Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Dealing with devils

Carolina Panthers select Verone McKinley III

• Safety | Oregon

The addition of Xavier Woods from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency should be a tremendous help to the Carolina Panthers. His partnership with Jeremy Chinn promises to be a productive one on the backend and the presence of new defensive backs coach Steve Wilks is another positive element to this that shouldn’t be overlooked.

With that being said, the Panthers could use some assistance on the depth chart. Juston Burris and Sean Chandler did re-sign, but neither could be classed as dependable and the regression of Sam Franklin in 2021 has thrown his future with the franchise into doubt.

Finding another prospect with tremendous athletic traits could be worth its weight in gold. Verone McKinley III might be a work in progress, but he has instincts that cannot be taught and there is nobody better than Wilks to bring out the best in him.

McKinley has an outstanding closing burst and matches this by being extremely physical against the run. He is also effective in specific blitz packages should the opportunity arise.

The Oregon product plays with intelligence and emerged as a respected leader on the Ducks. There are some concerns about his size and speed once he gets to the next level, so expecting miracles right away would be pushing things.