6 hot college prospects that should be on the Panthers 2022 draft radar

Malik Willis – QB (Liberty)

The Carolina Panthers are probably going to keep Sam Darnold under center in 2022. Having a third starting signal-caller in as many years is not a good look for head coach Matt Rhule, so picking up his fifth-year option is something that was inevitable and gives them a solid indication as to whether the USC star is a viable long-term option.

This year’s quarterback class doesn’t appear to be the strongest if the first few weeks are any indication. The likes of Spencer Rattler have struggled to find consistency, although there is a lot to like about the skill set North Carolina‘s potential first-rounder Sam Howell brings to the table.

However, one prospect is generating some significant buzz of late and might be worth a closer look.

Malik Willis has lit it up for Liberty almost from the moment he stepped onto the field. He is a dynamic weapon that comes with dual-threat potential, something the Panthers got a tremendous amount of success from in the past when they took Cam Newton No. 1 overall.

Willis has a cannon for an arm and a rare ability to make plays out of nothing. His stock is only going to get higher in the coming weeks and throughout the evaluation process, with his unique athleticism something that’s going to go down incredibly well with NFL scouts.

The Panthers will do their due diligence, obviously. But they might need a top-three pick to acquire Willis when it’s all said and done.