What trait could make Ben McAdoo a success with the Panthers?
By Brian Emory
What Ben McAdoo brings to the Carolina Panthers
In a relatively small sample size, Ben McAdoo has shown that he is a maestro when it comes to quarterback evaluation. This is relevant for a Carolina Panthers team that might be in the market for an upgrade this offseason.
Following the 2017 NFL Draft, it was reported that McAdoo had an affinity for Texas Tech signal-caller Patrick Mahomes and was eager to move up in the draft for him. Considering the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is now the most valuable asset in the league, it’s safe to say his evaluation has been vindicated.
If McAdoo’s evaluation of Mahomes still doesn’t have you sold, perhaps his analysis of the 2018 quarterback class will begin shifting your perception. The crop of players entering the league via had a considerable amount of hype, with five passers being projected to go in the first round.
McAdoo ranked them as follows:
- Josh Allen
- Lamar Jackson
- Sam Darnold
- Josh Rosen
- Mason Rudolph
- Baker Mayfield
Ben McAdoo's draft stories:
— The Riot Report (@RRiotReport) January 21, 2022
2017:
-Tried to trade up for Mahomes ("Ben loves the kid.")
2018:
-Ranked:
1. J. Allen
2. L. Jackson
3. S. Darnold
4. J. Rosen
5. M. Rudolph
6. B. Mayfield
-Didn't like Darnold's throwing mechanics.
-“on Sunday, you give me a prick, I’ll take him.’’ pic.twitter.com/LOv6yy9g4J
Okay, perhaps he was a bit too low on Mayfield. But overall this list is impressive.
McAdoo identified the two best quarterbacks in this class in Allen and Jackson. And remember, this was far from a consensus ranking.
Allen was the third quarterback selected from this class and Jackson was the fifth.