4 Carolina Panthers rookies with unrealistic expectations in 2022

Matt Corral – Carolina Panthers QB

The Carolina Panthers finally made their play with a slight move up the pecking order to end Matt Corral‘s slide at No. 94 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. This could see the team finally get the opportunity to build around a rookie quarterback on a cheap deal, but it will take some adjustment from the Ole Miss product before this dream becomes a reality.

There is a real craving for consistent quarterback play in Carolina. Something the team hasn’t had since Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers.

Sam Darnold remains on the books and the Panthers are also not ruling out another veteran trade. But some are expecting Corral to beat out the current No. 1 during what is going to be a fascinating training camp battle.

Corral might well be capable of such a feat. But starting him way ahead of time could bring more complications in the long run.

There are some things Corral needs to improve. His decision-making is sometimes suspect, there are some processing issues, and the player also needs to refine his running style to avoid taking big hits.

Carolina gave Corral all he could handle during rookie minicamp and will do the same throughout the preparation period. How he copes will go a long way to determining his immediate fortunes, but expecting him to come in and immediately solve the Panthers’ problems under center is a stretch and, quite frankly, extremely unfair on the player.