30 college prospects the Carolina Panthers should watch closely in 2022
By Dean Jones
player. 851. . RB. Longhorns . BIJAN ROBINSON. 8
Carolina Panthers should monitor Bijan Robinson
- Running Back | Texas
The Carolina Panthers are hoping Christian McCaffrey can stay healthy long enough for the team to make strides in 2022. But if D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard don’t take the necessary steps forward, it would leave those in power seeking additional assistance behind the All-Pro.
Bijan Robinson has been making plays from the moment he stepped onto the field at Texas. With 1,830 rushing yards, 431 receiving yards, and 21 combined touchdowns in just 19 games for the Longhorns, he enters 2022 as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and first-round selection.
Robinson could buck the trend of NFL teams selecting running backs high during the draft. And if McCaffrey cannot stay healthy, this will be one of Carolina’s biggest needs.
player. 879. . DE. Tigers . MYLES MURPHY. 9
Carolina Panthers should monitor Myles Murphy
- Defensive End | Clemson
It looks like a deep class of edge rushers set to take their chances at the next level in 2023. This is the perfect time for the Panthers to find a partner for Brian Burns if Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes cannot take advantage of more playing time.
Myles Murphy is another outstanding specimen from a Clemson defense that should be among college football’s best this season. His explosiveness, bend, and determination to create havoc at will are all traits teams across the league value highly, so a top-10 selection is well within the player’s capabilities with another eye-catching campaign.
Someone has to break the Panthers’ streak of never taking a Tigers player. Murphy might be the guy.
QB. Gators . ANTHONY RICHARDSON. 10. player. 840.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Anthony Richardson
- Quarterback | Florida
No college quarterback can boost his draft stock more than Anthony Richardson during the upcoming campaign. The Florida sensation hasn’t been on the field all that much, but the arm strength and athleticism could make him the next great dual-threat signal-caller when it’s all said and done.
Richardson has traits that cannot be taught. Providing his accuracy and decision-making improve with more reps in 2022, then he’ll make himself a lot of money along the way.
Carolina had a huge amount of success with a similar type of quarterback in Cam Newton. Although it’s entirely dependent on their perception of Matt Corral and whether Baker Mayfield provides enough spark.