Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft: Pro days offer a clearer picture

Carolina Panthers select QB Malik Willis

For the last couple of seasons, the Carolina Panthers have failed to address their quarterback situation properly. These shortcomings along with three consecutive five-loss seasons have placed head coach Matt Rhule on the hot seat and time is running out for the former Baylor coach to land his long-term option under center.

In this mock draft, the best-case scenario occurs. Malik Willis falls into the organization’s lap despite trading out of the top-10.

Willis made an excellent case on Tuesday to be the first quarterback selected in the draft with an impressive pro-day performance. One of the key highlights of that day was a rollout to his left where the prospect reset his feet and threw a beautiful deep ball in stride that traveled more than 60 yards.

As we saw on Tuesday, Willis’ elite arm strength allows him to place the ball on any level of the field, and he is a tremendous athlete who can take over a game with his legs. This is done by utilizing a combination of vision, speed, and quickness.

From a pure, raw talent perspective, the Liberty product has the traits to be a franchise quarterback.

It’s undeniable that Willis possesses the talent of a future star in the NFL. However, he is still raw in plenty of areas.

This means he may not start immediately and thus requiring the Panthers to sign a bridge quarterback to hold down the fort until Willis is ready to start full-time. Whether that is Cam Newton or someone else is for the front office to decide.