The Carolina Panthers selected former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. 94 overall pick. Carolina originally did not hold a third-round pick, but sent the New England Patriots a fourth-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick to move up to select its quarterback.
While all quarterbacks this year “fell,” NFL Media reported that Corral’s drop was because of specific reasons. Ian Rapoport indicated Corral could have been the Panthers’ No. 1 quarterback in this class, but that he fell because of off-field issues:
“The Carolina Panthers, football-wise, thought Matt Corral had the best film, hands down. But this is about a lot more than that. There’s a lot of work required here to make sure they are comfortable off the field with the person. He dealt with a multitude of issues including alcohol and related issues. He admitted publicly to battling depression. He has that unreliable behavior off the field and he really, really struggled in some interviews with teams. That said, the talent is enough to make the Carolina Panthers take a shot with Corral.”
This report caught many off guard, but Carolina has a point in believing Corral could be the top quarterback in this class. Last season for the Rebels, Corral threw for 3,349 yards, 20 touchdowns, five interceptions and rushed for 11 touchdowns. He ended his career with the third-highest career completion percentage in the SEC since 1956. Corral is also just one of five college quarterbacks since 2000 to register a 3,300-plus passing yard campaign while throwing five or fewer interceptions and rushing for double-digit touchdowns.
Corral is happy he landed in Carolina, and even said there was some comfort found during his visit there.
“I was a fan of coach McAdoo when I finally got to meet him and spend time with him when we were eating lunch,” Corral said, via the Panthers’ official website. “I’m excited…
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