You know the NFL draft is usually all about the quarterbacks and where they’re going.
And 2022 is going to be a wild one in that regard, because it seems like this is one of the weaker QB classes (although it’s a GREAT one for wide receivers).
But in Todd McShay’s latest ESPN mock draft — a two-rounder, just like the one our Christian D’Andrea did recently — he’s got a quarterback going in the top 10.
That wouldn’t surprise me given how desperate franchises are to find their next guy. So who is it and where is he going in this mock? Pitt’s Kenny Pickett at No. 6 to the Carolina Panthers:
Simply put, coach Matt Rhule needs to win now and has one of the worst quarterback situations in the entire league. Sam Darnold will be a free agent next March, and he hasn’t been much more effective for Carolina than he was for the Jets, if at all. Make no mistake, this is early for a QB in this year’s weaker class, but the Panthers know they are running out of options and don’t have another draft pick until Round 4.
Rhule recruited Pickett while he was Temple’s coach, and Rhule has been locked into the signal-caller pro days this spring. Of the bunch, Pickett is the most NFL-ready quarterback available, and his fast processing ability, smooth pocket presence and excellent accuracy would elevate Carolina’s offense. If the Panthers opt to explore other QB avenues, Evan Neal would be the obvious pick for one of the NFL’s worst pass-blocking teams.
Interesting! For more, check out our latest NFL mock draft as the real deal approaches at the end of the month.
