Report: Carolina Panthers have their eye on specific QB in 2022 NFL Draft
The Carolina Panthers' quarterback situation could best be described as "unsettled". Carolina traded a 2021 draft pick (6th round) and two 2022 draft picks (2nd round and 4th round) last offseason to the New York Jets for Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. So far, that trade doesn't appear […]
The Carolina Panthers' quarterback situation could best be described as "unsettled".
Carolina traded a 2021 draft pick (6th round) and two 2022 draft picks (2nd round and 4th round) last offseason to the New York Jets for Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.
So far, that trade doesn't appear to be working out for Carolina.
Darnold, who failed to live to up to expectations with the Jets, played in 12 games for the Panthers in 2021. He passed for a lackluster 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
After four subpar seasons in the NFL, I think most folks agree that Darnold isn't a championship quarterback.
As a result, it appears that Carolina is looking to draft a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft.
And they reportedly have their eye on one quarterback in particular.
Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Nick Farabaugh, who covers the Pittsburgh Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers for "Pittsburgh Sports Now", reported on Friday that Carolina is "enamored" with Pickett.
Here's the draft profile on Pickett (via Pro Football Network):
Let’s start with Pickett’s physical tools, where the Pitt QB is surprisingly well-equipped. Standing at 6’3″, 220 pounds, Pickett is a very good athlete with a strong frame. With his mobility, he can sidestep rushers, escape the pocket, and produce on the ground. He also has elite competitive toughness. Pickett is clutch in crucial moments, and he plays through injuries, putting it all on the line each Saturday afternoon.
Even more so than Pickett’s athleticism, however, his arm demands attention. The Pitt QB has a crisp, compact, and efficient throwing motion, which easily generates velocity. With this velocity, Pickett leads receivers downfield and pushes the ball past defenders. He also fits the ball into tight spots and has the elasticity to adjust his trajectory and ball placement. His arm strength isn’t elite, but he has good arm talent overall.
The Panthers have the No. 6 pick in the draft. I've seen Pickett mocked to the Panthers at No. 6 and I've seen him fall all the way to No. 18 to the New Orleans Saints. So it certainly seems like they should have an opportunity to select the talented quarterback from Pitt.
Pickett was once committed to Carolina head coach Matt Rhule at Temple, which is another reason it wouldn't be a surprise if this ends up being the pick for the Panthers.
It's all about the quarterback in the NFL. I think taking Pickett would be the best bet for Carolina. Without an elite quarterback, this team is going nowhere.
Featured image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports/Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
