Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Dreams come true in Round 1

Carolina Panthers select Josh Rivas

• Position: Offensive Guard
• Height: 6-foot-6
• Weight: 320 pounds
• Arm Length: 32.625 inches
• 2021 PFF grade: 78.8

If the 2022 NFL Draft plays out in this fashion, then the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line could look much improved when competitive games begin once again. Some impressive acquisitions in free agency coupled with the selection of Evan Neal at No. 6 overall means one of their real problem areas last time around might end up being one of the team’s most productive if everything clicks into place right away.

Imagine Carolina’s offensive line looking like this in 2022:

• Left Tackle – Evan Neal
• Left Guard – Brady Christensen
• Center – Bradley Bozeman
• Right Guard – Austin Corbett
• Right Tackle – Taylor Moton

Night and day compared to last season. There are still questions surrounding just who is going to be playing quarterback, but whoever Carolina goes with will have a much better chance of succeeding behind this sort of protection.

Adding another depth chart piece later on in the draft could also bear fruit. Especially considering how the likes of Dennis Daley and Cam Erving have struggled in terms of consistency.

Josh Rivas is a work in progress thanks to his raw technique. But the power and intelligence at the line of scrimmage indicate there could be something there for new offensive line coach James Campen to mold next season and beyond.

The Panthers found some high-value pieces lower down the draft under Scott Fitterer’s leadership last spring. Hopefully, the influential front office figure can do the same again when the all-important selection process begins.