Panthers’ Malik Willis dilemma: The NFL Draft’s boom or bust talent

Carolina Panthers’ urgency could impact Malik Willis

It’s so easy to latch on to Malik Willis with his rocket arm and keen ability for playmaking. However, it would come as a significant surprise if he was ready to be a formidable NFL starter by Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.

For that reason, if the Carolina Panthers do look to the draft for a quarterback, don’t be surprised if Matt Rhule elects to go with one of the safer options.

There is already some chatter connecting the Panthers to Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, who is the antithesis of Willis as a prospect.

Willis is the young, raw, prospect oozing upside. Pickett, on the other hand, is a more experienced player that would likely fare better as a rookie against NFL competition initially.

Pickett’s game is predicated on quick releases, accuracy, and intelligent decision-making. Considering what the offense had to put up with last year, one can see why the team may prefer what he offers as a prospect.

While Pickett may be more ready for early NFL action, he probably doesn’t offer the ceiling and potential that Willis does. This is not intended to be an endorsement for either, rather general speculation for what the organization may be thinking come April.

There will also be a vocal contingent of fans that would prefer hitting the offensive line in this draft since this is widely considered to be a weak quarterback class.

The draft is still months away, prospects will continue to rise and fall. It’s impossible to get a pulse right now on what the team will be thinking.

However, for a team that is desperately in need of an injection of energy, it’s difficult to blame Panthers fans for being entranced with the dreams of what Willis could one day become.