4 big questions the Panthers must answer during the 2022 NFL Draft

Will the Carolina Panthers finally prioritize LT?

Is this the year that the Carolina Panthers finally prioritize fixing their prolonged problem at the left tackle position?

It’s something that’s clearly held the Panthers back ever since Jordan Gross retired. A series of failed moves with underperforming veterans that promised much but delivered very little in the grand scheme of things.

This has to change. Carolina has a fantastic opportunity to select a potentially elite blindside presence at No. 6 overall and if Charles Cross, Evan Neal, or Ikem Ekwonu fall out of the top five, it would be extremely difficult to pass up.

Yes, the Panthers need a quarterback.

Yes, the Panthers could trade back for capital.

But they might not ever get a chance to solve this riddle once and for all.

There is no guarantee any of these quarterbacks can become productive starters. Although one or two do have the upside to become just that if everything goes smoothly with their development over time.

Trading for a veteran and finding a long-term solution at left tackle would at least solve one spot long-term. If the trade move doesn’t come off, then Carolina would be in a strong position to select a signal-caller from what’s expected to be a deep class in 2023.