Which players entering their second season with the Carolina Panthers have the potential to make significant strides during the 2022 campaign?
The Carolina Panthers got some solid production from their 2021 NFL Draft class last season. General manager Scott Fitterer wheeled and dealt his way to some dramatic draft movement up and down the board, which thankfully came with some college prospects that assisted right out of the gate.
Obviously, this leaves some hope that many, if not all, can develop further in the coming years. Some will be counted upon more than others, so should they make the necessary improvements it will stand the Panthers in enormously good stead.
Things are hanging in the balance for Carolina right now. On one hand, they’ve done a nice job of finding the right pieces in free agency but on the other, significant doubts remain about Sam Darnold and the left tackle position.
With that being said, here are four sophomore stars that could shine for the Panthers in 2022.
Player No. 1
Daviyon Nixon – Carolina Panthers DT
It was such a shame to see Daviyon Nixon’s rookie campaign end abruptly through injury. The defensive tackle certainly looked like a player that could make a tremendous impact and providing there are no lingering effects once he recovers, then he is definitely someone to watch.
Nixon was one of the draft’s biggest fallers due to character concerns. The Carolina Panthers scooped up the Iowa product in the fifth round and it didn’t take long to figure out that this was an absolute steal.
Carolina lost DaQuan Jones in free agency and signed Matt Ioannidis following his release from the Washington Commanders. But make no mistake, Nixon could also have a huge part to play based on how he flashed in 2021.