4 pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers drafting Malik Willis in 2022
By Dean Jones
Malik Willis is not an instant fix for the Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to get away from the fact Matt Rhule is under substantial pressure. The Carolina Panthers regressed during his second season at the helm, which caused many fans, analysts, and former pupils to call for a change in direction as a result.
Rhule seems to have David Tepper’s support, at least for now. But it’s evident there is no more room for rash decisions within key positional groups during Year 3 of his tenure.
As stated previously, this draft class wouldn’t be classed as the best. There doesn’t appear to be anything like a Day 1 starter coming through to the pros in 2022, which makes selecting Malik Willis a big gamble for Rhule when instant results are needed.
Sam Darnold is still on the books, who could be a bridge until Willis is ready to assume command under center. However, if results continue trending poorly it might see Rhule removed from the equation before the Liberty product gets the chance to showcase his skills from a starting role.
Acquiring a quarterback via the draft and letting him develop gradually is a luxury Rhule doesn’t have anymore. So he’d need to be absolutely convinced that Willis or someone else can help him get off the hot seat.
If it ends up being a shot in the dark, so to speak, then this would be a bad look for the Panthers and their head coach.