USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) runs the football against the Baylor Bears during the second quarter in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Matt Corral (2) runs the football against the Baylor Bears during the second quarter in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Corral has an obvious case to feel the pressure. While the pundits believed him to be a first-round pick, he tumbled down into the third round. Although, Carolina Panthers trading up for the Ole Miss QB became a significant source of happiness. It also doesn’t look like the tumble upset Corral, as he moves on to initiate his pro-football career debut.
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Last month, Corral journeyed to Las Vegas for the NFL Draft fiestas. But when none saw his name on the first round, he left. Not until the 94th overall selection, when the Panthers traded up into the bottom half of the third round to bag him in, closing Matt Corral’s emotional journey.
Matt Corral makes his Panther debut during his first rookie minicamp on Friday. The former Ole Miss quarterback also discussed his draft experience and how he felt at the time. He claims it fueled his desire to prove he was deserving of the grab.
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AS per NFL.com, he mentions, “I mean, I had a chip on my shoulder before. But it just got even bigger. (Draft night) was for sure, a roller coaster. It was a bunch of mixed emotions. When I got that phone call, I have truly never been happy and sad at the same time. I’ve never felt that before.”
Panthers rookie QB Matt Corral: Chip on shoulder 'got even bigger' after falling to third roundhttps://t.co/rZ2speL3HX pic.twitter.com/wWqKReAJRs
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 14, 2022
Even though Carolina coach Matt Rhule believes it’s too hard to assess if Corral will play a role in the starting quarterback judgment. If the season started, Sam Darnold would be the playmaker. He did not carry out Corral’s participation in training camp, though. He also didn’t eliminate the possibility of introducing a seasoned quarterback.
What could influence Matt Corral and his third-round tumble?
It took everyone by surprise when Matt Corral slipped down to the third round. Pundits deemed the QB to be a first-class pick alongside Kenny Pickett, who is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While all quarterbacks have struggled with this draft, Ian Rapoport reports that Corral’s struggles were due to specific factors.
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From our NFL Draft coverage: The #Panthers traded back into the third round and took #OleMiss QB Matt Corral. They viewed his film as the best of all the QBs. But there was a lot more to sort through. pic.twitter.com/GfJdA3z3Zg
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2022
The QB might have been the Panthers’ No. 1 quarterback in this class, according to the insider, but he fell short due to off-field issues. Corral, according to Rapoport, discussed the different off-field issues. He openly admitted to having depression. He could have that untrustworthy personality off the ground, and he struggled in certain club interview sessions.
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This review surprised many people, but Carolina is right in thinking Corral is the best quarterback in this category. Even the quarterback is grateful to touch down in Carolina and is willing to give his all in the sport.
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