5 quarterbacks the Carolina Panthers should avoid in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should avoid Kenny Pickett
There seems to be growing momentum regarding the Carolina Panthers selecting a quarterback at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. This would be something of a surprise considering their dire need for offensive line help, so Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer need to be absolutely convinced a particular prospect could help the franchise get back to prominence.
One player that’s being heavily linked to the Panthers is Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh product came of age in 2021 with a sensational campaign that put him in Heisman Trophy contention seemingly out of nowhere.
Pickett and Rhule are closely associated. The head coach originally got the signal-caller to commit during his time at Temple before he opted to join Pittsburgh and judging by his comments in Mobile, there is great respect for the former Baylor man.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports published an article featuring a source stating that Pickett won’t make it past Carolina in the draft. This would be a franchise-altering gamble by the Panthers and one they probably shouldn’t do.
There are some concerns about Pickett’s hand size and the fact it took him so long to break out in college. The prospect’s ceiling might not be that high compared to others and this would also leave them without the chance of taking a premier protector from the college ranks.
Only time will tell, obviously. But taking Pickett just because he’s the most pro-ready quarterback is a massive risk.