The 2021 NFL season was a nightmare for the Carolina Panthers. After pulling off an offseason trade last year to bring in quarterback Sam Darnold, it clear that he is not the future under center. Cam Newton was signed halfway through the air, but while he showed flashes of good play he isn’t the long-term quarterback either.
More than likely, the Panthers will be searching for a new starting quarterback this offseason. Many believe they could target one in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft.
In one new mock draft, the Panthers are able to find their quarterback of the future. Yardbarker has them selecting Pittsburgh standout Kenny Pickett in the first round of the draft.
The Sam Darnold experiment failed, so the Panthers will certainly be addressing quarterback in the offseason. If the team is unable to acquire a veteran, Pickett is a strong possibility. He had a breakout season in 2021, completing 67% of his passes with 42 touchdowns while also showing very good mobility.
Pickett would be a massive addition for the Panthers. He has a great arm, top-notch football IQ, and excellent leadership skills as well. If he’s there in the first round, Carolina should absolutely scoop him up.
During the 2021 college football season at Pittsburgh, Pickett ended up completing 67.2 percent of his pass attempts for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also picked up 241 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Those numbers show why a team like the Panthers should target him.
Standing in at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Pickett looks the part of an NFL quarterback. He is strong, but still mobile enough to make plays with his legs if needed. The Panthers would be getting a guy who could come in and start immediately, but who hasn’t even scratched the surface of his full potential.
It will be interesting to see what the Panthers do throughout the entire offseason. They have some pieces in place to compete now, but need to add some important leaders and players at multiple positions. Draft Kenny Pickett would certainly be a great first step in the right direction.
