4 Carolina Panthers draft hits and misses from 2022 so far
By Dean Jones
What were some errors and hits made by the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 NFL Draft based on what we’ve seen so far?
The Carolina Panthers didn’t have much to work with during the 2022 NFL Draft. There were big holes to fill and not much capital to pull things off, so it was encouraging to see a patient, methodical approach from the front office that took full advantage of opportunities when they arose.
Carolina got themselves a decent haul according to many when the draft concluded. However, only one player has played significant reps for differing reasons, which means the jury is still out on the 2022 class right now.
Hopefully, those further down the pecking order can establish themselves down the stretch and beyond. But with the potential of a new set of coaching ideas coming into the fold, nobody could say with any great confidence.
With that in mind, here are four hits and errors from the Panthers 2022 draft based on what we’ve witnessed this season so far.
Draft Hit No. 1
Carolina Panthers didn’t overpay for Baker Mayfield
Negotiations were reportedly generating momentum between the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns for Baker Mayfield during the 2022 NFL Draft. However, general manager Scott Fitterer wasn’t ready to overpay for the signal-caller, which he eventually got for a reduced price and without much of a financial burden before training camp.
Based on how Mayfield’s performed in 2022, this was the right call to make. Overpaying for the Oklahoma product would have been disastrous just one season removed from the ill-fated Sam Darnold trade, but it did make things more difficult for the quarterback to develop chemistry with his primary playmakers.
Mayfield’s getting one final chance to prove he can be a capable NFL starter moving forward. But the Baltimore Ravens won’t be doing him any favors whatsoever coming off their bye week.