Panthers secure big-time OT prospect in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first 2022 mock draft
It’s been quarterbacks aplenty for the Carolina Panthers in this month’s wave of 2022 mock drafts. But how about addressing a need that’s been just as, if not more, pressing?
On Wednesday, ESPN released the season’s first mock from NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. And while the Panthers most certainly need some sort of solution under center, they’ve gone far too long without fixing its left tackle position.
So, Kiper did it for them with Mississippi State University’s Charles Cross.
“This is an easy call based on Carolina’s biggest weakness: It has to get a better left tackle. The Panthers ranked last in the league in yards per play (4.6) and 28th in sacks allowed (52). They went into the season with journeyman Cameron Erving manning the spot and finished with Dennis Daley filling in. Taylor Moton is a really solid right tackle, but they can upgrade the left side with this pick.
“Cross took a big leap in 2021, allowing just a single sack while playing in a pass-happy Mike Leach offense. He can be a big-time NFL left tackle. This isn’t a reach pick. The Panthers need to hit here because they don’t have second-or third-round picks due to trades for quarterback Sam Darnold and cornerback CJ Henderson. This is a massive draft for coach Matt Rhule, who fired his offensive coordinator and might have to make the playoffs in 2022 to keep his job.”
Considering last year’s free-agent bandage in Erving didn’t exactly work out in 2020, Cross could easily become the Panthers’ day one starter on the blindside. That would also give Carolina some flexibility with Brady Christensen, who played from four different spots in his rookie campaign.
Additionally, the 21-year-old Cross stands at a stout 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. We’ll get back to you and head coach Matt Rhule once we get an official number on his arm length.
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