5 key ways the Carolina Panthers won during 2022 offseason

Carolina Panthers have a long-term QB to develop

After an exhausting search and rumors aplenty that might not be done just yet, the Carolina Panthers got themselves a potential franchise quarterback with the selection of Matt Corral at No. 94 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Corral was the top prospect on their draft board before the big weekend and the Panthers struck with conviction to end his alarming slide. Expecting the Ole Miss product to start right away is unfair, even though it cannot be ruled out entirely if Carolina decides not to make another move in the trade market.

Head coach Matt Rhule recently stated that Corral has a lot of hard work ahead before he can be considered as the starter. But moving forward with Sam Darnold as the team’s No. 1 when the stakes are so high is a massive gamble given how poorly he’s produced throughout his four years in the NFL.

There is far more upside with Corral, who has some outstanding performances against legitimate SEC competition to back up a winning mentality that saw him emerge as an exceptional leader with the Rebels.

Even if Corral isn’t under center in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, it’s not the end of the world. This pick was probably done with the future in mind, but if the Panthers fail to deliver again and have the chance to select an elite prospect in 2023, then they’d be foolish not to explore it.