The 2022 NFL Draft is almost here, and it’s a big one for the Carolina Panthers. Matt Rhule is entering his third year with the team, and he desperately needs to win in order to save his job.
So how will that affect the way the team drafts? And what do they do about the limited resources because of the Sam Darnold trade a year ago?
What are the Panthers looking to accomplish in this draft and what is the latest buzz on who they could be picking at No. 6?
Here is everything you need to know about the NFL Draft and the Carolina Panthers just hours before Commissioner Roger Goodell steps up to the podium Thursday night.
North Carolina sports betting is legal at the two Cherokee casinos in the western part of the state.
With the legislature reconvening next month, there is some hope that betting on North Carolina sports betting apps will be in place before next year’s NFL Draft, if not sooner.
Carolina Panthers 2022 Draft Order
- Round 1: No. 6
- Round 4: No. 137
- Round 5: No. 144
- Round 5: No. 149
- Round 6: No. 200
- Round 7: No. 243
Carolina Panthers Draft Needs
- Offensive Tackle
- Quarterback
- Cornerback
- Defensive End
Carolina Panthers 1st Round Pick Odds (No.6)
Bookies.com oddsmaker Adam Thompson has revealed who the Panthers are most likely to choose with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
| 🏈 Kenny Pickett, QB | Pittsburgh | +250 |
| 🏈 Charles Cross, T | Mississippi State | +300 |
| 🏈 Malik Willis, QB | Liberty | +325 |
| 🏈 Evan Neal, T | Alabama | +550 |
| 🏈 Desmond Ridder, QB | Cincinnati | +600 | 🏈 The Field | N/A | +650 |
Odds are projected and do not reflect any odds that may be available at legal betting sites or betting apps.
Players To Know for the Panthers
First and foremost, the Panthers would love to trade back from No. 6 and pick up more draft capital. They do not have a selection on Day 2 of the draft and their next pick is at No. 137.
This is a roster that needs a lot of help and they aren’t going to find it by picking just once in the top 130. So even if a player they love falls to them at No. 6, expect them to seriously consider trading down into the teens or maybe even the 20s to gain more picks.
Having said that, the Panthers are in the market for a franchise quarterback. Darnold clearly isn’t the answer for Carolina and there are a ton of connections between the front office and Kenny Pickettt (Pittsburgh). In fact, Rhule even recruited Pickett to Temple before he left for Baylor. There is clearly interest there, but probably not enough to take him at No. 6. But at No. 16 or No. 20? Maybe.
After quarterback, the Panthers are in need of some serious offensive line help. Evan Neal (Alabama) would be among the best possible picks for Carolina as he can play either tackle spot or guard right away. However, he might not last that long. Another name to consider is Charles Cross (Mississippi State), who is the draft’s best pass protector. He needs to improve on his power, but his fantastic athleticism and length make him the prototype at left tackle in the NFL.
If the Panthers do trade down and none of the quarterbacks they like are available, keep an eye on Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa). Early on in the draft process, there were some rumblings that the Panthers might consider him at No. 6. While that still might be the case, it’s more likely they could trade down eight or 10 spots and still grab him. He is a developmental offensive tackle with extremely good athleticism, but he is a work-in-progress. Still, look for him to be picked somewhere in the top-16 selections.
On Day 2 and Day 3, look for the Panthers to add some depth to their defense. They could really use more secondary help and someone like Coby Bryant (Cincinnati) could be an option for them later on. Expect Carolina to be one of the most aggressive teams in this draft as they find ways to move around the board due to their lack of current draft capital.
Previous First-Round Selections by Panthers
- 2021 – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
- 2020 – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
- 2019 – Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
- 2018 – D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
- 2017 – Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
