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2022 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers 7-round mock

By Rucker Haringey

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Ikem Ekwonu #79 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Ikem Ekwonu #79 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers mock draft, Terrel Bernard
WACO, TX -NOVEMBER 27: Donovan Smith #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reaches for possession of a bobbled punt with Terrel Bernard #2 of the Baylor Bears in the first half at McLane Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Round 5: Terrel Bernard

The idea of Rhule selecting a former Baylor standout isn’t exactly novel, but grabbing Bernard in Round 5 would make a lot of sense. He’s a little undersized to play linebacker at the next level, but he’s got the speed and agility that all teams are looking for to hold up in coverage against modern passing attacks.

The best-case outcome for Bernard is that he transitions into becoming a top-notch coverage linebacker on the outside. If he can combine that with adequate work against the run he could become an above-average starter for a long time.

Round 5: Cam Taylor-Britt

Both Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore are headed to free agency and it’s very likely Carolina will lose one of those key cornerbacks. Drafting Taylor-Britt in the fifth round could help soften that blow.

The former Nebraska star pops on film because of his physical hitting on the outside. He’ll be a plus-run defender from the boundary right away. He also possesses solid athleticism in space which allows him to function in both man and zone looks. He’s not going to turn into a Pro Bowler anytime soon, but he can challenge for a backup role right away.

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