Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft: Needs shift after Week 1 of free agency
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers trade up to select Kenny Pickett
The need for a franchise quarterback that can take the Carolina Panthers where they want to go is glaring. Everything else seems to be in position for a solid campaign, but relying on Sam Darnold turning his career around is seemingly no longer an option after a disastrous campaign following his high-profile trade from the New York Jets.
There is a chance the Panthers go down the veteran route for someone like Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo. But that isn’t necessarily going to guarantee success and this might be the time those in power look down the draft route after passing on Justin Fields and Mac Jones in 2021.
This would depend on how the draft plays out, but if Kenny Pickett makes it this far down the board, then Carolina could move up in pursuit of landing the former Pittsburgh standout. In this situation, a deal is struck with the Green Bay Packers, who get themselves more ammunition after trading wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pickett is seen as the most pro-ready quarterback in this class. He has a previous connection to Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer has declared how impressed he’s been with the signal-caller on two occasions this offseason.
The ceiling for Pickett might not be that high, and the Panthers would be taking a gamble considering the quality of prospects coming out in 2023. However, the urgency within the organization dictates this is something that will be considered.