.

Myles Hartsfield is still on the roster, as is Sam Franklin. Although neither would hold a candle to Hamilton in terms of potential.

Unless something drastic happens over the next few weeks, the Panthers will likely select a left tackle or quarterback at No. 6 overall. But if the organization was going to go a little against the grain regarding team needs, then Hamilton or perhaps even Kayvon Thibodeaux could be options depending on how things unfold.