Panthers 7-round NFL mock draft ahead of 2022 college football season

Carolina Panthers select Colby Wooden

• Defensive Line | Auburn

As stated previously, there is a lot of young talent on the Carolina Panthers’ defensive front. However, it’s vital most – if not all – make improvements next season to solidify their long-term futures with the organization.

It would be a shock if every single defensive lineman failed to hit their targets. But if someone like Colby Wooden was around at this point, then it might represent solid value depending on how the player performs this season.

Wooden is the foundational piece on the Auburn defensive line in 2022. He has the versatility to play almost anywhere on the front seven and boasts the tools to potentially play as a three-technique once he gets to the NFL.

Quickness and fluidity are two things that come to mind when examining Wooden. His footwork is on point and the prospect also possesses outstanding hand techniques that are deployed with violence.

The lack of true explosiveness indicates that Wooden might be suited to the interior rather than a true edge defender. He’ll also need to improve gap discipline against the run in pursuit of entering the top-100 discussion during the 2023 NFL Draft.

But overall, there is a lot to build on with Wooden.