NFL Network insider: Alcohol issues, 'unreliable behavior' caused Matt Corral's NFL Draft slide
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport had some strong words about former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral after the Carolina Panthers picked Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday.
After four seasons and two dominant campaigns at Ole Miss, Corral was the fourth quarterback selected, going at No. 94. Rapoport said the Panthers viewed Corral as the quarterback in this class with the best college tape, but his slide to the back of the third round might have been caused by off-the-field issues.
"He dealt with a multitude of issues including alcohol and related issues," Rapoport said on NFL Network's broadcast. "He admitted publicly to battling depression. He has had 'unreliable behavior' off the field and he really, really struggled in some interviews with teams.
"That said, the talent is enough to make the Carolina Panthers take its shot with Corral."
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
Corral spoke about his growth over his four years at Ole Miss from overconfident recruit to team leader. During his first two years on the team, Corral admittedly didn't watch film and didn't put in as much work as his status may have required of him. Corral grew up over time, becoming Ole Miss' most vocal team leader in 2021 while playing through injuries to deliver the Rebels their first 10-win regular season.
MORE FROM OLE MISS: 2022 NFL Draft: How many Ole Miss football players will be picked?
ON CORRAL: Ole Miss football's Matt Corral falls out of NFL Draft's first round. Here's where he fits on Day 2
ESPN.com Scout's Inc. graded Corral as the No. 47 prospect in the class heading into the draft. Corral was graded as one of draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s best players available for most of the second round and the entire third round before the Panthers traded up to select him.
Contact Nick Suss at 601-408-2674 or nsuss@gannett.com. Follow @nicksuss on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why did Matt Corral fall in 2022 NFL Draft? What one insider said
