On Sunday, we learned from Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer that the Carolina Panthers are particularly impressed with three of the 2022 draft’s quarterbacks. The prospects mentioned—in no particular order—were Liberty University’s Malik Willis, University of Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and University of Mississippi’s Matt Corral.
Well, we might have somewhat of an order now.
NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe, from the sunny scenes of the Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., stated that there may be a frontrunner for Carolina in that trio—and it’s probably not the one many thought it’d be.
Latest on #Panthers pursuit of a franchise QB, which will now start deciding if they love one in the draft.
From NFL Now @nflnetwork on location wrapping up league meetings: pic.twitter.com/VK7b758bHk
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 29, 2022
Although Pickett and Corral had themselves a pair of smooth pro days, it was Willis’ showcase that generated the most buzz from last week. And some of that buzz, apparently, has made its way to the doorstep of 800 S Mint St. in Charlotte, N.C.
On hand for that exhilarating display by Willis was a who’s who of Carolina brass—head coach Matt Rhule, general manager Scott Fitterer, assistant general manager Dan Morgan, offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and vice president of football operations Steven Drummond. There, they saw the spirited 22-year-old passer light up the Lynchburg, Va. practice facility with both his arm and his personality.
Whether that group has seen enough to invest their most valuable piece of capital remaining, however, is a story that may (or may not depending on if Willis there for that sixth overall pick) be told on April 28.
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