Carolina Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: All-offense edition
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers select Bailey Zappe – QB (Western Kentucky)
It’s pretty apparent that Sam Darnold is not the long-term quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. His production and the same problems that blighted his time on the New York Jets mean the gamble to bring him on board backfired in a big way.
Another thing complicating the Panthers’ offseason is the fact they picked up Darnold’s fifth-year option without getting a chance to fully evaluate him in person. With a guaranteed $18.85 million coming the player’s way in 2022, Carolina might be stuck with the USC product given no team will take on this sort of contract given his lack of production.
Perhaps finding someone to develop from the college ranks is a smart route to go down. Bailey Zappe is coming off a sensational year at Western Kentucky and although the standard of competition wasn’t exactly stellar, the signal-caller’s upside means he’ll be one to watch closely throughout the evaluation process.
Zappe will get the chance to bolster his stock at the 2022 Senior Bowl, which is going to be pivotal in terms of how NFL scouts perceive the prospect. The Panthers should take a keen look at the quarterback, who threw for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns last season.
There are some question marks surrounding Zappe, but considering Darnold is likely to be under center, the Panthers wouldn’t need any miracles from him right away.
If it doesn’t work out or Zappe cannot make the necessary improvements, then they can focus their attention elsewhere in 2023 and give the player a little more time.