3 potential draft weekend disasters for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers lose out on the top-three OTs
The Carolina Panthers acquired Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett in free agency, which should bring around some improvements across their offensive line interior. These veteran pieces are set to start and based on previous productivity from the pair, represent a substantial upgrade on anything the organization churned out in this area of the field in 2021.
With that being said, if the Panthers are still not convinced in Brady Christensen’s long-term prospects at left tackle, then securing an elite blindside protector from the college ranks should be a top priority. Carolina appears to be in prime position for either Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, or Charles Cross, which becomes even likelier if some of the stud edge rushers get taken in the top five.
This would be an ideal sceenario for the Panthers. One that could finally solve a position that’s been crying out for consistency since Jordan Gross retired.
However, there is also a chance that all three of the truly special tackles could be gone by the time No. 6 overall is called. This is something Carolina should plan for, even though it represents an absolute disaster in no uncertain terms.
If this prospect becomes a reality, then the Panthers might go with an edge rusher or even reach for a quarterback. But any of these options represent a consolation prize compared to Neal, Ekwonu, or Cross.