Carolina Panthers select Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays in 2022 NFL Draft
The Carolina Panthers are banking on Tennessee product Cade Mays to come in and give their offensive line a boost. After playing a pivotal role throughout his time in Knoxville, the former Volunteers offensive lineman will be expected to do the same in his NFL career.
That’s why the Panthers took him off the board in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday, picking him No. 199 overall.
In his four seasons of college football, Mays proved why NFL teams were intrigued by his ability at both Georgia and Tennessee. Last season, the versatile offensive lineman helped lay a foundation for first-year Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, as the Volunteers look primed for good days ahead under their second-year coach.
During his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Bulldogs, Mays saw playing time all over the offensive line. Additionally, Mays started 11 games his sophomore season at four different positions along the unit. That season, the former Bulldogs offensive lineman was the co-recipient of Georgia’s Charley Trippi Award for versatility.
After transferring to Tennessee, Mays broke out in a big way for the Volunteers. Last season, he only allowed one sack on the season for the Volunteers. Additionally, Mays was named to the 2021 All-SEC second team.
Most importantly to the Panthers, the versatility Mays brings to a team is a game-changer. Not only did he perform at all levels of the offensive line, but he did so at two different SEC powerhouses.
A former five-star recruit in the class of 2018, Mays was the No. 3 offensive lineman in the nation per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. The former Tennessee star played his high school football at Knoxville Catholic in Knoxville, Tennessee. Additionally, Mays was the first-ranked recruit in Tennessee coming out of high school, and the No. 22 overall recruit in the nation, according to On3’s 2018 Consensus Top Football Recruits.
What NFL draft analysts are saying about Cade Mays
Furthermore, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com broke down what Cade Mays can bring to the NFL in his recent scout of the offensive lineman’s draft profile. The analyst compared the Tennessee product to Chase Roullier, the No. 199 overall selection of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders out of Wyoming. In his career thus far, Roullier started 61 games for the franchise, and signed a four-year, $40.5 million extension prior to the 2021 season.
“Offensive line prospect with five-position experience, a broad frame and good overall strength,” wrote Zierlein. “He has good length and can play square against bigger, odd-front defenders, which is extremely valuable at center. He needs to stay under his pads and play with a wider base on a more consistent basis. However, he has drive-blocking talent and should benefit from his pass protection experience.
“Mays has the potential to become a starting center in time.”