Panthers depth chart focus: What is the plan at quarterback in 2022?
By Dean Jones
Matt Corral – Carolina Panthers QB
Much was made about the 2022 quarterback class and how their skills would translate to the next level. This was arguably the least-heralded group of signal-callers to join the league for some time and something that was further reflected when push came to shove on draft night.
The Carolina Panthers avoided the temptation at No. 6 overall – rightfully picking Ikem Ekwonu – but only Kenny Pickett managed to hear his name called on Round 1 and the rest went on a concerning slip until Desmond Ridder was taken by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 74 overall.
Malik Willis was next to go when the Tennessee Titans picked up the phone, leaving the Panthers moving up for Ole Miss product Matt Corral at No. 94 – a player who had a first-round grade according to general manager Scott Fitterer.
Corral looks like a player with real promise. But he is a little undersized and might need some significant work in the coming weeks under the watchful eye of offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan.
How quickly he picks things up will determine Corral’s role in 2022. However, this represents a fantastic opportunity to start much sooner than expected if everything goes better than anticipated this offseason.
It might be worth the Panthers throwing Corral in at the deep end at some stage this season. This would give them a chance to truly see what they have before assessing a much deeper draft class in 2023.