Which Carolina Panthers players entering their second season with the team must make more noise in 2022?
How the 2021 draft class steps up during their second season in a professional environment will go a long way to determining which way the Carolina Panthers’ fortunes are going to go. It was a mixed bag from the rookie class overall last time around, but much more is now expected of the group with a solid amount of next-level experience under their belt.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that there is plenty at stake for the Panthers next season. More failure to meet expectations won’t be well received by their long-suffering fanbase and head coach Matt Rhule is essentially fighting for his job despite a vote of confidence from team owner David Tepper before the draft.
Rhule recently spoke about his five-year plan. But in reality, that leeway is rarely afforded to NFL coaches and especially considering Tepper has yet to enjoy a winning season since buying the organization.
With that being said, here are four second-year Panthers players that must make more noise during the 2022 campaign.
Player No. 1
Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OL
Now that the Carolina Panthers have a potential franchise left tackle in Ikem Ekwonu, former third-round selection Brady Christensen can begin to carve out a starting role for himself alongside the North Carolina State product.
Christensen was seen as a guard by the Panthers during his pre-draft evaluation process despite his elite blindside production at BYU. There should be plenty of competition for the spot, but Carolina won’t get a better chance to give the player prominent reps with a view to solving another problem position long term.
It might take some adjustment from Christensen. But he has all the athleticism to become an important member of the offensive line next season.