Carolina traded its second-round pick to the Jets for Sam Darnold (a move that hasn't worked out for the Panthers thus far) and its third-round pick to the Jaguars for C.J. Henderson. But they sent a 2023 third-round pick to the Patriots to move from the fourth round to the third round for Corral, a smart move at that point in the draft. While off-field concerns might have contributed to Corral's fall in the draft, he's a potential future starter with a quick release and movement skills.
Grade: B
This is good value for Carolina. Corral's ball-placement issues were a major concern. And he's not quite the athlete to be able to win as an improviser in the NFL. But the raw talent is there, and the Panthers needed to address the QB spot.
Grade: B
Strengths: Quick release, throws from multiple arm angles, athleticism to be a running threat and extend plays
Weaknesses: Slight frame, simplistic one-read offense, timing and anticipation
Ole Miss' Matt Corral is an excellent example of why the need exists to disassociate a prospect's traits from his surroundings.
No one can deny what Corral did in the SEC over the last two seasons. The quarterback completed 69 percent of his passes for 6,686 yards and 49 touchdowns, not including the 15 rushing touchdowns he scored, against the highest level of collegiate competition. In fact, he led the FBS with 384.3 total yards per game in 2020.
The production speaks for itself. How Corral accumulated those numbers is a different story.
Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin employs a quarterback-friendly, albeit simplified, scheme, which allows his offense to play much faster. It doesn't necessarily help his quarterbacks from a developmental standpoint. Corral put up numbers, but his production won't necessarily translate to the pros.
Furthermore, Ole Miss listed Corral at 205 pounds. The quarterback bulked up to 212 for the combine. How much he actually carries when he's in playing shape is unknown, but his ability to take a pounding should come into question since he started for only one fully healthy season while suffering rib and ankle injuries in 2019 and '21.
The Carolina Panthers did an excellent job through the first two days of the draft despite limited resources. Ickey Ekwonu was a home-run selection with the No. 6 pick. Carolina wasn't on the clock again until 88 picks later and still landed a potential future starting quarterback in Corral.
Like every other quarterback in the class not named Kenny Pickett, Corral's star fell much further than expected. He still presents enough potential to push Sam Darnold and give the Panthers some hope at the game's most important position.
Grade: A
Corral (6-foot-2, 212) completed 67.9% of his passes with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. He also ran for 773 yards (excluding sacks).
Corral plays with a competitive, fiery personality, but that can lead to him absorbing unnecessary contact, which could be a major problem in the NFL. Decision-making and ball security could also be issues. Corral had seven intentional groundings and eight fumbles last year, per Brugler.
I preferred Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder to Corral, but scouting quarterbacks is hard. And when you don't have a guy, you should be taking swings like this. Even if it doesn't work out, this process makes sense for Carolina.
Grade: B+
The Panthers weren't in position to catch a falling Ridder or Willis with their limited draft capital but Corral fell into their range to trade up here. The arm and athletic upside was worth it to give them a rookie option to compete to push Sam Darnold.
Grade: B
The Panthers didn't force a quarterback and their patience pays off. Improved decision-making and ball placement helped Corral cut down on interceptions (five) in 2021 compared to the previous season (14). Corral throws with a quick release, has above-average arm strength and the mobility to make and extend plays.
Grade: A
Corral wouldn't have been a good pick in Round 1, but late on Day 2, there's value here considering quarterback is the most important position in the game. Corral's offense at Ole Miss made his projection to the NFL a little more difficult, as it was full of run-pass options (RPOs) and simplistic reads. Despite the quarterback-friendly offense, Corral was consistently on time and delivered accurate throws while showing off an exceptional deep ball. His 2021 campaign left a lot to be desired in some aspects, but some of that had to do with injury. Corral's 2021 season took a nosedive mid-season when injury struck the quarterback and his top wide receivers. Yes, the Ole Miss quarterback fought through his ailments and played, but his output wasn't up to his standards. His 91.1 PFF grade through Week 7 was the fourth-highest in the FBS, but that mark fell 20 grading points to 70.6 from Week 8 on.
Grade: Very Good
View photos of Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral, drafted by Carolina in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
FILE - Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. The Southeastern Conference's most prolific offense clashes with one of the better defenses in the Big 12 when No. 8 Mississippi meets sixth-ranked Baylor in the Sugar Bowl. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) throws to the side against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) is corralled by Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi won 31-21. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) prepares to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Mississippi won 31-17. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) participates in warmups before an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral howls following an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Carolina Panthers football coach Matt Rhule, center, watches quarterback Matt Corral pass during a football drill at the Mississippi Pro Day in Oxford, Miss., Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) releases a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Mississippi won 31-17. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) celebrates his second-half, 4-yard touchdown run with wide receiver Braylon Sanders (13) during an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi won 31-21. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) celebrates with fans after an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. No. 10 Mississippi won 31-17. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Quarterback Matt Corral passes during a football drill at the Mississippi Pro Day in Oxford, Miss., Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby talks to quarterback Matt Corral before an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) looks to pass after avoiding Vanderbilt defensive lineman Christian James (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) releases a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) looks to pass after avoiding Vanderbilt defensive lineman Christian James (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) runs past a block by running back Snoop Conner (24) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 29-19. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Quarterback Matt Corral runs a drill during Mississippi Pro Day in Oxford, Miss., Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) scrambles away from pressure by Auburn defensive end Eku Leota (55) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral throws a pass as Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal (8) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Quarterback Matt Corral passes during a drill at the Mississippi football pro day in Oxford, Miss., Wednesday, March 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) sets up to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 29-19. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) takes a snap as he steps back to pass while Liberty defensive tackle Henry Chibueze (50) pressures his line during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Mississippi won 27-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes against Liberty during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Mississippi won 27-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral throws a pass against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes against Liberty during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) rolls out to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) warms up during pregame drills before an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Mississippi won 31-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) escapes a tackle attempt by Liberty defensive tackle Henry Chibueze (50) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Mississippi won 27-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) warms up passing during pregame drills before an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Mississippi won 31-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) is pressured by Auburn defensive end Derick Hall (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes against LSU during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Mississippi won 31-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) attempts to run up field as Arkansas defensive back Joe Foucha (7) closes in for a tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 52-51. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 52-51. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) runs for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) celebrates his team's 61-21 win over Tulane during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) passes against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) looks for an open receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville, Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) plays against Austin Peay in an NCAA college football game, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. Mississippi won 54-17. (AP Photo/Bruce Newman)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) is shown in action during an NCAA college football game against Louisville Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (2) is shown in action during an NCAA college football game against Louisville Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
