5 potential alphas the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022
By Dean Jones
player. 824. . DB. Terrapins . NICK CROSS. 5
Carolina Panthers could draft Nick Cross
- Defensive Back | Maryland
The Carolina Panthers were fortunate enough to draft Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The talented cornerback brought an alpha swagger that was sorely missing within the secondary before his arrival and hopes are incredibly high regarding the player as he gets set to return from a broken foot that ended his campaign in Week 3.
Carolina has some nice depth within their secondary despite letting All-Pro Stephon Gilmore leave in free agency. However, if another potential contributor becomes of interest later on in the draft, then don’t be surprised if the Panthers strengthen their options further as a result.
Nick Cross is someone that ticks all the boxes in this regard. The former Maryland standout has elite speed, boasts impressive strength, and can potentially switch between the cornerback and safety positions thanks to some eye-catching physical traits.
This sort of versatility is something that the Panthers have coveted heavily under the previous two drafts under Matt Rhule. Much will depend on where Cross ends up, but he is worth considering early on Day 3 if available.
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Cross does need some work from a coverage standpoint. But there wouldn’t be a great deal of pressure to be anything more than a special team ace as a rookie, which would help his cause enormously.