5 draft prospects that could help Sam Darnold most in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which potential 2022 NFL Draft prospects could help Sam Darnold in 2022 if the Carolina Panthers give their quarterback one last chance to impress?
There remains some doubt as to whether Sam Darnold will be the Week 1 starter at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. His production outside of the first three games left a lot to be desired and the decision to part ways with three draft picks in order to acquire the signal-caller from the New York Jets could go down as one of the worst trades in franchise history if things continue in a similar fashion.
Darnold getting his fifth-year option picked up before the Panthers got the chance to evaluate the player for themselves was another cataclysmic error. With $18.85 million guaranteed coming his way next season, it severely limits Carolina’s options if they eventually decide he isn’t the man to lead them moving forward.
Considering they’ll likely be stuck with Darnold in some capacity unless general manager Scott Fitterer finds a willing trade partner, the best solution could be to give the USC product another chance with better quality players around him. If he cannot, then the possibilities are endless in 2023.
With this in mind, here are five incoming college prospects that could help Darnold the most if Carolina went in this particular direction.
Prospect No. 1
Kenyon Green could help Sam Darnold
The only way Sam Darnold is going to stand any chance is if the Carolina Panthers strengthen their options across the offensive line. This was an obvious and constant source of frustration in 2021, although the processing and footwork flaws might not ever be resolved from the player’s point of view.
There will be an obvious temptation to select someone like Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis at No. 6 overall. But until the protection becomes solid, it makes no difference who is manning the plate under center.
Kenyon Green could be the best guard entering the league this year. The Texas A&M product is a commanding force against the run and is a tough proposition to shift in pass protection, which is exactly what the Panthers are looking for right now.
Green could also be available in a trade-down situation depending on how the board plays out. Another thing to consider with Carolina boasting just one pick in the top-100.