5 Carolina Panthers with most to gain from a positive 2022 draft

Scott Fitterer – Carolina Panthers GM

There is no doubt Scott Fitterer left a tremendously positive impression during his first draft as general manager. Some expert board manipulation and multiple trades saw the Carolina Panthers emerge with a nice haul and the front office figure enhanced his reputation for finding gems that can play right away in the lower rounds for good measure.

Fitterer has to share the responsibilities with Matt Rhule when it comes to calling the shots and is likely to do so again in 2022. But he has been far more front and center for the Panthers this offseason, which could lead to a slight shift in approach.

This is a big draft for Fitterer, too.

The additions made during free agency were encouraging. But unless other needs are filled during the draft, then it will be difficult to convince people that this is a team capable of making giant strides when competitive action resumes.

Should Fitterer get more in the way of responsibilities and thrive, then it will be a clear sign to David Tepper that this is the man that should be running the show – not the head coach.

Fitterer is widely respected across the league. A strong draft would make people start taking him and the Panthers even more seriously moving forward.