Carolina Panthers 2022 Mock Draft: Offensive Line or QB In Round 1?

Should offensive line or quarterback be the focus for the Carolina Panthers in round one of this 2022 mock draft?

The Carolina Panthers have been a bit of an enigma in November. After an injury to Sam Darnold, the team explored their options and brought in longtime quarterback, and former MVP, Cam Newton. With a Newton package the week of his signing, the Panthers went into the desert and defeated the Arizona Cardinals, who still hold the top record in the NFL right now. That victory arose hope that a playoff run could be possible.

Fast forward two weeks and the hype around Newton and the Panthers has simmered down. Back-to-back losses to the Football Team and Dolphins have the fanbase back to the feelings of the mid-October slide. Newton was benched for P.J. Walker in the Dolphins loss, and it was one of the worst offensive line performances in a long time.

Carolina Panthers 2022 Mock Draft

This offseason will present a quarterback conundrum of the highest order. After giving up a 2022 second and a 2022 fourth for Darnold (in addition to a 2021 sixth), the Panthers quickly picked up an $18 million option for 2022. His struggles after the 3-0 start looked eerily like his time with the Jets, and the trade feels lost at this point.

Could the Carolina Panthers bring back Newton in addition to Darnold in 2022? It’s possible. The good news is that rushing at the quarterback position isn’t necessary with the long leash Matt Rhule has. This team has poured resources into the defense, making some good trades in the process, and there are playmakers on offense. It’s time to figure out the quarterback position and the offensive line, things that will be done (to a degree) in this Panthers 2022 mock draft. Off we go!