4 things we learned about the Panthers during 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers leaned on Ben McAdoo
It has apparently not taken long for Ben McAdoo to influence proceedings within the Carolina Panthers. The team’s new offensive coordinator has an outstanding track record when it comes to evaluating recent draft prospects at the quarterback position – something that the franchise relied upon heavily in their decision-making process in 2022.
There was reportedly no consensus regarding this year’s signal-callers, which were not deemed the strongest by any stretch of the imagination. This resulted in only one being taken in the first round and the next, Malik Willis, didn’t go until No. 86 overall to the Tennessee Titans.
Carolina then made their move up to acquire Matt Corral. According to general manager Scott Fitterer, who was speaking on The Clubhouse with Kyle Bailey, this would not have occurred had McAdoo not banged the table to secure the Ole Miss product.
Corral looks like a perfect scheme fit for the offense McAdoo is planning to run. There is still work to do, but the coach clearly felt this was a better option for the Panthers rather than giving up draft capital and a portion of their salary cap for someone like Baker Mayfield.
McAdoo will now get to work with Corral and Sam Darnold, who he was less than complimentary about during his pre-draft process. So it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world if the rookie ended up pushing the former USC standout right to the limit for the No. 1 job in training camp.