Has Matt Corral done enough to enter the Panthers’ thoughts?

Has quarterback Matt Corral done enough to enter the discussion as the Carolina Panthers set their sights on a first-round quarterback?

Matt Corral has become something of an afterthought during the 2022 NFL Draft evaluation process after an ankle injury prevented him from participating at the Scouting Combine. The Ole Miss product was a lock to be the first quarterback taken once upon a time, but with significant momentum generating for the likes of Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett, that might not be the case anymore.

The Carolina Panthers were in attendance for Corral’s pro day on Wednesday, which was the first time he’d stepped onto the field since getting hurt. It was important that his session went smoothly given that he’s playing catch-up to a certain extent, although one could argue the prospect has the best film out of all players at the position entering the league this year.

Corral made the most out of his drills, demonstrating no lingering effects of the injury that’s kept him out for a considerable period of time. Although ankle problems do tend to flare up frequently, this was a step in the right direction for the signal-caller and something that’s no doubt aided his draft stock in the process.

Whether this will be enough for the Panthers to alter their train of thought is debatable. They reportedly like all three of the top prospects and there is also the option of going with someone less-heralded such as Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder, or Carson Strong with a trade down.

There are sure to be plenty of twists and turns to come. Carolina and other teams will also be sending out smoke signals in the coming weeks to perhaps get a better indication of who will go where atop one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent memory.

Matt Corral cannot be ruled out by the Carolina Panthers

Corral has what most don’t. That is consistent production in the SEC, which is always regarded as the gold standard when it comes to college football.

Although he might need some time to adjust, the upside is there for all to see.

However, the Panthers cannot move forward with Sam Darnold. So unless they sign another veteran or bring Cam Newton back, then finding the most pro-ready might be the best possible solution.

One cannot rule out Corral, who did his chances of becoming a top-15 selection no harm at all. He is accurate with the football, maneuvers well in the pocket, and also has a veteran savvy about his play that will go down well with talent evaluators.

This is becoming a real conundrum for the Panthers. Willis has arguably the most hype and upside, Pickett has productive pro written all over him, so just how the Panthers see Corral and how he fits into Ben McAdoo’s scheme will be the deciding factor, one suspects.

The speculation will continue in the weeks ahead before the all-important draft night arrives. Corral cannot do anymore, so it’s a case of wait-and-see regarding what franchise-altering move Carolina makes that is going to ultimately determine the Matt Rhule era one way or another.