7 quarterbacks the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers could select Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 217 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 4.319 passing yards (67.2% completion)
• 42 touchdowns
• 7 interceptions
• 165.3 passer efficiency rating
• 92.2 PFF grade

Perhaps no quarterback in the 2022 class has been linked more to the Carolina Panthers during the assessment process than Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh product propelled himself into first-round consideration with a phenomenal 2021 campaign that ended with an ACC title win at Bank of America Stadium, the place he might call home during his pro career.

Pickett and Matt Rhule have a previous history stemming from recruitment when the head coach was at Temple. This might not mean all that much in the grand scheme of things, but team owner David Tepper is also a Pitt alum and a known booster for the university to only increase speculation surrounding the signal-caller.

Although there are some concerns regarding Pickett’s hand size and overall ceiling, he is a sound decision-maker with impressive athleticism who developed a real habit of coming through in the clutch last season. It took the prospect some time to truly reach this standard, but no player develops the same and he’s backed this up with outstanding performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine.

Many respected analysts are tipping Pickett to be the Panthers’ pick at No. 6. While an elite left tackle should also be considered, Carolina has to shoot their shot sometime and if they think he can help them win right now, those in power could make rumors a reality.

This does come with some risk. Pickett can get flustered under pressure and needs to be more composed when it comes to deep ball accuracy in a game situation – so this needs to be taken into account by the Panthers.