Who will the Carolina Panthers pick in the NFL draft? Here’s what experts think
Most mock drafts swirling on the internet ahead of Thursday’s NFL draft have similar beginnings.
Edge rusher Travon Walker of Georgia at No. 1 — and some combination of Aidan Hutchinson, Ikem Ekwonu and Ahmad Gardner shortly thereafter.
But one question experts don’t seem to have a shared answer to: What should the Carolina Panthers do?
Some expect the Panthers to invest in their offensive line. Others, including Observer columnist Scott Fowler, advocate for taking Liberty quarterback Malik Willis.
Here’s a roundup of who national experts think the Carolina Panthers should select with the sixth pick in the NFL draft.
The Charlotte Observer
The Observer published its final Panther first-round predictions on Thursday morning, and Ellis L. Williams (beat writer), Jonathan M. Alexander (beat writer) and Scott Fowler (columnist) all had different takes.
Williams said the Panthers’ choice to go with an offensive tackle is a “no-brainer” — meaning Evan Neal (Alabama), Ikem Ekwonu (N.C. State) and Charles Cross (Mississippi State). Alexander wrote that the Panthers should draft the best available player, “even if that means drafting another defensive player.” And Fowler, as aforementioned, advocated for the Panthers to take quarterback Malik Willis.
Sports Illustrated
Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated reports in his final mock draft that the Panthers should pick Evan Neal at No. 6. The 6-foot-7, 351-pound offensive tackle would provide bulk and depth to an offensive line that needs it.
Fox Sports
Fox Sports NFL draft analyst Rob Rang projects that the Panthers will trade their sixth pick to the Minnesota Vikings and in exchange be saddled with the 12th pick, which they’ll use to take 6-foot-3, 235-pound Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd. Carolina’s defense was a strength in 2021, and this would align with Rhule’s propensity to take defensive guys in the early rounds of the draft.
NBC Sports
NBC Sports’ Thor Nystrom writes that the Panthers will take 6-foot, 225-pound quarterback Malik Willis with the sixth pick. The selection of Willis would be a gamble, but it would represent Carolina’s willingness to take a big swing to find its next franchise leader.
NFL.com
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah advises that the Panthers will take Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross.
Washington Post
Mark Maske of the Washington Post wrote earlier this week that the Panthers would be wise to take Malik Willis at No. 6 because they “cannot leave themselves with Sam Darnold as their only option at quarterback.”
Yahoo Sports
Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports writes that Ikem Ekwonu, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound offensive tackle out of N.C. State, will fall to Carolina at No. 6 and that the Panthers will take him then. The Charlotte native is expected in most mock drafts to be taken as a top-three pick.
CBS Sports
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports writes the Panthers should take Charles Cross out of Mississippi State.
Pro Football Focus
Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus also advocates for the Panthers to take Charles Cross out of Mississippi State, adding: “The Panthers need pass protection. They also need a quarterback. If they draft a rookie quarterback without shoring up the pass protection, however, there’s very little chance of that rookie succeeding to the point where he saves the jobs of the coaching staff.”
USA Today
USA Today’s Nate Davis writes that the Panthers will take offensive lineman Charles Cross.
ESPN
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN expects the Panthers to take OT Evan Neal in the No. 6 pick. His full dispatch on the Panthers’ Thursday fate: “The Panthers are likely going to try to trade down because they don’t have any Day 2 picks. Which team wants to trade up, though? That’s the issue — they have to find a partner in order to do so. This is too high for a quarterback, and they have a clear need at left tackle. Neal is a devastating run-blocker with quick feet as a pass protector.”
This story was originally published April 28, 2022 at 10:35 AM.
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