Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Bailey Zappe’s intrigue
By Dean Jones
How would Bailey Zappe fit on the Carolina Panthers?
- Developmental QB, potential starter down the road
Anyone drafting Bailey Zappe would likely have the long-term in mind. According to Jim Nagy of Senior Bowl fame, plenty of NFL teams in attendance for the quarterback’s pro day see him as a project that might be a strong backup or potential starting option somewhere down the line depending on how he transitions.
This is a fair assessment for a player that’s put up some sensational stats everywhere he’s been. Zappe now faces the steepest step-up of his football life from a quality standpoint and unless he is fully prepared, then there is a chance the signal-caller gets swallowed up.
The Carolina Panthers need immediate help after Sam Darnold fluffed his lines. But the fact they are bringing in Zappe for a visit indicates he hasn’t been completely ruled out despite the fact it might take some time for the prospect to fully reach his potential.
Zappe could go anywhere from rounds 2-5, in all honesty. One team will take a chance on him, but if he somehow made it down into Day 3 and the Panthers were still searching for another option under center, taking the former Western Kentucky standout is entirely possible.
It would also be a good landing spot for Zappe, who’d be working with Sean Ryan and Ben McAdoo – two of the most experienced quarterback developers in the business.
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Nobody knows for sure what the Panthers are going to do. Zappe won’t be an instant answer to their prayers, but there is a solid amount of intrigue surrounding the player that’s only been enhanced throughout the evaluation process.