With their eyes focused heavily on the 2022 NFL draft’s quarterback class, did the Carolina Panthers go four-for-four in their pro-day tour? Well, sorta.
Following showcases for Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett on Monday, Liberty’s Malik Willis on Tuesday and Ole Miss’ Matt Corral on Wednesday—the Cincinnati Bearcats had Desmond Ridder on display for the league this afternoon. But the Panthers’ two biggest guns, general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule, weren’t among the live spectators.
According to Reese’s Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy, Carolina sent a trio of non-Fitterer/non-Rhule representatives—vice president of player personnel Pat Stewart, senior personnel executive Jeff Morrow and scout Joel Patten.
And this is what that group saw from the 22-year-old:
— Justin Williams (@Williams_Justin) March 24, 2022
More from Desmond Ridder. #Bearcats pic.twitter.com/aQlIYROFlj
— Justin Williams (@Williams_Justin) March 24, 2022
Think Ridder may have bested Malik Willis’ distance on “The Pro Day Throw” pic.twitter.com/rd4WyFkGyy
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) March 24, 2022
It’s also worth noting the team likely had feelers on cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Although the cornerback position isn’t the highest of priorities at the moment, Gardner could be in play for the Panthers’ No. 6 overall pick given that he’s formed straight from the defensive mold of what Fitterer helped build in Seattle.