6 first-round targets for the Carolina Panthers in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Malik Willis – QB (Liberty)
There is a growing sense that Sam Darnold is not the answer at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. His alarming drop-off in production since Christian McCaffrey went to the sidelines has given little confidence in his potential to pick this team up by himself, which means those in power might be back to square one at the most important position on the field in 2022.
The Panthers did pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option following his trade from the New York Jets. Although his production so far is enough to suggest Carolina might now know what their ceiling is if they move forward with the USC product.
Carolina has some options. They ignored some top quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft and although this class wouldn’t be classed as the strongest, there are a couple of enticing signal-callers that could go on to have successful pro careers.
Malik Willis fits into this category. The dual-threat is lighting it up at Liberty this season, which has seen the prospect’s stock go through the roof at just the right time.
Willis has the mobility and arm strength to make a real difference. There is also real velocity on his throws and the player has the right instincts to keep plays and alive when all hope seems lost.
Throwing him into the firing line right away wouldn’t be beneficial. But the Panthers could adopt an approach similar to what the San Francisco 49ers are doing with Trey Lance this season.