Panthers grab Corral

The Panthers chose QB Matt Corral in Round 3 of the NFL Draft. Corral’s college career infamously finished with a high-ankle sprain in the Sugar Bowl. Before that, though, came a pair of successful starting seasons under HC Lane Kiffin. Corral threw 49 TDs vs. 19 INTs over those 2 campaigns, cutting his turnovers down as a senior. More importantly for fantasy, he also tallied 1,120 yards and 15 TDs on the ground in an RPO-heavy offense. Corral doesn’t look like a future fantasy stud, but he could be a useful QB2. He’ll immediately push QB Sam Darnold for the starting job in Carolina.

Panthers HC Matt Rhule told reporters Saturday that QB Matt Corral suffered a "significant" Lisfranc injury. That seems likely to wipe out the rookie season for Corral, who wasn't pegged for immediate playing time anyway.

Panthers rookie QB Matt Corral left in the 4th quarter of Friday night's preseason game against the Patriots with a left foot injury. It's not yet clear how significant the issue is, though Corral reportedly left the stadium with a walking boot on the foot. The rookie doesn't appear likely to start games this season anyway.

Panthers OC Ben McAdoo said Tuesday that rookie QB Matt Corral is "slowly and quietly improving," according to Darin Gantt of the team website. "He has a unique skill set," the coach added. "He has some juice to him, personality wise." The trade for QB Baker Mayfield likely killed any shot Corral might have had at starting early in his rookie year. And this sounds like a coach offering measured optimism. Corral still makes for an interesting dynasty stash, with neither Mayfield nor Sam Darnold signed beyond this season.

Speaking at minicamp, Panthers HC Matt Rhule indicated that QB Matt Corral isn’t close to earning the starting job. “He has a good spirit, a good demeanor about him when he walks in the building. And I think he understands there’s no timetable for him,” Rhule said Tuesday. “I think he has that sense of urgency when he works. I respect the way he works. But he has a lot to learn. A lot to learn.” None of this should be shocking — it’s June, and Corral’s a Round 3 rookie. Still, with Sam Darnold running with the starters and Carolina reportedly very interested in Baker Mayfield, Corral’s path to year 1 snaps looks rough. He’s a dynasty-only stash for now.

The Panthers' starting QB job is "up for grabs," GM Scott Fitterer said. Fitterer said that Sam Darnold "is the number one guy right now" and "has every opportunity to take it and run with it." But he also added that QB Matt Corral will play if he “gives us the best opportunity to win.” Frankly, it's a win for the rookie that the GM isn't fully committing to the veteran at this point of the offseason. If it's truly an open competition in training camp, Corral has a shot to be under center come Week 1.