4 realistic starting quarterbacks for the Carolina Panthers in 2022

Carolina Panthers could draft Malik Willis

There is a very good chance that Malik Willis is going to be on the board when the Carolina Panthers are on the clock at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Liberty product is a great fit for the offense and would bring excitement back to the team’s long-suffering fanbase.

Despite it being a very thin quarterback class, there are plenty of reasons to suggest Willis is a franchise quarterback if put in the right situation.

Willis has athleticism that jumps off the screen when you watch the season he had with Liberty. The one concern is the slight regression he suffered towards the end of the season. It appeared to be due to the amount of punishment the prospect had taken and not his skill set or decision-making that was causing the slight downtick.

Still, it is noteworthy and something Carolina would have to work on considering the offensive line issues they have dealt with. Although that could be much improved next time around based on their free-agent signings.

Part of what makes Willis great is his willingness to take and deliver hits and never give up on a play. This mentality isn’t always going to work at the next level and should be the one concern Carolina has.

Despite these concerns, Willis will be drafted in the first round because of his arm and what he can do outside of the pocket. Drafting the quarterback is a move that Panthers fans would love and a decision that would tie Matt Rhule’s fate to one player next season.