7 prospects on offense the Panthers should monitor at 2022 Senior Bowl

Malik Willis – QB (Liberty)

There seems to be a significant amount of hype building around Malik Willis. The game-changing playoff exploits of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have helped his stock in a weird way – even though the Liberty quarterback isn’t up to such a standard at the present time.

One thing Willis has that most quarterbacks entering the league this year don’t is an ability to conjure magic out of nothing. Whether that’s by making astonishing throws or running the football, his supreme athleticism stands out like a sore thumb, and expect this to continue at the Senior Bowl.

The Carolina Panthers obviously need assistance and a long-term plan under center. Sam Darnold is not the long-term option and although Cam Newton galvanized the fanbase for a brief period, it would be a bombshell if he returned for another year.

Finding the necessary protection is going to be key for Carolina. If they manage to do this in free agency, then someone like Willis comes into play either at No. 6 or via trading down slightly.

This move would provide Panthers fans with some sense of excitement for the future. Willis isn’t ready to start right away, but it’s also worth remembering that Mahomes practically red-shirted his rookie campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs before taking the NFL world by storm.