4 linebacker draft prospects the Panthers should monitor in 2022

Carolina Panthers should monitor Mohamoud Diabate

If you’re a Florida Gators fan that loves Carolina Panthers football, you’ll recognize this name.

Mohamoud Diabate was one of Florida’s top defensive playmakers last season despite an underwhelming year that featured the firing of Dan Mullen. This offseason, the promising defender transferred to the team the Gators will be facing in Week 1, the Utah Utes.

As a junior last season, Diabate tailed 89 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, including a career-high 12 tackles against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

One of the first things to stand out with Diabate on film was his range and athleticism. He showed off impressive sideline-to-sideline mobility and the ability to close the distance between himself and the ball carrier in a hurry.

Another thing that caught the eye where Diabate’s production is concerned was his coverage skills. He can match with tight ends in the slot and stay in phase with them step-for-step.

Diabate could do a better job with hitting his landmarks in zone coverage, especially in hook, curl, and the high hole drops. He is also a physical player, despite having a smaller frame.

He attacks the ball carrier with physicality and is disciplined with his run fits coming downhill. However, Diabate must clean up his angles to the football and take on blockers better at the line of scrimmage.

Utah will be lucky to have a playmaker at the second level such as Diabate. If the former Gator can improve in the areas of current concern, he can potentially enter into the debate as one of the first 50 to 75 prospects selected in the 2023 NFL Draft next April.