30 college prospects the Carolina Panthers should watch closely in 2022

Week 1 of the college football season is upon us and here are 30 prospects the Carolina Panthers should watch closely ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

After a long wait, college football is back and analysts across the country will be picking apart prospects with a fine toothcomb ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Carolina Panthers are focusing their attention on improving during the upcoming campaign, but scouts and front office personnel will be busy coming up with shortlists before the all-important evaluation process next year.

There are so many unknowns regarding the Panthers’ fortunes in 2022, that it’s hard to figure out what their primary needs will be and who’ll be calling the shots. Not many in the national media are expecting them to challenge, but there is a quiet sense of optimism that a wildcard berth can be attained if everything goes well early.

This looks to be an outstanding class at multiple positions once again. And aside from a few misses, Carolina can look on their drafts since Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer came on board with a great deal of encouragement.

With that being said, here are 30 college prospects the Panthers should be watching closely during the college football season.

Prospect No. 1

Carolina Panthers should monitor Will Anderson Jr.

• Defensive End | Alabama

Will Anderson Jr. enters the college football season with the world at his feet. The explosive defensive end is an absolute star and another strong campaign at Alabama in 2022 will put him in pole position to become the No. 1 overall selection next spring.

Anderson has it all. His ferocity off the block is extraordinary, which is matched by elite hand placement and footwork that makes him a nightmare to defend on almost every down.

The Panthers would have to be pretty bad next season to get a shot at Anderson. But it’s a player those in power should be monitoring, nonetheless.