Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Bailey Zappe’s intrigue
By Dean Jones
Could the intrigue surrounding quarterback Bailey Zappe lead him to the Carolina Panthers at some stage during the 2022 NFL Draft?
There is a tremendous amount to suggest the Carolina Panthers might not be done making major changes to their roster before the 2022 season. The organization has recruited well in free agency to solidify some problem areas, but two glaring holes remain and it’s pivotal these are given top priority between now and when training camp finally begins.
Obviously, the need for a left tackle is glaring. Especially if the Panthers decide not to install Brady Christensen as their long-term starter on the blindside.
The elephant in the room is Sam Darnold and the obvious need for an upgrade or at the very least, a true camp competition to see who emerges as the No. 1 quarterback option. Just how Carolina goes about this remains to be seen, but they are bringing in no fewer than six signal-callers from the college ranks for visits next week to get a broader perspective about what each individual could potentially bring to the franchise.
There are the usual suspects such as Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, and Matt Corral. But the Panthers look set to find out a little more about Bailey Zappe, the record-breaking prospect out of Western Kentucky who set the college football world alight in 2021.
Zappe would not be in contention for a first-round pick despite an impressive resume. However, if he is still hanging around in Round 3 and Carolina likes him enough, then one suspects a potential trade-up to secure his services is not entirely out of the question.
With that being said, we put on the tape and examined Zappe further and see how he could potentially fit in on the Panthers.