Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Post-Senior Bowl edition

Carolina Panthers select Malik Willis – QB (Liberty)

The need for offensive line help is evident where the Carolina Panthers are concerned. However, there is some significant momentum building surrounding quarterback Malik Willis after a sensational performance throughout Senior Bowl week.

Willis has some high ceiling intangibles that could see a team take a chance on his skills high-up the draft. FanSided‘s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame even made the bold claim that he’d be surprised if the Liberty product wasn’t a top-10 pick by the time draft weekend rolls around.

This would be a high-risk, high-reward selection from the Panthers, who are crying out for a long-term option at the position after Sam Darnold failed to make the most of another starting opportunity. The USC product is under contract in 2022 after Carolina inexplicably picked up his fifth-year option, so there is a bridge signal-caller in place until a college player is ready to step in and fill the position.

There were some reports that surfaced during the week in Mobile that the Panthers were taking a keen interest in Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, who was a target of Matt Rhule’s at Temple and is regarded as the most pro-ready quarterback coming out this year. Willis is still a little raw in terms of development, but his ceiling could be higher than anybody’s if everything clicks into place.

It is a franchise-altering call for Carolina to make. One that could have some significant repercussions for Rhule and other primary shot-callers within the organization.