Everything that could go wrong for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 happened. Subpar quarterback play, a porous offensive line and key injuries to star running back Christian McCaffrey doomed Carolina to a 5-12 record.
For all of last year’s struggles, there are a few signs of optimism heading into the Panthers 2022 season. McCaffrey, health permitting, is one of the game’s most talented players, a dual-threat capable of catapulting an average offense up the field. Star players Shaq Thompson and D.J. Moore are locked up on long-term deals.
Still, there are sizable holes on the roster, mainly under center. Although Sam Darnold still has the front office’s faith, according to GM Scott Fitterer, it’s hard to believe that Carolina won’t be in the market for a quarterback of the future.
Carolina is in football purgatory, blessed with some real talent but lacking a team-wide identity. The 2022 draft could be crucial in bridging the gap between the Panthers and the NFC’s elite. With only six picks though, the vast majority in the back half of the draft, Carolina will have to make its selections count.
Here’s a look at the Panthers picks in the 2022 NFL Draft:
Panthers draft picks 2022: Who did Carolina take?
- Round 1, Pick No. 6: —
- Round 4, Pick No. 137: —
- Round 5, Pick No. 144: —
- Round 5, Pick No. 149: —
- Round 6, Pick No. 199: —
- Round 7, Pick No. 242: —
Panthers 2022 NFL Draft order
| Round | Pick |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6 |
| 4 | 137 (from Rams through Texans) |
| 5 | 144 (from Jaguars) |
| 5 | 149 |
| 6 | 199 (from Raiders) |
| 7 | 242 (from Patriots through Dolphins) |
MORE: Compare latest mock drafts from Mel Kiper, Daniel Jeremiah, Todd McShay, other experts
Panthers NFL draft needs
- Quarterback: Carolina’s throwing struggles were well-documented last season. With Sam Darnold and Cam Newton under center, the Panthers threw a league-leading 21 interceptions while racking up just 14 touchdowns, the second-lowest total in the NFL. Simply put, the position was a black hole for Carolina in 2021. The Panthers just inked wideout D.J. Moore to a four-year extension and are hoping to have Christian McCaffrey fit and firing for a full season next year. Whether it’s for now or (more likely) the future, the Panthers need someone capable of getting the ball to their dynamic weapons in open field — at this point in time, Darnold doesn’t appear to be that person.
- Offensive Tackle: The Panthers throwing struggles weren’t solely on the quarterbacks, however. Carolina also gave up 52 sacks last year, the fifth-highest total in the NFL.
- Linebacker: The Panthers added to their linebacker corps earlier in the offseason, signing veterans Cory Littleton (1 year, $2.6 million) and Dameon Wilson (2 years, $6.9 million) last month. Still, following the departure of mainstay Jermaine Carter Jr., Carolina will hope to add more depth in the position, especially with star Shaq Thompson preferring a role as an outside linebacker.
- Cornerback: Carolina was brilliant in pass defense in 2021 — the Panthers gave up the fourth-fewest yards in the league last season. The problem is one of the architects of Carolina’s stoutness, lockdown cornerback Stephon Gilmore, is a free agent. The former Defensive Player of the Year has a host of suitors, indicating his future likely lies away from Charlotte. With Donte Jackson grading out as an average corner according to PFF, it would behoove the Panthers to bring in a young talent at the position.
- Edge: Haason Reddick left for the Eagles, meaning the Panthers are now in need of a solid edge rusher. It will be difficult to replace Reddick’s production — he led the team in sacks with 11 last year. However, there is a decent crop of edge talent in the back-half of the draft. With precious few picks in the first three rounds, perhaps Carolina can take a flyer on an edge in Day 3.
Carolina Panthers mock draft 2022
Here are the latest 2022 NFL Draft projections for the Panthers, according to Vinnie Iyer’s second-round mock draft:
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Charles Cross | OT | Mississippi State |
| 4 | 137 | Jack Coan | QB | Notre Dame |
| 5 | 144 | Tyrese Robinson | G | Oklahoma |
| 5 | 149 | Terrel Bernard | LB | Baylor |
| 6 | 199 | James Mitchell | DT | Virginia Tech |
| 7 | 242 | Charleston Rambo | WR | Miami |
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