4 second-year Panthers players under pressure following 2022 draft
By Dean Jones
Which second-year Carolina Panthers players find themselves under increasing pressure following the organization’s 2022 NFL Draft selections?
With attention now firmly turning to minicamps and OTAs, the Carolina Panthers have done most of their work building a roster they think is capable of being more competitive in 2022. General manager Scott Fitterer and other influential front office figures have been patient and clinical in equal measure regarding recruitment this spring, which has many wondering if the team can finally start making some much-needed strides in Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s tenure.
The head coach is now out of excuses with no scapegoats left. It’s going to take some self-reflection from the former Baylor coach to make the necessary improvements to his own contribution, which will go a long way to determining just what his long-term future in Carolina is going to look like.
A strong period of free-agent signings was bolstered further during the 2022 NFL Draft. The Panthers made quite a lot out of the limited resources available following trades for Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson, which only whets the appetite even more providing everything comes together quickly.
Incomings always come with a level of uncertainty for those on the fringes or trying to establish themselves prominently on the rotation. This applies to many within Carolina currently and even some who are just starting to carve out their professional careers.
With this in mind, here are four second-year Panthers players who are under increasing pressure following the 2022 draft.