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2022 NFL Mock Draft: Matt Corral becomes the future in Atlanta

By Christopher Thomas

Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) during warmups prior to the game against Arkansas Razorbacks at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trevor Penning, 2022 NFL mock draft, 2022 NFL Draft
2022 NFL mock draft: Trevor Penning, 2022 NFL Draft. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

21. Carolina Panthers: Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, Northern Iowa

In the second year of the Matt Rhule era the Carolina Panthers are here and competitive. Outside of their loss last week to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Panthers have looked like one of the best teams in the NFC and possible playoff contender. Sam Darnold has looks great in this offense that features better weapons than he had in New York. But the most impressive part about their team has been their defense. Carolina’s defense has been one of the best in the league this season. They have added a lot of talent to this defense early in the draft over the last two seasons. They also acquired cornerbacks C.J. Henderson and Stephon Gilmore in the past two weeks.

The only glaring weakness on this roster is their offensive line, more specifically their left tackle situation. Carolina has swing offensive lineman Cam Erving as their starting left tackle. The Panthers drafted Brady Christensen in the third round to compete for the starting job and he did not win it. Carolina can not wait for Christensen to take over a position like left tackle. It is vital for a potential playoff team like the Panthers to have someone they trust protecting their quarterback’s blindside.

Small school prospect Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa has emerged as one of the top tackle prospects in this year’s class, and he’s the pick in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Despite not playing anything near NFL caliber defenses, Penning has been dominant enough at his level to work his way into potentially hearing his name early in the draft. A former college coach like Matt Rhule could appreciate the traits Penning brings to the table. He looks like he could be a starting NFL left tackle. If the Panthers believe that is the case they should take him in the 2022 NFL Draft to be Sam Darnold’s new blindside protector.

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