4 emerging draft busts on the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players are now firmly looking at draft-bust status following a disappointing 2022 campaign?
It’s been another rollercoaster campaign for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. The team is staring another lost season and a high-end draft selection in the face after flattering to deceive on countless occasions, which saw Matt Rhule fired early on and far more questions than answers about this organization’s current state.
The upcoming offseason represents one of the most important in franchise history. Something that was also recognized by general manager Scott Fitterer, who bolstered Carolina’s draft capital by trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for a solid haul in the circumstances.
How the Panthers utilize these picks will be pivotal to their short and long-term aspirations. The need for a franchise quarterback takes priority above all else, but other positional groups also need considerable attention based on what we’ve seen from Carolina to date.
Without further ado, we picked out four Panthers players who are now rapidly emerging into draft-bust territory in 2022.
Draft Bust No. 1
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers placed a significant amount of faith in cornerback C.J. Henderson when they acquired him via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars. But even though there have been moments of promise this season, the consistency just isn’t there and when opposing teams need a first down, he’s targeted often.
Henderson doesn’t look like he’ll ever live up to the No. 9 overall selection despite his undoubted promise coming out of Florida. It would be a surprise if the Panthers picked up his fifth-year option in 2023 and if strides aren’t made next offseason, then his long-term future with the franchise looks incredibly bleak.