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

Round 4, 105th Overall: John Michael Schmitz, OL, Minnesota

The offensive line rebuild isn’t done for the Carolina Panthers, as they look to the interior now. Center Matt Paradis could be gone after the season. Pat Elflein could take his place, but there’s a reason he was available. Michael Jordan was a castoff and he looked rough on Sunday, and it’s likely Brady Christensen is best on the inside.

All that to say an upgrade is necessary. John Michael Schmitz is receiving some 2022 NFL Draft buzz of late, and for good reason. He’s a good athlete with good initial quicks, has strong angles in space in the run game, has the ability to reach the second level, and he’s a strong finisher.

Round 5, 144th Overall: Rashad Wisdom, S, UTSA

The secondary for the Carolina Panthers is a strong unit. Jaycee Horn looked excellent prior to his injury, and the Panthers got aggressive trading for corners C.J. Henderson and Stephon Gilmore, who could be signed for the long term this offseason.

Still, it’s a unit that could use some safety help. Jeremy Chinn is a great player who moves around a ton near the box, and does great work in short zones, but the Panthers need a reliable guy deep in coverage. UTSA’s Rashad Wisdom is a guy with great range, instincts, and recognition skills that translate to playing single high and in a deep half.