5 boom or bust prospects the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022

Carolina Panthers could draft Malik Willis

• Quarterback | Liberty

This might be the ultimate boom or bust prospect in 2022. Malik Willis has some undeniable athletic traits that have seen him skyrocket up draft boards, which NFL teams always bet on in the hope of finding their next franchise quarterback.

However, it’s easy to get caught up in the romance of Willis’ workouts. His arm strength is astonishing, he can make plays out of nothing, and also has an infectious personality that teammates and fans gravitate towards.

So, what’s the problem?

Willis has flaws such as decision-making from the pocket and needs to improve the touch on his throws to succeed at the next level. Obviously, this can be coached up over time, but the Carolina Panthers could use an upgrade right now considering Sam Darnold’s lack of production and the urgency for head coach Matt Rhule to finally get things right in 2022.

There is a chance Willis will be gone by the time Carolina picks at No. 6, in any case. It would be a popular decision within large sections of the team’s fanbase, although one cannot deny it’s a monumental call that has the potential to go either way.

Carolina would be banking on Willis turning into someone like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, who were also less touted coming out of college but came with phenomenal upside. If it goes well, then the Panthers get a signal-caller that could potentially lead them back to prominence.

If not, then it’s back to the drawing board and heads could roll.