5 draft prospects the Carolina Panthers might miss after 2022 resurgence

Carolina Panthers could miss out on Jalen Carter

• Defensive Tackle | Georgia Bulldogs

Derrick Brown’s sensational third season with the Carolina Panthers ended all concerns surrounding his ceiling. The defensive tackle was among the team’s best players and rapidly emerged into a consistent interior presence capable of wreaking havoc on any given down.

There was also a lot to like about Matt Ioannidis’ performance levels alongside Brown. The free-agent signing looked polished and although there was an injury problem or two along the way, he’d be a candidate for an extension if the price is right before free agency.

If Ioannidis decides to take his chances elsewhere, finding a long-term partner for Brown becomes imperative. And there is no doubt who the best defensive tackle prospect is in the 2023 class.

Jalen Carter has it all. The Georgia product has exceptional athleticism for his size, can shed blocks at will with supreme power, and has outstanding closing speed that gets him to the point of attack rapidly.

Carter has almost no holes in his game – a generational talent that has the scope to make an impact from the moment he steps onto an NFL field. Pairing the lineman with Brown would give the Panthers a mouth-watering tandem, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll make it to No. 9 overall.

Once Carter shines during events such as the NFL Scouting Combine and teams get a firm grasp of his college tape, this should be the No. 1 overall selection unless the Chicago Bears trade down for additional capital.