Depth chart projections for every Carolina Panthers 2022 draft pick
By Dean Jones
Matt Corral – Carolina Panthers QB
- Quarterback No. 2
When the Carolina Panthers saw the No. 1 quarterback on their board fall into the third round, picking Matt Corral went from a big-time reach at No. 6 overall to a calculated gamble at No. 94 that cost them their fourth-round selection and a third-rounder next year.
That is minimal compensation at best for a player that could end up being their franchise quarterback. Corral’s ultra-fast release and impressive processing make him a dream scheme fit for Ben McAdoo, who was banging the table harder than most to get the Ole Miss product onboard.
Corral enters the upcoming OTAs and training camp as the team’s No. 2 option behind Sam Darnold. However, given how much the former USC star struggled following his trade from the New York Jets, this is going to be a critical training camp battle that could really go either way.
The Panthers have not entirely ruled out the prospect of bringing in another veteran player and removing Darnold from the picture entirely. But as of right now, it appears to be a straight fight between the two and something to keep a close eye on moving forward.
Corral might have slid due to reasons beyond his control, but there is little doubt he’ll now be extra motivated to win the starting job right out of the gate.