3 ideal draft scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022

Carolina Panthers get their No. 1 QB

Going forward with Sam Darnold with so much at stake for the Carolina Panthers is not a realistic option. This was Matt Rhule‘s guy, but the head coach betting his job on the former USC standout after what transpired in 2021 is unlikely.

With veteran options getting slimmer by the day after an unprecedented period of trade activity involving quarterbacks, the Panthers may have already set their sights on the draft. A monumental call to make considering they passed on Justin Fields last year in favor of bolstering their cornerback options with Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall.

Now that the Panthers have all but narrowed their shortlist down to three possibilities, they must decipher which is their preferred option. Speculation continues to grow surrounding the team’s interest in Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis’ stock is officially through the roof, and there is plenty of intrigue surrounding Matt Corral despite an injury-hit evaluation process.

This is not going to be a quick fix if Carolina does pull the trigger on a quarterback. But it might be the only way Rhule can buy himself some time with the pressure mounting.

Hopefully, the Panthers will find the right guy and he is still around by the time it comes for them to make the pick at No. 6 overall. It’s a feast or famine move to select a signal-caller, but it appears one of the most likely options considering current needs in Carolina.