4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers will pick 4 defensive players
Although the Carolina Panthers have just six selections during the 2022 NFL Draft, this is one of the deepest in recent memory as prospects opted to stay in college last year and lay claim to some unfinished business following a disrupted 2020 campaign due to COVID-19.
This is something that the Panthers might be able to take advantage of despite not having any Day 2 selections to speak of right now. Scott Fitterer has a strong reputation in league circles for pulling gems from the later rounds that go on the have productive professional careers, which rang true last time around for Carolina with the likes of Keith Taylor Jr. Daviyon Nixon, and Phil Hoskins all coming on board.
We are just two years removed from the historic all-defense draft in the first offseason under Matt Rhule. Considering the needs at linebacker, defensive end, safety, and maybe even defensive tackle, it might see the Panthers focus a lot of their attention on this side of the football once again.
Providing a left tackle and perhaps a tight end are secured if Carolina doesn’t take a signal-caller, then this could give those in power the luxury of getting some enticing defensive players from a fantastic group emerging from the college ranks.
Four prospects out of six on defense might be surprising. But there’s no doubt it would further help their cause after some veteran free agents took their chances elsewhere.