5 Panthers players who could be impacted most by 2022 draft picks

Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DL

There appears to be a real opportunity awaiting Yetur Gross-Matos in 2022. The versatile defensive lineman flashed absolute brilliance from a rotational role last season and providing slight adjustments are made in the coming months, a real breakout campaign next time around is well within his capabilities.

The former second-round pick is explosive enough to do damage from the edge. Gross-Matos has also been highly successful rushing from the three-technique on the interior.

With Haason Reddick no longer around after he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, Gross-Matos could be thrust into a prominent starting role next season. However, the Panthers might throw a spanner in the works by taking an elite pass-rusher atop the draft if someone like Travon Walker or Kayvon Thibodeaux fell into their laps.

This might be surprising when one considers the glaring needs at left tackle and quarterback. But general manager Scott Fitterer is always keen to go with the best player available, so it cannot be completely dismissed.

Gross-Matos would be impacted more than most by this. Even though there is surely a huge role for the Penn State product to play when competitive action begins once again regardless of whether another college option is acquired.