Which Carolina Panthers players could get slapped with the bust label if things don’t go well in 2022?
Finding the right fits during the draft is something the Carolina Panthers have done well in recent years. This started in promising fashion during Matt Rhule’s first year as head coach and continued to evolve positively once Scott Fitterer replaced Marty Hurney as general manager in 2021.
Fitterer has developed a strong reputation for unearthing diamonds from the college ranks. This started as a respected front office figure with the Seattle Seahawks and has thankfully made a smooth transition to the Panthers based on his first two drafts in the role.
Many players drafted by the Panthers or elsewhere have a lot on the line next season. Something that is typified by the overall prospects of the franchise during a make-or-break campaign.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers players that could be slapped with the bust label if things don’t go according to plan in 2022.
Player No. 1
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
We’ll keep it short with Sam Darnold because this ship has already sailed, one suspects.
Darnold failed to make the most out of an outstanding opportunity with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. There is now a high chance the quarterback doesn’t see the field next time around after the team finally secured the services of Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns.
If this scenario comes to fruition, then Darnold will likely settle for a backup role or be removed from the equation entirely. Making the No. 3 overall selection in 2018 one of the biggest draft busts in recent memory.