Panthers not locked in on QB in 2022 NFL Draft

The Panthers were in a similar spot last year, bypassing chances at quarterbacks Justin Fields and Mac Jones to take cornerback Jaycee Horn eighth overall. But then, Darnold was new, and there was hope they could turn him around after three years with the Jets. There’s still some degree of that, as Rhule said he believes new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo gives Darnold a better chance at success.

“I think Sam’s going to play significantly improved football,” Rhule said.

But because they’re looking for a long-term answer, they’re forced to consider these other options, these younger ones.

“I think when you take a rookie quarterback, recent history has shown, save for a couple examples, they’re going to need some time,” Rhule said. “So I think any time you draft a player, you say to yourself, ‘Who’s he going to be the first year, who’s he going to be in the third year?’

“As a league, we kind of rush the quarterbacks, we want to play them as rookies, and it’s hard for them. But with quarterbacks, you have to say to yourself, who are they going to be in two years, three years? If you’re smart, don’t rush them, don’t break them early, get them to the point of going out there with the tools to be successful. I think that’s what we’re looking for with everyone we’re looking at. Last year, this year, who can be a franchise quarterback, who can win a Super Bowl? Ultimately, that’s what you’re looking for at every position. Can we win the Super Bowl with this person?”

Whether he happens to be a quarterback, or not.

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