30 college prospects the Carolina Panthers should watch closely in 2022

Carolina Panthers should monitor BJ Ojulari

• Defensive End | LSU

The defensive end class could be incredible in terms of legitimate NFL prospects capable of making instant impressions. BJ Ojulari is just one of many that fall into this category and is a top-70 selection waiting to happen with a strong 2022 campaign.

Ojulari’s counter-moves are extraordinary. He also reads the game incredibly well, allowing the lineman to make his presence felt against the run before turning his attention to destroying opposing quarterbacks.

The Carolina Panthers might be crying out for help along their defensive line next season. Keeping watch on Ojulari’s progress would be prudent.

Carolina Panthers should monitor Arik Gilbert

• Wide Receiver/Tight End | Georgia

It’s hard to gauge what Arik Gilbert’s ceiling is heading into the 2022 season. After missing last year with personal issues, the dynamic playmaker is taking his chances at wide receiver following his transfer from LSU to Georgia, which is a big call for the prospect to make.

From a physical standpoint, Gilbert looks like an NFL tight end. His physicality creates separation almost instantly and there is enough speed for the pass-catcher to become a dependable weapon with additional development.

Gilbert also boasts smooth intermediate route-running and impressive hands. Something every team – including Carolina – is craving at the tight end spot.

Carolina Panthers should monitor Darnell Wright

• Offensive Line | Tennessee

If the Panthers want to wait until the mid-rounds to bolster offensive line depth – which they’ve done plenty under the current regime – then Darnell Wright is someone worth noting.

The Tennessee product looks set to occupy edge responsibilities for the Volunteers in 2022. But his lack of quickness indicates he’d be better suited to the interior upon joining an NFL franchise.

Wright has nice footwork and is a good mover for someone so large. However, his height tends to be a weak link on occasions in terms of coping with slicker pass-rushers.

Carolina Panthers should monitor Bryce Young

• Quarterback | Alabama

After a Heisman Trophy-winning season from Bryce Young in 2021 that fell agonizingly short of a national championship, the quarterback is looking to put together the sort of form that lands him the No. 1 overall selection next year.

Young has all the tools needed and his relative lack of height isn’t a concern given the current trend. His decision-making is sound and the signal-caller has a rare talent to make something out of nothing in pursuit of moving the chains.

There are very few – if any – holes in Young’s game. He has all the makings of a franchise quarterback and there are enough weapons on the Crimson Tide for the numbers to stand out yet again.