4 big questions the Panthers must answer during the 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
What big questions must the Carolina Panthers answer during what promises to be another eventful NFL Draft for the team in 2022?
The 2022 NFL Draft is something that comes with a significant amount of intrigue for the Carolina Panthers. An impressive free agency period at minimal cost to their salary cap has left many encouraging signs regarding potential progression next season, but there are still some real doubts surrounding key positions that need to be resolved at the earliest possible opportunity.
Carolina knows full well what’s at stake in Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s tenure. Many around the league perceive the former Baylor man to be a “lame duck” head coach and unless things turn around dramatically, the Panthers could finally make the change most fans were calling for after the 2021 campaign came to a conclusion.
The Panthers have the No. 6 overall selection and multiple options they can pursue. This is their only pick in the first 136 – something that is likely to change based on general manager Scott Fitterer’s high draft trade activity last time around.
With this in mind, here are four big questions the Panthers must answer during the 2022 NFL Draft.
Question No. 1
Where is Brady Christensen going to fit in?
After a rookie season where Brady Christensen was seriously mismanaged by the coaching staff, we should have a clearer indication of exactly where the Carolina Panthers see the versatile offensive lineman moving forward following the draft.
Christensen performed adequately at his preferred left tackle position down the stretch. But there appears to be some reluctance from Matt Rhule to use him here thanks in no small part to his arm length.
This has caused hot debate among the team’s fanbase and reflected poorly on Rhule, in all honesty. If the Panthers take a premium blindside protector at No. 6, then Christensen’s future will be starting on the interior.