The Carolina Panthers added some pieces during the 2022 NFL Draft, but they likely won’t be fantasy players in this upcoming season. Before we dive into what impact these rookies could have on the Panthers in 2022, let’s look back at last season.
The team drafted cornerback Jaycee Horn with the eighth-overall selection, but he missed the majority of the season with an injury. Fantasy-wise, the Panthers added wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., tight end Tommy Tremble, running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Shi Smith.
Marshall gained a lot of hype from a solid pre-season campaign, but he didn’t do much of anything in the regular season. DJ Moore continues to be the main receiver and Carolina is in need of a starting quarterback that can spread the ball around. Tremble has promise, but Hubbard is likely to not amount to much especially with the Panthers signing D’Onta Foreman to be their new backup running back. Smith is buried in the depth chart.
Panthers 2022 Draft selections
No. 6: Ickey Ekwonu, OL, NC State
No. 94: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
No. 120: Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State
No. 189: Amare Barno, LB, Virginia Tech
No. 199: Cade Mays, OG, Tennessee
No. 242: Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor
Fantasy football impact
Carolina traded up into the third round to take a flyer on Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral. There was speculation over if the team would take a signal-caller and they’ve taken the gunslinger out of Ole Miss. The only question is if he can win a potential QB competition with the returning Sam Darnold.