7 defensive tackles the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers could select Travis Jones (Connecticut)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 325 pounds
2021 Stats:
- 48 tackles
- 4.5 sacks
- 7.5 tackles for loss
- 87.6 PFF Grade
Travis Jones is both strong and versatile. He can play anywhere on the interior line and even though the standout lineman won’t provide much of a pass rush threat, he is a premier gap stuffer on running downs.
Jones uses his vision to leverage defenders into the running back. Most of the time in college he got double-teamed, which is partly due to the lack of support on his Connecticut team – but also because his raw strength is too much for one offensive lineman to handle.
The player’s upside is somewhat limited due to his lack of quickness and slow get-off at the snap. But Jones has proven to be a great gap control tackle.
His production is lower compared to the other defensive linemen on this list. But do not be confused about him – Jones will be an impact player against the run in the NFL.
Jones’ draft stock projects him to be drafted late in the first round or early on Day 2. The Carolina Panthers could trade back multiple times if they wanted to and select the prospect towards the end of Day 1.
Even if the selection of Jones does not make sense in terms of needs early in the draft, remember that Star Lotulelei was an unsung hero for the Panthers under Ron Rivera. His influence allowed Kawann Short to dominate in the pass rush and Jones could come in and have an equivalent impact on everyone along the defensive line.
If the Panthers go this route and select Jones, not only would it acquire more capital later in the draft, but it would also get Carolina another run-stuffer on the defensive line. While the trade-off with this is that Scott Fitterer cannot improve on the offensive line or quarterback room early in the draft like he wants to, and probably should.