With a terrible quarterback situation and an even more diabolical offensive line, the Carolina Panthers are an intriguing team to write a 2022 NFL Mock Draft for. Will they strike for a quarterback early in April? Can they rebuild this offensive line in the NFL Draft? What can Matt Rhule do that helps put out the fire that resides under his head coach chair?
Carolina Panthers 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft
For the purposes of this Panthers 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft, we’ve used the free PFN Mock Draft Simulator with trades (equipped with the latest NFL Draft order). However, the selections are hand-crafted based on the projected needs for the Panthers in the 2022 NFL Draft. Currently, they only have six picks. Let’s break down how this haul improves Carolina’s future fortunes.
Round 1, Pick 6: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Panthers are in a gigantic quandary ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. They need a quarterback. Last season proved that. Sam Darnold wasn’t the answer. Cam Newton’s return was ultimately fruitless. P.J. Walker is exciting, but he also isn’t the solution.
Carolina is a prime landing spot for one of the draft’s top quarterbacks. However, without a polished passer ready to hit the ground running, they’re going to need time to develop. Time is simply something that Rhule doesn’t have. Furthermore, time is simply something that any quarterback won’t get behind a turgid offensive line that is more porous than low-quality napkins.
While they have some cap space to address this in free agency, I’ve taken an all-in approach to address the Panthers’ offensive line in this 2022 7-Round Mock Draft. That starts at the sixth overall selection with Mississippi State left tackle Charles Cross. A strong, athletic, savage offensive tackle, Cross plays the game with high football intelligence.
Round 4, Pick 107: Cameron Jurgens, C, Nebraksa
Matt Paradis is a 32-year-old center who is potentially heading for free agency. Additionally, center was one of the spots where the Panthers had the most struggles during the 2021 NFL season. As part of their offensive line overall, figuring out their future at the pivot has to be a key consideration.
Following his outstanding performance at the NFL Combine, Cameron Jurgens might not still be on the board at pick 107. If he is, the mustachioed beef jerky producer makes the ideal mid-round center prospect. He’s a ridiculous athlete who would make a perfect roadblock for Christian McCaffrey at the second level. Furthermore, he plays the game with violent hands and impressive intensity.
Round 5, Pick 144: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
The Panthers added a plethora of defensive backs over the course of the 2021 season. From the selection of Jaycee Horn in the first round to the trades for Stephon Gilmore and C.J. Henderson, Carolina packed the cornerback room as Rhule sought to build a defensive bully. However, Gilmore is scheduled to hit the open market, as is Donte Jackson.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Carolina add further reinforcements in April. That’s exactly what the Panthers do in this 2022 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Double-dipping into the Nebraska pool of players, Cam Taylor-Britt would be a steal at the top of the fifth round. A competitive monster with ball skills and insane athletic ability, Taylor-Britt also is a strong and competent run defender.
Round 5, Pick 149: Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia
The selection of Mississippi State’s Cross with the sixth overall pick of this Panthers 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft would suggest that Brady Christensen would kick back inside to guard. However, that shouldn’t stop Carolina from adding further offensive line pieces.
Jamaree Salyer predominantly played left tackle for Georgia this season. Yet, he looked at his best inside at left guard during the National Championship. A stout and strong offensive lineman, Salyer presents as a run-game road block and a strong-anchored pass protector.
Round 6, Pick 198: EJ Perry, QB, Brown
If the Panthers don’t strike early on for a quarterback, I’d expect them to at least be active in the later rounds in their quest to find a long-term answer. While late-round passers don’t have a particularly high rate of success — especially if you remove Tom Brady from the equation — that shouldn’t preclude an attempt to add to the quarterback room.
Brown quarterback EJ Perry is an intriguing option. He finished second amongst quarterbacks to Desmond Ridder in the 40-yard dash, vertical, and broad jumps at the NFL Combine. Meanwhile, he topped the testing times in the three-cone and shuttle drills, flashing his ability to be agile.
A former Boston College quarterback, Perry showcased record-setting productivity as the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year this year. Furthermore, he was the Offensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Bowl. A tough competitor, Perry has also shown passing upside — he can throw with anticipation.
Round 7, Pick 245: Chance Campbell, LB, Mississippi
Although the Panthers’ needs are significantly offensive-based, we round out this Carolina 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft with a defensive requirement. Several linebackers are set for free agency, so it’s an assumption they’ll look to add depth in this next two months.
Chance Campbell vastly upgraded the Ole Miss defense this season, playing with a strength and physicality that will prove alluring. An impressive pre-draft process — including surprising speed in the 40-yard dash — will help solidify him as a late-round prospect.