Report: Carolina Panthers set to host a trio of draft prospects

With the 2022 NFL Draft quickly approaching, teams are continuing to meet with their potential prospects to get a better feel of who they would like to select once they’re on the clock. As for the Carolina Panthers, they’re hosting a trio of prospects on Monday.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Panthers are hosting North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell, NC State offensive lineman Ickey Ekwonu and Mississippi State offensive lineman Charles Cross. Rapoport added that Howell and Ekwonu are local visits for Carolina.

Howell put together a strong career at North Carolina, throwing for 10,283 yards, 92 touchdowns and 23 interceptions while also tallying 17 rushing touchdowns over three seasons with the Tar Heels. As for Ekwonu and Cross, they’re both high-caliber offensive linemen who are expected to be successful in the NFL.

Carolina is coming off a 5-12 season in 2021.

Panthers hosted potential first-round quarterback last week

The Carolina Panthers hosted a quarterback they’ve been linked to on multiple occasions last Wednesday, as the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that former Pittsburgh star quarterback Kenny Pickett was in Carolina for a visit.

“#Pitt QB Kenny Pickett, one of the potential top quarterbacks in the draft, visits the #Panthers today, source said,” tweeted Rapoport. “Carolina picks sixth overall and has been hosting QBs this week.”

As Panthers coach Matt Rhule looks for his quarterback of the future, Pickett has been linked to Carolina due to his immense experience. The former Pittsburgh star has played a lot of football, and has improved every step of the way. The belief is Rhule needs to win now to save his job, and Pickett would give him the most pro-ready of all the quarterbacks available in the 2022 NFL Draft.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.