There are multiple ways options for the Carolina Panthers in the 2022 NFL Draft, but which way did the computer simulation decide they would go?
This is it. The moment Carolina Panthers fans have been waiting for since the 2021 campaign came to a conclusion.
The 2022 NFL Draft is not just a few days from getting underway in Las Vegas. This promises to be a pivotal period of recruitment for the Panthers, who have a number of holes to fill and almost nothing off the table outside from perhaps selecting a cornerback with the No. 6 overall selection.
General manager Scott Fitterer has been keen to state this fact during media availability this offseason. Carolina has the league’s most salary-cap space and a real need to find an instant solution to their quarterback conundrum, something which might see the organization head into the trade market once again for a potential upgrade on Sam Darnold.
Of course, adding a premier left tackle in the first round is another realistic avenue. It would be a major shock if the consensus top-three prospects were all off the board by the time Carolina comes on the clock and any of them represent a long-term solution to a problem that’s been prevalent since Jordan Gross retired.
Opinions are divided among the team’s fanbase about what the team should do. Whichever way they go, some will be left unhappy – that’s just the way it is at this time of year.
Using The Draft Network’s simulation, we let the computer decide for us in a seven-round 2022 Panthers mock draft.
Carolina Panthers select Evan Neal
- Offensive Tackle | Alabama
There seems to be a growing belief amongst those in league circles that the Carolina Panthers are not going to take a quarterback at No. 6 overall. This could all be a ploy to throw people off the scent, but there is some real momentum building regarding one of the top-three left tackles joining the fold.
One of the top prospects and arguably the best in this class is Evan Neal. The mammoth Alabama product has all the size, athleticism, and power to come in and make an immediate impact at the next level, which is something the Panthers have been sorely lacking for quite some time.
Neal dominated almost everyone he came up against during his time with the Crimson Tide. His length is matched by jaw-dropping agility for a man his size and the lineman also has the sort of mentality that will fit in extremely well wherever he ends up.
The Panthers have made some nice improvements to their offensive line this offseason. Brady Bozeman and Austin Corbett should help improve things on the interior and drafting Neal would also provide them with an upgrade at left guard in Brady Christensen.
There is a chance Neal becomes a top-five selection.
He is certainly talented enough.
But if he makes it to Carolina, it’s an opportunity those in power would find difficult passing up.
Carolina Panthers select Carson Strong
- Quarterback | Nevada
Adding a quarterback at some stage during the 2022 NFL Draft is also something the Carolina Panthers must consider if the right opportunity comes along. Whether that’s with the No. 6 overall selection, a little later in the process, or with a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield is unclear, but something has to happen in pursuit of finding an upgrade on Sam Darnold.
Darnold’s time under center following his trade from the New York Jets was a disaster.
There is a high chance the USC product is still around thanks to the $18.85 million fully guaranteed he’s owed in 2022. But the Panthers have a lot at stake next time around and moving forward with a player that’s already proven to be incapable of becoming a productive signal-caller might come with significant ramifications.
Carson Strong is one of the quarterbacks that Carolina has shown little interest in this offseason. However, if the Nevada product makes it down to No. 137 overall, it could see them alter their train of thought.
Strong has a rocket for an arm and is a highlight reel waiting to happen in the passing game. He is pretty accurate on short-to-intermediate throws and is a sound decision-maker when provided enough time.
There are concerns about Strong’s mobility and the prospect’s two knee surgeries could also hurt his stock. But if he makes it this far down the pecking order, it represents good value as a development project.
Carolina Panthers select Jesse Luketa
- Linebacker | Penn State
The computer simulation has solved two major problems for the Carolina Panthers with their opening two selections. Next on the agenda could be finding additional help at the linebacker position for depth or an immediate contributor depending on what transpires with Damien Wilson following his recent arrest.
Carolina does have Shaq Thompson and Cory Littleton to potentially fill the void if the Panthers do end up releasing Wilson once more information is accumulated. This has been a poisoned chalice for the franchise since Luke Kuechly retired and it’s something that held a talented defense back at times last season.
Jesse Luketa is another athletic stud emanating from Penn State who’s done his chances no harm at all with two outstanding years of production before entering the evaluation process. His instincts are good and there is impressive explosiveness over short areas to his play that will also go down well in the pros.
His size could indicate some opportunities to rush from the outside if needed. Although the player will need to improve his tackling, which is sometimes suspect.
With that being said, this is a high-value selection and one that could bring some long-term benefits for a position that continues to miss Kuechly’s extraordinary production.
Carolina Panthers select Matt Henningsen
- Defensive Tackle | Wisconsin
DaQuan Jones’ departure in free agency has been filled in the short term by Matt Ioannidis, who worked with Matt Rhule previously during their time together at Temple and providing he stays free of injury, should be able to come in and make an immediate contribution.
Hopes also remain high that Phil Hoskins and Daviyon Nixon can progress their respective skillsets in Year 2 of their professional careers. But that shouldn’t stop the Carolina Panthers from perhaps finding another defensive tackle prospect from the college ranks to further boost options.
Matt Henningsen is a player that could potentially become an NFL starter over time. He is a strong presence against the run and holds his position well coming off the block, which is matched by exceptional effort on almost every down.
As is the case with most prospects at this stage of the draft, Henningsen does have some flaws.
The Wisconsin product has average athleticism that makes it difficult to see how he’ll be able to impact matters in pass-rushing situations. There are also some things to work on from a technical standpoint once he arrives in the NFL.
Henningsen wouldn’t be tasked with a great deal of responsibility right out of the gate in this scenario. So perhaps he could occupy the role Hoskins had last season as the team’s development project at defensive tackle.
Carolina Panthers select Samori Toure
- Wide Receiver | Nebraska
This is another deep class for skill position players on offense. Something that is becoming an ongoing trend over the last few drafts, with many prospects wasting little time in making a name for themselves in a professional environment.
The Carolina Panthers didn’t get much from Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith during their rookie seasons. Although both wide receivers could have better luck next time around under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and shouldn’t be written off just yet.
Carolina also signed Rashard Higgins from the Cleveland Browns in free agency, so adding another wideout might not be an immediate need but rather one they could look at with a value pick later on.
Samori Toure came into draft consideration after an encouraging 2021 campaign at Nebraska where he brought in 46 receptions for 898 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He boasts NFL-ready speed and is an eye-catching route-runner with the awareness to get out of his cuts at just the right time.
His length and catch radius should be an asset. Toure’s lack of experience could be a concern and he will need to bulk up ahead of clashes against bigger, more imposing defensive backs at the next level.
Carolina Panthers select Jeffrey Gunter
- Defensive End/Outside Linebacker | Coastal Carolina
Haason Reddick’s departure in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles means the Carolina Panthers need to replicate his production using other methods.
Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes will get more in the way of reps and can hopefully make the most out of what appears to be an exceptional opportunity. With that being said, adding another player from the college ranks should be a priority at some stage during the draft.
The computer simulation waited until Carolina’s final selection to accomplish this goal, with Jeffrey Gunter making the short trip from Coastal Carolina to Bank of America Stadium.
Gunter has been a solid contributor over his four years in college, achieving 169 tackles, 17 sacks, and 38.5 tackles for loss. He is aggressive and powerful on running downs, bringing maximum effort and a high football IQ to further heighten his overall influence.
Although Gunter hasn’t been blessed with top-end speed, he has enough to potentially make a difference rushing the passer. However, dropping the player in coverage like we saw in college on occasions would be a big mistake initially.
Nothing much is expected at this stage of the draft. Gunter has enough in the way of intangibles to perhaps make a go of his pro career, but there is a lot of work to do.