Matt Corral – Carolina Panthers QB
There is nothing Matt Corral can do about his draft slide to No. 94 overall or the fact many are doubting whether or not his skills can make a smooth transition to the NFL. The only thing that should matter to the quarterback is integrating well within the Carolina Panthers organization and embracing each moment ahead of his rookie campaign.
Carolina’s rookie minicamp was just the start. Corral must now prove his worth among all his teammates with a view to potentially becoming the team’s starter under center sooner rather than later.
Sam Darnold is still around and the Panthers have also not ruled out another quarterback trade if they feel it can benefit the franchise in 2022. Something that might be worth exploring given how perilous things could get for Matt Rhule if a strong start isn’t generated.
Nobody but the most optimistic fan is expecting Corral to come in and start right away. Even though it would be great if the coaching staff could get a look at him in a starting role at some stage before examining a 2023 draft class that has an incredible amount of hype attached.
Corral is on the Panthers thanks to the recommendation of Ben McAdoo. The offensive coordinator is a strong quarterback evaluator who clearly feels like there is something in the Ole Miss product, so repaying this faith early on is going to do his chances of success no harm at all.