Former North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell was hosted by the Panthers ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

QB prospect Sam Howell, OL Ickey Ekwonu visiting Panthers

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/18/22

NFL team visits for draft prospects are in full swing ahead of the draft next week, and the Carolina Panthers kicked off the week with visits from a couple hometown players.

Former UNC quarterback Sam Howell and NC State offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu were two of the most notable prospects to visit with the Panthers on Monday. In addition to being two of the biggest names heading into the draft, both Howell and Ekwonu are Carolina natives who played college football not too far from home.

The #Panthers continue to do work as they gear up for pick No 6, hosting, a few prospects in consideration: #UNC QB Sam Howell, #NCState OL Ickey Ekwonu, and #MSU OL Charles Cross are all visiting, sources say. Howell and Ekwonu are local visits.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2022

Howell is coming off of a college campaign in which he was a record-setter for the Tar Heels. Carolina conducted a private throwing session with him after he impressed in a pre-workout interview.

The Carolina Panthers are conducting a private workout with UNC quarterback Sam Howell, per sources. He acquitted himself well in interviews and the team is following up with a throwing session. Carolina doing due diligence on all the top QBs.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 18, 2022

While it isn't a surprise for an NFL team to work out of quarterbacks ahead of the draft, it's extra interesting for Carolina given their current QB search. The Panthers were linked to 49ers signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo just 24 hours earlier as the team tries to find a regular starter for next season and improve on the lackluster tandem from last season that consisted of Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker and Cam Newton.

The Carolina Panthers have done their due diligence on #49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per @JFowlerESPN
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) April 17, 2022

It certainly feels like the Panthers are going to trade for a veteran quarterback during or after the draft.

If it’s Jimmy Garoppolo, I’d imagine the 49ers would have to eat some salary or take back Sam Darnold.

Carolina does have enough cap space today to take on JG’s deal.
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) April 17, 2022

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