Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Matt Corral is the wildcard
By Dean Jones
Could the Carolina Panthers go with a wildcard at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Matt Corral?
It’s pretty obvious that the Carolina Panthers are still in the market for a quarterback. A long-running pursuit of Deshaun Watson resulted in the controversial signal-caller spurning their advances to join the Cleveland Browns and they have yet to reveal their hand about what sort of contingency plan those in power devised for this eventuality.
Sam Darnold remains on the roster and is likely to still be around after the Panthers triggered his fifth-year option with a guaranteed $18.85 million. This makes it extremely difficult to remove him from the equation and might force Carolina into going down the draft route rather than another veteran trade that could cost capital they simply don’t have.
There appear to be three on the shortlist. Malik Willis has taken the evaluation process by storm and the Panthers have a previous connection to Kenny Pickett after Matt Rhule recruited the player to Temple before he eventually chose Pittsburgh.
However, there is one more quarterback prospect that the team is reportedly high on.
Matt Corral was something of a forgotten man despite performing well in the SEC during his time at Ole Miss. An ankle injury suffered on his final bowl game appearance left many wondering just how this would impact the player’s stock, but some of these fears were alleviated by the prospect’s pro day showing, even if he did show signs of rust.
Carolina has to get their next move at the position right. Otherwise, one suspects some influential figures within the organization might be looking for work.
With this in mind, we took a deeper look at Corral and how he might help the Panthers in a special scouting report.