5 silent assassins the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022

Which college prospects with silent assassin traits could the Carolina Panthers potentially target during the 2022 NFL Draft?

The Carolina Panthers are now finalizing their board of targets and preparing for every potential scenario ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. One of the most anticipated dates on the offseason calendar formally gets underway on Thursday, which promises to be a thrilling few days that will shape the organization’s long and short-term fortunes depending on which avenues they pursue.

Carolina has little in the way of front-end draft capital at the moment. Trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson mean general manager Scott Fitterer needs to get creative in pursuit of strengthening the roster for a critical third campaign under head coach Matt Rhule.

The Panthers have brought in players that managed to contribute to various degrees over the last two drafts. If they can do the same this time around and fill key needs along the way, then it might just give them a sneaky chance of making improvements.

Without further ado, here are five prospects with silent assassin traits that the Panthers could target in 2022.

Prospect No. 1

Carolina Panthers could draft Trey McBride

• Tight End | Colorado State

Finding a tight end early in the 2022 NFL Draft might not be something the Carolina Panthers consider initially. But if Trey McBride starts sliding on Day 2, then a bold move into the second or early third round to acquire him is well within their capabilities.

McBride was a model of consistency at Colorado State and boasts the sort of reliability Carolina has craved since deciding to let perennial Pro Bowler Greg Olsen depart in 2020 free agency.

Much will depend on how the draft plays out. However, the Panthers’ offense would be far better off having McBride in the lineup.