Carolina Panthers make huge trade in full 7-round 2022 mock draft
By Nick Halden
Carolina Panthers select Carson Strong – QB (Nevada)
Carson Strong is the obvious pick for the Carolina Panthers in this spot. He has the best arm in this draft class and could skyrocket up the rankings as we get closer to the all-important selection weekend.
In this scenario, the Panthers take a swing at finding their quarterback of the future in Strong but still would need another answer at the position. The Nevada star is a great prospect who hasn’t played the best competition, which is the reason he seems likely to be the fourth or fifth quarterback off the board.
For Carolina, this is a perfect move picking their signal-caller of the future, giving the coaching staff and front office time to build around him.
If Carolina were to draft Strong, ideally they would bring in a veteran quarterback for a season or at least the first half of the season if they do end up moving on from Sam Darnold. Allowing the prospect time to adjust and learn at the next level with little pressure to deliver right away is the best possible solution.
The repercussions of this draft move would be a massive dead cap hit for Darnold next season. Carolina is unlikely to carry three quarterbacks and Strong needs time to learn behind a veteran.
Darnold isn’t the type of player you want starting when you have an exciting rookie on the bench.
Whether it is a cut or an unlikely trade, drafting Strong means the Panthers would have to quickly part ways with Sam Darnold.