Panthers trade into 3rd round to draft Matt Corral

The Carolina Panthers traded up to select Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 94 overall.

The Panthers sent the 137th pick and a 2023 third-rounder to move into the New England Patriots' spot at No. 94 to land Corral, according to ESPN's Field Yates.

Carolina was rumored to be in the quarterback market for the majority of the offseason. The Panthers reportedly had the inside track to land disgruntled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield before the draft. However, talks between the two sides came to a halt due to a disagreement over how to split Mayfield's guaranteed money next season, according to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson.

Corral threw for 3,349 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. His accuracy was a notable trait over his collegiate career. Corral completed 67.3% of his passes as a Rebel.

He'll join a Panthers quarterback room that also includes Sam Darnold. A former No. 3 pick in 2018, Darnold was traded to Carolina last offseason but struggled in his first year with the club. He tossed nine touchdowns to 13 interceptions with a 71.9 passer rating.

Darnold was told beforehand by Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer that there was a high possibility the team drafts a quarterback.

Corral was the fourth quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, following Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, and Malik Willis.

Scouting profile: Matt Corral

Corral is a tough player to evaluate since a lot of his college production can be attributed to Ole Miss' high-percentage spread passing scheme. Even a big chunk of his rushing stats came on designed plays. That brings into question whether he can evolve into a full-time starter at the next level, or if he'll be limited to holding a clipboard most weeks. His tools are enticing enough; he has outstanding accuracy on short-to-intermediate routes as well as the athleticism to escape defenders and pick up yards on the ground. However, his willingness to battle as an undersized runner has led to injuries, which could be an even bigger issue against NFL defenders. It's possible Corral could develop his game to outgrow the need for a rigid system around him, but he'll need an ideal setting for that to happen.