2022-23 NFL Rookies to Watch: Matt Corral Surprises in Year 1
After the Sam Darnold experiment at quarterback failed last season, the Carolina Panthers traded a 2023 third-round selection to pick Ole Miss Rebels signal caller Matt Corral 94th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
While there’s definitely potential Darnold enters the 2022 season as the Week 1 starter, Corral offers a dual-threat dynamic Darnold simply doesn’t.
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Corral threw for 3,349 yards and 20 touchdowns last season while also adding another 614 yards and 11 scores on the ground. He also helped the Rebels finish sixth in the nation in yards per game and top the SEC. He finished seventh in Heisman voting in 2021.
The two-year Ole Miss starter also cut his interceptions down, from 14 across 10 games as a junior to just five picks through 13 contests last year. The improvement is encouraging, but Corral’s decision-making is still a question mark.
What’s most encouraging for the rookie, though, is the supporting cast at the skill positions. Wide receiver D.J. Moore has three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and deep-threat Robby Anderson hit the quadruple-digit mark in 2020 in his first year with the Panthers.
Versatile running back Christian McCaffrey will help Corral the most though. Of course, McCaffrey staying healthy will be paramount to Corral — and the entire Carolina offense — succeeding.
The 26-year-old back has been limited to just 10 games through the past two seasons after his 2,392 yards from scrimmage paced the NFL in 2019.
Carolina also addressed its offensive line during the offseason through the draft and free agency. That's not only a plus for the entire offense, it's especially helpful for a rookie quarterback.
With the Panthers a +1200 longshot to win the NFC South Division at Caesars Sportsbook, and head coach Matt Rhule likely on the hot seat, expect Corral to be given an opportunity to start in Carolina this season.
Once in command of the offense, the playmakers are in place for Corral to surprise as a rookie.
It’s also worth noting that first-year Carolina offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was reportedly the chief motivator for the Panthers making the trade to select Corral, a definite plus for the rookie’s outlook in 2022.
Corral is +1800 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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