30 college prospects the Carolina Panthers should watch closely in 2022
By Dean Jones
WR. Buckeyes . JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA. 5. player. 812.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Wide Receiver | Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers boast plenty of wide receiving options right now. But that might not be the case in 2023 and if someone like Jaxon Smith-Njigba becomes available, then it would be a hard proposition to turn down.
Smith-Njigba put the college football world on notice last time around with 95 receptions for 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. There is nothing he can’t do in terms of route-running, with the prospect also possessing elite ball skills and a solid ability to generate yards after the catch.
Pairing Smith-Njigba with D.J. Moore would give Carolina a dynamic tandem. But this would depend on whether the likes of Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith improve enough.
879. . LB. Tigers . TRENTON SIMPSON. 6. player
Carolina Panthers should monitor Trenton Simpson
- Linebacker | Clemson
The Panthers have famously never selected a prospect from Clemson despite the proximity to one another. However, that could all change in 2023 given the amount of talent set to enter the NFL from Dabo Sweeney’s program next year.
Trenton Simpson could be the most dynamic. The linebacker is a gifted individual that makes things happen in every facet of play, with his explosive approach and tireless commitment sure to make him a fan favorite once he gets to the next level.
If Carolina is still looking for a successor to Luke Kuechly next spring, then Simpson is likely to receive significant attention from the franchise.
player. 819. . TE. Fighting Irish . MICHAEL MAYER. 7
Carolina Panthers should monitor Michael Mayer
- Tight End | Notre Dame
Finding consistency at the tight end position has been a tough challenge for the Panthers since they decided to let Greg Olsen leave for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 free agency. Michael Mayer looks like someone that could assist greatly if this remains a complication.
Mayer is well-rounded as a prospect. He is a substantial threat across the middle and in the red zone, which is down in no small part to his ease in creating separation and hand consistency.
Couple this with exceptional edge blocking, and it’s not hard to see why there’s so much attention surrounding the Notre Dame stud.