4 realistic starting quarterbacks for the Carolina Panthers in 2022

Carolina Panthers could draft Kenny Pickett

The Carolina Panthers are one of the few remaining teams looking to upgrade at the quarterback position. With speculation linking them to Baker Mayfield quashed by the organization, one of the few remaining options is to gamble on a signal-caller during the 2022 NFL Draft.

If this is an avenue that the Panthers do end up going down, then Kenny Pickett might be the guy. Carolina took eight coaches and front office personnel to his pro day on Monday and left suitably impressed, with general manager Scott Fitterer even calling the prospect over to grip a football and get a better look at his hand size.

Pickett is a polished performer who has done his chances of being taken in the top-10 no harm at all during the evaluation process. He’s clearly building on an exceptional 2021 campaign at Pittsburgh and if Carolina wants a more immediate impact player at the position, then it’s highly likely this will be the selection.

Matt Rhule got a commitment from Pickett during his time at Temple before the player changed his mind. He has the arm talent and can make things happen on the move, so an instant starting job in Carolina is not out of the question by any stretch.

Only time will tell, obviously. But Pickett appears to be the leader in the clubhouse right now despite Malik Willis wowing at his own pro day this week.