4 big questions the Panthers must answer during the 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
What are the Carolina Panthers going to do at QB?
After missing out on primary target Deshaun Watson and interest in Russell Wilson quickly dismissed by the player, the Carolina Panthers still have a severe complication to answer at the quarterback position. Sam Darnold just cannot be counted upon to be anything more than an expense backup option at this stage, so the pressure is on to find the right upgrade in pursuit of finally making strides under Matt Rhule.
The Panthers would be taking a substantial gamble by selecting a signal-caller at No. 6 overall. According to Peter King of NBC Sports, no team is all that high on their current options, with an anonymous general manager stating that he “feels sorry” for Scott Fitterer if he’s forced to go in this direction.
Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, and Sam Howell appear to be the likeliest candidates. Whether they could provide Rhule with an immediate turnaround is another matter.
Carolina could also trade for a veteran quarterback during the draft, providing the compensation and finances work out for all parties. Jimmy Garoppolo and Baker Mayfield are those being linked to the Panthers, with a preference for the San Francisco 49er due to his scheme fit under Ben McAdoo.
This is arguably the biggest decision remaining for Carolina. If they get it wrong, then serious consequences will follow.