5 draft prospects the Carolina Panthers could reach for at No. 6

Carolina Panthers could reach for Malik Willis

This is the wildcard. One that the Carolina Panthers could roll the dice with if they are convinced Malik Willis can be the franchise quarterback they’ve been craving for some time.

Perhaps no player entering the NFL this year has generated more positive momentum than Willis during the evaluation process. The former Liberty star has gone from a relative afterthought to potentially being the first signal-caller selected next month thanks to outstanding performances at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine, which was matched by blowing teams away with his football IQ and overall character during interviews.

It’s hard not to love Willis. He has a rocket for an arm and a rare ability to make something out of nothing – traits that teams will always gamble on following the recent successes of Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.

Even though Willis might not be ready to start Day 1, there is a good chance he can become a productive starter at the next level if the player improves his decision-making. But time is something the current regime in Carolina isn’t blessed with after another season of abject failure in 2021.

The Panthers were reportedly impressed by Willis both on the field and during their interview in Indianapolis, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Something that could lead them to take the prospect at No. 6 overall.

A franchise-altering call in no uncertain terms.