Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Is Kenny Pickett the guy?
By Dean Jones
Could the Carolina Panthers really make Kenny Pickett their franchise signal-caller of the future at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Although the Carolina Panthers are not guaranteeing they will select a quarterback from the latest batch of college recruits, the thought is probably high on their list of priorities. Outside of finding an upgrade on Sam Darnold and securing a productive left tackle, this is a roster that looks primed for further development next season – something that is absolutely essential for Matt Rhule and his long-term status as head coach.
This quarterback class is not considered stellar. But it would be a surprise if a couple didn’t end up being successful NFL players providing their adjustments to the professional ranks goes according to plan.
One signal-caller that’s been linked with the Panthers for months now is Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh product came out of nowhere to enter first-round consideration after a phenomenal 2021 campaign and Rhule reportedly had dinner with the player on the night before his pro day, according to ESPN’s draft analyst Todd McShay.
Pickett also originally committed to Rhule at Temple before bigger and better offers came his way. However, expecting him to immediately come in and change the team’s fortunes might be a stretch despite the fact he’s much older than most college prospects at the position.
Make no mistake, this is a monumental upcoming call for the Panthers. One that could see them begin to make strides or lead to a full-scale reset when it’s all said and done.
Without further ado, we took a prolonged look at the film for an in-depth scouting report on Pickett and how he might fit in Carolina.