Panthers GM gives big hint about team’s draft plans

The 2022 NFL Draft is not being touted for its quarterback class, but the Carolina Panthers may take a chance at drafting one anyway.

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer admitted the organization will have a hard decision to make when drafting at No. 6 overall. The expectation is that quality offensive linemen will be available when the team is on the board. Fitterer did admit, however, that a quarterback could very much be on their radar.

“This will be interesting because the tackles will be the best players on the board,” Fitterer said, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “But we do need a quarterback, and at some point you have to take a shot, especially in the top 10. You hate to force it, because when you force it, you could make a mistake. It’s a unique quarterback class, because there’s not a clear number one, number two, number three. Like, who’s the proven starter who can come in and play for you? That’ll be the conversation we have for the next month — quarterback or left tackle.”

Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder are considered the best quarterbacks in the draft. The Panthers are apparently intrigued by at least three of the QBs. Whether they can justify making one of them the selection at No. 6 is a fair question given the opinions about this group of quarterbacks. The choice could ultimately make or break Fitterer and the Panthers for the years to come.

Photo: Aug 27, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports