Predicting positions the Panthers will take in each round of the 2022 draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers will select a safety in Round No. 6
The signing of Xavier Woods from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency has the potential to be great. His career-saving 2021 season now sees the former sixth-round pick join forces with Jeremy Chinn on the backend, which could be a highly productive partnership providing both players reach or even exceed expectations.
Juston Burris and Sean Chandler were also re-signed to solidify depth. But this should not stop the Carolina Panthers from taking a talented individual from the draft and there is a ton of value to be had in the mid-to-late rounds.
Having another productive piece on the rotation that can also help on special teams would be beneficial. It would also potentially spell the end of Sam Franklin’s time in Carolina after a poor second season at the next level.
Nothing much is expected from this stage of the draft, in all honesty. The Panthers had three sixth-rounders last year and ended up taking Shi Smith, Deonte Brown, and Thomas Fletcher – who were all virtually anonymous last season.
If the Panthers can get their hands on a safety prospect that can turn into a starter over time, then that’s all the organization will be looking for. It’s then up to the chosen player and the coaching staff to make this a reality.