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

Round 5, 150th Overall: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

The linebacker position for the Carolina Panthers is one not often talked about. We are a ways away from the Luke Kuechly/Thomas Davis duo of the past. Shaq Thompson has developed into a flashy playmaker and reliable tackler, but there isn’t much on the roster after him.

Quay Walker isn’t talked about a lot on the Georgia Bulldogs defense, but he’s a strong player in his own right. Walker is good off the ball in coverage as an overhang defender, and has great recognition skills in zone coverage. He’s got a quick trigger working downhill and flows to fill well against the run.

Round 6, 196th Overall: Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State

Yes, Brian Burns has been fantastic for the Panthers, Yetur Gross-Matos is still working towards becoming a full time guy, and the Panthers are good at generating pressure. However, the edge unit is pretty thin as a whole right now.

Will McDonald fits well in this defense, as he’s on the lighter side akin to a Burns type. McDonald plays with a red hot motor and has great athleticism as a rusher. His ability to set up defenders inside or out and work the other way quickly is impressive, and he can dip and flatten to get to the quarterback.

Round 7, 245th Overall: Kaleb Eleby, QB, Western Michigan

The quarterback selection is here. While going with someone like tackle Andrew Stueber or a tight end like Brant Kuithe also could’ve made sense, getting a quarterback is worth it this late.

Kaleb Eleby has been lighting up the MAC this season, and is an intriguing mid-to-late round draft prospect. He throws with good velocity, has great placement outside the numbers and on the deep ball, processes well, and manages things in the pocket. He can develop into a great backup, or potentially, a future starter with time.