4 obstacles that could prevent Matt Corral from playing in 2022
By Dean Jones
What potential obstacles could prevent Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Corral from getting on the field during his rookie campaign in 2022?
Expectations are quite modest for Matt Corral in 2022 after the Carolina Panthers traded up into the third-round for the quarterback during the draft. This was seen as a potential long-term starter and a risk worth taking at the time, but whether the Ole Miss product can generate significant starting reps in Year 1 of his professional career is debatable.
Corral certainly seems like someone who could bring unique qualities to the Panthers if everything goes well throughout his initial transition. His accuracy, release, and competitive edge could be of use, but the player also needs to improve processing and change his running style to limit the risk of injuries against formidable NFL defenders that will look to blow him up at every opportunity.
The Panthers have gave Corral some time off last week as he deals with a family tragedy. This is not ideal from a football standpoint, but there is nothing more important than spending time with loved ones in times of grief.
It will be interesting to see how Corral gets on when mandatory minicamp and training camp roll around. With this in mind, here are four obstacles that could prevent the signal-caller from seeing the field in 2022.
Obstacle No. 1
Matt Corral needs more time
This year’s quarterback class was not deemed the strongest. Something that resulted in many teams waiting until the mid-rounds and even spurning the group entirely, biding their time for what is expected to be an exceptional group of signal-callers entering the league from the college ranks next year.
Matt Corral was the top quarterback on the Carolina Panthers’ draft board. But the player will need to pick up a wealth of new information in a short space of time before a hotly anticipated battle with Sam Darnold in training camp.
If Corral struggles to adapt, then the Panthers will no doubt adopt a patient approach. This would be a blow – especially for fans who want to see their rookie on the field – but sitting rookies and letting them learn more from the sidelines is better for their development than throwing them in at the deep end when they aren’t ready.