The Carolina Panthers grab themselves an elite offensive tackle at No. 6 overall in our first and only 32-team first-round mock draft in 2022.
Excitement is building as the 2022 NFL Draft is just a few short hours away. Teams across the league have finalized their boards and prepared for every scenario, something that brings an end to months of assessments on hundreds of hopefuls looking for a chance at the next level.
The Carolina Panthers have a lot on the line and not much draft capital to strengthen problem areas. This has only added to the immense intrigue surrounding the No. 6 overall selection, but don’t be surprised if general manager Scott Fitterer tries to trade down for additional picks depending on how things play out.
This is a monumentally important occasion for head coach Matt Rhule, too. The former Baylor man is fighting for his job in 2022 and if the Panthers can come out of this important offseason event with problem holes filled, then only injuries and a lack of coaching prowess will prevent them from making strides.
We took a look at who the Panthers might end up taking in our one and only 32-team first-round mock draft in 2022.
Round No. 1 (Pick No. 1)
Jacksonville Jaguars select Travon Walker
- Defensive End | Georgia
There is no consensus No. 1 overall selection this year. But there is a growing belief that the Jacksonville Jaguars will take Travon Walker with the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
This would be betting on Walker’s enormous upside rather than Aidan Hutchinson’s proven production. The Georgia product has a lot going for him in terms of athleticism, but there is a slight doubt as to whether or not he can improve numbers at the next level.
Jacksonville going down this route would be great for the Carolina Panthers, who’d see their chances of landing a top offensive lineman improve.