NFL Draft 2022 Rumors: Panthers Have Taken 'Strong Shine' to Kenny Pickett

The Carolina Panthers reportedly have eyes on selecting their quarterback of the future in this year's NFL draft.

Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com reported Wednesday that he was hearing from sources that the Panthers were enamored with Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, and they could choose him with the No. 6 pick.

"Word is, the Panthers are taking a strong shine to Pickett, which makes sense on multiple levels," Benjamin wrote.

After putting together a stellar senior season at Pitt, Pickett further boosted his draft stock last weekend at the Senior Bowl. He completed all six of his pass attempts for 89 yards and a touchdown in one quarter of play.

The Panthers dealt with wildly inconsistent quarterback play last season. Sam Darnold started the year and led the team to a 3-0 record, but his propensity for turnovers returned, and the team went on a four-game losing streak before he suffered a shoulder injury.

Carolina turned to backup P.J. Walker and even brought back 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton, but neither was a viable solution. The Panthers ended the year with seven straight losses to finish with a record of 5-12.

Despite having Darnold in the fold for next season, Benjamin wrote that people around the league believe the Panthers won't let Pickett get away.

"I don't think he makes it past the Panthers," one evaluator who has done extensive work on Pickett told Benjamin. "Their owner [David Tepper] is a huge Pitt booster. He hasn't invested draft capital in a quarterback yet. He has to know the Steelers like him [Tepper is a former minority investor in the Steelers]. I think that's a fit."

Whether they select a quarterback in the draft or not, the Panthers offense is expected to look different next year after the hiring of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo under head coach Matt Rhule.