30 college prospects the Carolina Panthers should watch closely in 2022

Carolina Panthers should monitor Marvin Mims

• Wide Receiver | Oklahoma

If the Carolina Panthers are looking for another weapon in the passing game next season, then they could do a lot worse than look at Marvin Mims, the fiercely competitive wide receiver out of Oklahoma.

Mims has proven production as a reliable target that can make a serious difference in red-zone situations. His ability to grab the football at its highest point is extraordinary, which is matched by good acceleration to stretch the field.

There are concerns about his size, which could restrict Mims to an NFL slot receiver. But that does not detract from what a promising prospect he is providing further development occurs in 2022.

Carolina Panthers should monitor Emil Ekiyor Jr.

• Offensive Line | Alabama

The pieces are there for Carolina to make major improvements on the offensive line. But as is the case with their edge options, backup alternatives might be few and far between next season and must be addressed.

Emil Ekiyor Jr. is another Alabama interior lineman with the athleticism needed to be an NFL starter. Although he’s not the tallest, the prospect more than makes up for this with jaw-dropping footwork and reach that keeps opposing defensive players locked up consistently.

Ekiyor has stamina issues and tends to get beaten to the point of attack. So it’ll be interesting to see what adjustments he’s made to his game this offseason.

Carolina Panthers should monitor Grayson McCall

• Quarterback | Coastal Carolina

One of the most polarizing quarterbacks entering the league this year, Grayson McCall could be a wildcard option at the position with another season of outstanding numbers at Coastal Carolina.

McCall decided to return to college despite many projecting him to be taken early in the 2022 draft. The main challenge for the signal-caller now is getting noticed within a quarterback class that is expected to be among the deepest in recent memory.

There is enough arm strength to go off where McCall is concerned. But his decision-making needs work and bulking up slightly would also be beneficial to the player’s chances of one day becoming an NFL starter.

Carolina Panthers should monitor Sedrick Van Pran

• Center | Georgia

With Bradley Bozeman out of contract in 2023 and Pat Elflein a prime cut candidate, the Panthers could take this opportunity to find a long-term center from the college ranks. One of the best around is Sedrick Van Pran, who marshaled the Georgia Bulldogs offensive line superbly en route to a convincing national championship triumph last season.

Van Pran is a great communicator at the line of scrimmage. Although he’s not the most agile, the four-star recruit’s technical ability in pass protection is nothing short of remarkable for a man his size.

Bozeman might do enough to come back on a long-term deal. But scouts should take a keen interest in Van Pran, regardless.