5 Carolina Panthers rookies who could surprise people in 2022

Which rookie players drafted or signed by the Carolina Panthers could go on to make surprising contributions during the 2022 season?

The Carolina Panthers made the most out of what resources they had during the 2022 NFL Draft. They also acted quickly to pick up some talented prospects in the undrafted free-agent market once the selection process came to a conclusion.

Patience proved to be a virtue for the Panthers, a method that might have brought them a franchise left tackle and potential quarterback of the future. However, just what we can expect from the next batch of college hopefuls is undetermined right now, so it will be interesting to see how each of them develops throughout the preparation period.

General manager Scott Fitterer and other front office figures have done their part. It’s now up to the coaching staff to mold these players into legitimate NFL contributors in time for next season or into the future.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers rookies who could go on to surprise people in 2022.

Player No. 1

John Lovett – Carolina Panthers RB

Matt Rhule brought in yet another of his former college players by acquiring John Lovett in undrafted free agency. The running back spent four years at Baylor before transferring to Penn State for the 2021 campaign, where he didn’t make that much of an impression after accumulating 52 carries for 177 rushing yards.

Nobody knows more about what Lovett could potentially bring to the Carolina Panthers than Rhule. And there might be an opening for the player to earn a spot on the rotation depending on how much Chuba Hubbard shows after an indifferent rookie campaign.

Even if Lovett ends up making the practice squad, it will be seen as a major achievement. One that the player could build on en route to figuring at some stage.