6 under-the-radar QB prospects the Panthers should monitor for 2023 draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should monitor K.J. Jefferson
- Quarterback | Arkansas
A lot of teams are probably kicking themselves at this juncture regarding their decision to pass on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Serious questions surrounded the dual-threat weapon coming out of college, but he answered them and more with an outstanding transition that’s already won an NFL MVP award and looks set to make some substantial money on his next deal.
There is nothing anyone can do about that now. However, keeping tabs on the progress of K.J. Jefferson during the 2022 college football season might be a nice consolation prize when it’s all said and done.
Jefferson got his first real taste of starting at Arkansas last season and coped well with additional responsibilities on his shoulders. The signal-caller completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,676 yards, 21 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer efficiency rating of 164.7, which was a huge step in the right direction.
The prospect also proved his worth as a powerful runner out of the backfield, amassing 664 rushing yards and six scores to further heighten his overall influence.
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers were at their best when Cam Newton offered a similar threat at the peak of his powers. Jefferson is still incredibly raw and needs work on his mechanics, but the upside is there for all to see.