If we operate assuming Mayfield would always be the first choice for the position, it's going to get fascinating. The Panthers recruited Ben McAdoo, who was slated to be the new head coach of the offense. Initially, it was an odd choice that seemed to be destined for the same issues that it had with New York. McAdoo prefers to run an open, pseudo West Coast shotgun passing base that requires quick thinking by the quarterback, as well as athletic ability to accumulate yards when you're flushed out of your pocket. A statuesque, aging Eli Manning was the perfectly wrong quarterback for this system -- much in the same way as a statuesque Mut 23 Coins does not fit.
You know who's a good fit? Baker Mayfield, and Matt Corral. It takes serious galaxy brain mental gymnastics to imagine Carolina was extremely smitten about Corral being his future team and yet kept waiting until the 3rd round before trading with him and take him. The idea that this team is playing chess as it is gives the organization entirely too many points. However, there is some chance that Corral could be something truly special.
NBC Sports' Chris Simms reported Chris Simms of NBC Sports Corral as the number. 1 QB in the 2022 draft, pointing out his quick release and athleticism are rare qualities, but he also needed time to understand Madden NFL 23 offensive principles. The thing that makes Simms' case compelling is that he was just one draft analyst who was 100% certain that Josh Allen being the best QB in the 2018 draft, much preferring him to Mayfield and Darnold. Yes, it's one person's opinion. However, simms and Panthers are right and Corral is able to develop into a Madden NFL 23 player, then his selection will be an impressive win.
Considering all these factors the picture is beginning to come in. Mayfield isn't just helping the Panthers win right now as a player, but also serves as the main pillar inside the coal mine of McAdoo's offense. It's a cost-effective litmus test to see if you think the West Coast adjacent scheme with RPO components will be compatible with the current skill position roster in Carolina. If it doesn't, Baker takes the heat and can attempt again using Corral after making some tweaks. If it's successful, there's a decent successorship plan that can pivot towards Mayfield to Corral while keeping everything else the same. This simply could not happen with Madden 23 Coins, who really offers nothing based on what the Panthers have been trying to achieve going forward.
