Grading Panthers position groups on offense after 2022 NFL Draft
By Noah Bryce
Carolina Panthers QBs
The search for a franchise quarterback goes on for the Carolina Panthers.
The Sam Darnold experiment went considerably below expectations and the Cam Newton reunion rapidly lost its luster. So for the third time in three offseasons, the Panthers were left once again searching for a leader under center.
Darnold showed great promise early in the season, turning in some pretty good performances on the way to a 3-0 start. But once the hits started coming thanks to a disaster of an offensive line, the former USC star’s mechanics deteriorated.
Running scared at the first sign of pressure, throwing the ball on the run into waiting defenders’ hands, overthrowing open targets causing interceptions, the quarterback did all of it and then some.
However, when given time, Darnold still shows some promise and the ability to produce at an average starter level in the NFL. And I know this is a tired argument, but the signal-caller is still only 24 years old which is younger than some rookies.
With those struggles, the Panthers needed to do something as P.J. Walker is not a starter in the wings by any stretch. The team saw an opportunity during the draft and traded back into the third round to select a slipping Matt Corral.
Corral shows great promise as an NFL starter with good reads, a lightning-fast release, and a downfield touch that teams dream about. The former Ole Miss star is also a willing and powerful runner, not shying away from contact and even lowering the hit more often than not, which is nice but also a liability as far as injuries are concerned.
However, having a quarterback that is willing to put himself on the line like that is the kind of thing teams rally behind. This kind of do anything to win mentality is rare and something that cannot be coached into a player.
Position Grade: B-
While I wouldn’t expect Corral to start straight away given his need to develop, the Panthers have a real gem here and if Darnold can at least hold the ship together with an improved offensive line in front of him, this offseason could end up being something fans talk about for years to come.