Which under-the-radar quarterback draft prospects should the Carolina Panthers have their eye on during the 2022 college football season?
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller’s recent mock draft sparked another fierce debate about whether the Carolina Panthers will go back into the college ranks for a quarterback in 2023. There is a lot of football to be played before then obviously, but absolutely nothing can be ruled out one way or another considering how things have gone at the most important position on the field.
Sam Darnold remains the starter ahead of training camp. Although a lot could change before the Panthers take the field in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.
Carolina also secured the services of Matt Corral at No. 94 overall earlier this year. But if the Ole Miss product doesn’t progress efficiently then those in power won’t hesitate to pick another signal-caller from an extremely deep class.
With this in mind, here are six under-the-radar quarterbacks the Panthers should monitor ahead of the 2023 draft.
Quarterback No. 1
Carolina Panthers should monitor Malik Cunningham
- Quarterback | Louisville
The Carolina Panthers gained plenty of success with a dual-threat quarterback in Cam Newton during the 2010s. Even though Malik Cunningham isn’t nearly the same size as the former NFL MVP, there is a lot to like about the prospect’s ability to make things happen in a similar fashion.
This is something that came to the fore in 2021, with Cunningham attaining more than 1,000 rushing yards and 20 scores on the ground. This was one more than the signal-caller managed through the air and won’t have gone unnoticed by scouts ahead of his final college campaign.
Cunningham is a little undersized and the arm strength might not be elite, but the player more than compensates for this with electrifying production.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Grayson McCall
- Quarterback | Coastal Carolina
One could have made a case for Grayson McCall being the first quarterback taken in 2022 from a class that came with just one first-rounder and many others going much later than anticipated. However, the gifted signal-caller opted to remain in college at Coastal Carolina rather than take his chances at the next level.
Whether this gamble pays off for McCall is unclear. But he’ll be another prospect that the Carolina Panthers and others across the NFL will be watching closely throughout the upcoming campaign.
McCall is a true leader of men with the talent to match. His 2021 season was outstanding and resulted in the player completing 73.1 percent of his passes for 2,873 yards, 27 touchdowns, just three interceptions, and a phenomenal passer efficiency rating of 207.6.
This built on his exceptional first season as a starter in 2021 and if there is more to come from McCall, his draft stock will soar as a result.
Obviously, it’s unlikely McCall become the first signal-caller taken given the presence of Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud in this class. But that does not mean he cannot make his presence felt immediately in Carolina or somewhere else.
McCall oozes confidence passing the football and is a natural in the pocket. Providing more velocity on sideline throws comes and his decision-making takes a step forward, then this is a kid with real promise.
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.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Devin Leary
- Quarterback | North Carolina State
The Carolina Panthers went to nearby North Carolina State for their franchise left tackle when Ikem Ekwonu fell into their laps at No. 6 overall. Could they go back to the program in 2023 for their future quarterback?
If Devin Leary takes another leap forward, then it cannot be ruled out.
Leary’s time under center for the Wolfpack last season was impressive. Something that might indicate a productive NFL career could be in the offing if the signal-caller makes improvements to his pre-snap recognition and touch in the weeks and months ahead.
With a 65.7 percent completion percentage for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in 2021, Leary earned a creditable passer efficiency rating of 157.0. Although it will be interesting to see how the prospect gets on without Ekwonu protecting his blindside next time around.
Ekwonu is anticipated to be an immediate difference-maker for Carolina. Whether Leary has enough in his locker to become the same once his time comes is another matter.
His athleticism and release will go over well with scouts. If Leary can match or perhaps exceed his production in 2022, then a Day 2 selection is well within reach providing everything goes well during the evaluation process.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Anthony Richardson
- Quarterback | Florida
There are so many unknowns surrounding Anthony Richardson ahead of the 2022 season. His physical attributes are absolutely off the charts, but this will be the first time we get to see the quarterback over a prolonged period under center after turning out just 10 times over the last two years.
Richardson has the size, physicality, and athleticism to take college football by storm. The signal-caller has a lot of growing to do in pursuit of maximizing his exceptional skill set, but the same was said of Cam Newton before his final season at Auburn and we all know what happened after.
Newton had similar traits to Richardson. Something the Carolina Panthers benefitted from endlessly after making the right call at No. 1 overall in 2011.
Asking Richardson to accomplish a Heisman Trophy and national championship season with the Gators is unrealistic. But if the prospect becomes more consistent, continues his exciting development, and establishes himself as a true dual-threat force with NFL potential, then there will be a queue of possible suitors during his pre-draft evaluation.
Of all the quarterbacks entering the league in 2023, none have the scope to improve their stock more than Richardson. A player that the Panthers should have a keen eye on throughout.
Carolina Panthers should monitor Dillon Gabriel
- Quarterback | Oklahoma
After Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams both entered the transfer portal this spring, Oklahoma secured a talented prospect of their own when Dillon Gabriel decided to come on board following a prolific stint at Central Florida. The quarterback should have the No. 1 spot locked up in 2022 and this step-up in competition could be the best thing for his NFL chances if everything goes well.
Gabriel was a two-year starter before turning out just three times last season due to a broken collarbone. Not exactly the nicest injury to recover from, but it’s all systems go for the player on the Sooners.
When Gabriel last saw the field for a full campaign, there was plenty to be encouraged about. His 32 touchdowns with four interceptions represented significant growth from the previous season and if the signal-caller returns to this form in a different environment, it should make scouts sit up and take notice.
There are no concerns about Gabriel’s arm strength, which is NFL-ready and matched by an excellent accuracy and solid release to get the football out effectively. The player also sees the field well and identifies things efficiently pre-snap.
If there was a flaw, it’s from a physical standpoint. Gabriel is undersized and looks it on the field, which could pose some longevity concerns in the NFL’s harsh environment and something the Carolina Panthers might take as a red flag.