What were some of the main observations that can be taken from the Carolina Panthers trading up to land quarterback Matt Corrall at No. 94 overall?
Well, after quite a long wait, the Carolina Panthers got themselves a new quarterback after taking a shift up the pecking order to select Matt Corral late in the third round. Those in power ended the signal-caller’s dramatic slide by selecting him at No. 94 overall, sending the New England Patriots their 2023 third-rounder and the No. 137 overall selection to get the deal done.
Corral was expected by many to be one of the first names called on Day 2. But there was a real reluctance to take any quarterback prospect across the league – something that was in keeping with the concerns surrounding this current class during the evaluation process.
Carolina resisted the temptation to trade for Baker Mayfield in favor of Corral, who will now compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job in training camp. Whether he can beat out the USC product or not is debatable initially, but there is nothing to suggest he cannot become the Panthers‘ starter with a little more refinement.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from the Panthers drafting Corral and what it could mean for the franchise moving forward.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers saw value in Matt Corral
Not many expected quarterbacks such as Matt Corral and Malik Willis to slide so far during the 2022 NFL Draft. But what transpired on Day 2 was incredibly alarming and a reflection of just how this current crop of incoming college recruits was being perceived in relation to their chances at the next level.
The Tennessee Titans had to trade up for Willis and the Carolina Panthers did the same for Corral. If taking one at No. 6 overall was a significant reach, then this stage of the draft represented some real value if the former Ole Miss standout can eventually become a viable starting option.
Carolina had to emerge from Day 2 with somebody. And the compensation given to Bill Belichick is not going to jeopardize their chances in the long term.
Ben McAdoo’s influence played a significant role
It’s hard to look at what transpired during Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft and not think new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo didn’t play a significant part in the overall outcome. The coach is a respected talent evaluator at the quarterback position, something that the Carolina Panthers put to good use during an eventful conclusion to the process that eventually saw them select Matt Corral.
As the quarterbacks began sliding, fans became increasingly impatient on social media. Especially those who wanted the team to select Malik Willis and his exceptional upside.
However, there was also the hanging cloud of another veteran trade hanging over the organization. Something that reportedly produced some conflict within the draft war room and a clear difference of opinions.
As it turned out, McAdoo got his guy.
Whether it comes off or not is another matter entirely.
Corral looks tailor-made for McAdoo’s system thanks to his lightning-fast release, ability to be accurate over short-to-intermediate routes as well as possessing enough mobility to implement the run-pass option consistently.
There is some work to do regarding processing. But the Panthers – and McAdoo, in particular – felt this was well worth the risk.
If it doesn’t work out, then it cost them minimal compensation in the grand scheme of things.
Carolina Panthers went against a Baker Mayfield trade
Speculation was rampant throughout the day surrounding a potential deal between the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns for Baker Mayfield. The former No. 1 overall selection is now surplus to requirements after the team traded for Deshaun Watson and this represented an opportunity for Matt Rhule to get another veteran into the building for little in the way of compensation given the situation.
Much like the scenario surrounding whether the team would draft a signal-caller, opinions were reportedly divided within the war room. Many thought Mayfield could provide instant help behind a revamped offensive line, but there were some who thought moving up for Matt Corral represented the smarter alternative.
In the end, the Panthers passed on Mayfield, who is still searching for a new home entering Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Considering the pressure on Rhule to win right now, this is a big risk. Carolina does have Sam Darnold and his fully guaranteed $18.85 million on the books, but there is absolutely no guarantee he can turn things around after a disastrous first season under center following his trade from the New York Jets.
This won’t matter much to Corral. What’s important for the third-round pick is focusing on what he can control, getting better every day, and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Carolina Panthers could still draft a QB in 2023
As stated previously, this is a fine opportunity for Matt Corral to start silencing his doubters and prove that the teams that passed on him were wrong to do so. It’s also a situation where the quarterback could get starting reps much sooner than anticipated if everything clicks into place right away.
There is a chance things don’t work out. But at least the Carolina Panthers took their shot and looked to find improvements at the most important position on the field.
If that proves to be the case and the Panthers are in with a chance at taking a stud quarterback prospect from a much stronger 2023 class, then it’s unlikely taking Corral this far down the pecking order will prevent such a move from becoming a reality.
Again, this is all about Corral focusing on what he can control. He’s probably heard all the criticism surrounding his durability and decision-making at times, so developing problem areas can only help as he looks to unseat Sam Darnold from the starting job at the earliest possible opportunity.
All the risk has gone. It only cost the Panthers a 2023 third-round pick and a late fourth-rounder to get themselves up to No. 94, which could be worth its weight in gold if Corral hits the ground running.