The Carolina Panthers are going into this week with yet another change under center. Being that PJ Walker has completed the ill-fated ankle trifecta at the quarterback position, Baker Mayfield is set to get the nod against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
A solid start for Mayfield, who has struggled mightily here in 2022, would be a refreshing change for Carolina—who hasn’t been able to hold down a passer since the beginning of the Matt Rhule era. But, the latest Draft Wire mock looks to correct that.
Editor Luke Easterling has the Panthers selecting Ohio State University star and Heisman hopeful C.J. Stroud.
“Whoever takes over on a permanent basis for Matt Rhule will need to end the revolving door at quarterback, and this pick is the place to do it,” Easterling writes. “Stroud has all the physical and mental tools to become a franchise passer at the next level, and could finally stabilize this struggling franchise.”
The Buckeye signal caller has dominated the box scores this year—with 34 touchdowns, 2,750 yards and a 188.2 quarterback rating. He has been decisive, clear leader of an impressive Ohio State team that is currently undefeated—which is a big reason why he will certainly be in the conversation for college football’s biggest individual accolade.
If the Panthers manage to land Stroud in the draft, like in this mock, it means that Carolina did not fix their problems and finished the season poorly. But at least they get the opportunity to purchase a lottery ticket for the future in a potential franchise quarterback.
