Will the Panthers choose a QB or left tackle? The Observer’s latest 7-round mock draft
Forecasting the Panthers’ 2022 NFL Draft is like trying to predict an accurate weekend weather report for next month.
We can try. There are tools available that helps generate a ballpark guess, but ultimately it’s difficult to predict given the uncertainty of this draft. The Panthers select at No. 6 overall, and not again until Round 4. That’s more than a 40-hour break between their Thursday night first-round selection and their Saturday afternoon fourth-round pick.
Until any trades happen (if they do), it’s difficult projecting who Carolina will take beyond Round 1. But we are going to try.
The Panthers’ three biggest needs are quarterback, offensive line and edge rusher. Carolina will take the best available player at one of these three positions.
Using the Draft Networks’ draft simulator without any trades, The Observer’s Jonathan M. Alexander and Ellis L. Williams each mock draft who they think the Panthers will pick in the first round and fourth round. They come together on rounds five through seven.
The first five simulated picks were:
1. DE Aidan Huchinson (Jaguars)
2. DE Travon Walker (Lions)
3. OT Evan Neal (Texans)
4. OT Ikem Ekwonu (Jets)
5. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants).
FIRST ROUND, PICK NO. 6
▪ Name: Kenny Pickett
▪ Position: QB
▪ School: Pittsburgh
▪ Year: Senior
I’ve changed my mind on what the Panthers will do at No. 6 several times. Selecting an offensive tackle is the safest thing Carolina can do. If the draft unfolds like our Pro Football Focus simulation, then Carolina will have its choice of tackles.
But at some point this team has to add a quarterback. Perhaps that guy will be Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo. Both are more experienced than any rookie available. Garoppolo is a winner who was supported by the 49ers’ quarterback system while Mayfield has as much arm talent as any quarterback in this class.
However, landing a talented quarterback on a rookie contract is the best bargain in football. If Mayfield or Garoppolo play well in Carolina then they will want a new 2023 contract. While drafting Kenny Pickett allows Carolina to control him on a team-friendly deal for five years.
I think Pickett will be the Panthers’ Week 1 starter. But when I’m asked about this next week, I could changed my mind — again.
— Ellis L. Williams
FIRST ROUND, PICK NO. 6 (Alternative)
▪ Name: Charles Cross
▪ Position: OT
▪ School: Mississippi State
▪ Year: Junior
This is a tough choice, but as I reported Sunday, the Panthers are increasingly liking what Cross can do. Ideally, Neal or Ekwonu would fall. They are considered the top two tackles in the class.
Cross is considered a Day 1 starter, too.
Given Mississippi State threw on most possessions, there are some concerns with his run blocking, but what’s certain is that he can pass block. If the Panthers get a trade offer they can’t pass up, I could see them taking it.
But drafting Cross addresses a major need at No. 6, and I don’t think the Panthers will reach.
Panthers general manger Scott Fitterer said at the combine, “If there’s a good player at six we’re going to take him.”
Cross is a player you take.
— Jonathan M. Alexander
FOURTH ROUND, PICK NO. 137
Name: Max Mitchell
▪ Position: T
▪ School: Louisiana
▪ Year: Senior
After taking a quarterback, the Panthers add an offensive tackle. Mitchell isn’t a Day 1 starter. Those prospects will be long gone by the time Carolina selects after Round 1. But Mitchell has a lot of traits scouts like.
Mitchell competed well against Power 5 schools this year in games against Texas and Iowa State. Scouts love seeing prospects produce against the best competition on their schedule. In pass sets, Mitchell gains great depth and tends to beat defenders to their spots. He shows quality lateral movement and redirects well.
He played both left and right tackle at Louisiana. His position flexibility is a nice bonus to an already rather complete prospect.
— ELW
FOURTH ROUND, PICK NO. 137 (Alternative)
▪ Name: Isaiah Thomas
▪ Position: Edge rusher
▪ School: Oklahoma
▪ Year: Senior
Among the Panthers top priorities is offensive tackle, quarterback and edge rusher. The fourth round is too low to take a quarterback, but Thomas was one of the best available players on the board and addresses another need.
Thomas had eight sacks in each of the past two seasons, so he can get after the quarterback. He also had three forced fumbles during the 2021 season.
The Panthers struggled at creating turnovers. While he likely wouldn’t be a Day 1 starter, he could definitely help as a reserve.
— JMA
FIFTH ROUND, PICK NO. 144
▪ Name: Matt Henningsen
▪ Position: DT
▪ School: Wisconsin
▪ Year: Senior
The Panthers’ defense was too light last season. Fitterer has made it clear he plans on adding size up front to improve the run defense. Wisconsin senior Matt Henningsen was a major contributor on the Badgers’ top-ranked defense last season when he had 3.5 sacks and six tackles for a loss.
Henningsen projects best as a five-technique in a 3-4 defense, which fits defensive coordinator Phil Snow’s multiple front scheme. He is the only player in my mock draft who was not invited to the combine. Perhaps that means he will be available later than Round 5.
Against the Big 10, Henningsen popped on tape several times. He had quality performances against both Michigan and Purdue, where he showcased his ability against the run. I noticed his heavy hands. He punches defenders with force and proves disruptive in key situations.
— ELW
FIFTH ROUND, PICK NO. 149
Name: Eric Johnson
▪ Position: DT
▪ School: Missouri State
▪ Year: Senior
Missouri State defensive tackle Eric Johnson did not get a combine invite but his performance at the Senior Bowl in early February left a favorable impression on scouts. Then he dominated his pro day, running a 4.86 40-yard dash. Only defensive tackles Devonte Wyatt of Georgia (4.77) and Jordan Davis (4.78) ran faster. At 6 foot 5 and nearly 300 pounds, that’s freakish athleticism.
The Panthers need to add to the defensive line. They were pushed around up front last season. A late-round pick with Johnson’s size and athleticism would help. Johnson used the NFLPA Bowl to gain buzz and then parlayed that success into a great Senior Bowl showing, proving capable of playing either a three or zero technique in the pros.
— ELW
SIXTH ROUND, PICK NO. 199
▪ Name: Joshua Ross
▪ Position: LB
▪ School: Michigan
▪ Year: Senior
At Michigan, linebacker Josh Ross was voted a team captain in back-to-back seasons. He’s the type of linebacker that will outwork anyone in his position group while providing sound defense against the run. As a pro, Ross projects as an early-down linebacker capable of destroying running lanes and shedding blockers.
Ross would benefit from learning behind starting linebacker Shaq Thompson until he earned legitimate playing time. He may never develop into a coverage linebacker. Professional tight ends or running backs will lose him in space. But his instincts help him a lot in coverage. It’s clear he studies his opponents based on his anticipatory zone drops.
The Panthers are looking for linebacker help behind Thompson. Ross likely won’t be ready Day 1 but with some development, he could grow into a multi-contract pro and a high-value sixth-round pick. Being a Michigan grad selected at No. 199 worked out for Tom Brady.
— ELW
SEVENTH ROUND, PICK NO. 242
▪ Name: Michael Clemons
▪ Position: Edge
▪ School: Texas A&M
▪ Year: Senior
Clemons is both raw and ready to help an NFL team. He transferred from junior college and then started the past two seasons at defensive end for the Aggies. In 10 games as a senior, he generated 32 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. His lone forced fumble, he also recovered for a touchdown.
After the combine, Clemons may not project as a seventh-round pick. Based on the tape I’ve watched, he’d be worth a Round 5 selection or better.
— ELW
This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
