7 inside linebackers the Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Which inside linebackers could the Carolina Panthers select in the 2022 NFL Draft to plug into the rotation if the team releases Damien Wilson?

The Carolina Panthers’ linebacking core going into 2022 is led by Shaq Thompson. But a recent change in dynamic thanks to an off-the-field incident could impact the team’s plans in the short and potentially long-term.

New addition Damien Wilson recently got into legal trouble about him allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend. It looks probable that he does not play a snap for the Panthers and especially if charges are brought against the former Super Bowl winner with the Kansas City Chiefs.

This means Thompson and Cory Littleton, alongside recently re-signed Frankie Luvu and the versatile Jeremy Chinn, will get most of the snaps at linebacker this season.

However, Littleton will likely depart after 2022, Thompson has just two years left on his contract, and Wilson might not ever play a down in Carolina.

These factors make adding linebacker depth through this year’s draft valuable. A position that’s become a poisoned chalice since Luke Kuechly retired after the 2019 campaign.

The 2022 NFL Draft is projected by many to be one of the deepest in recent history. Many of the linebackers in this year’s draft have plenty of talent and potential that the Panthers should consider taking advantage of.

With this in mind, here are seven inside linebackers that the Panthers could draft in 2022.