The last few years have not been the kindest to the Carolina Panthers.
They finished the 2023 season with the worst record in the NFL.
Matt Rhule was the Panthers’ head coach from 2020-2022 and has familiarity with the organization.
He now has a job with the University of Nebraska’s football team, but in a recent press conference shared by Matt Foster via Ari Meirov, he talked about a missed draft pick when he was employed with the Panthers.
Rhule indicated that he was a big fan of Brock Purdy, but “got vetoed on that one” in the draft room.
Former #Panthers HC Matt Rhule on Brock Purdy: "When I was in the draft room at Carolina, I brought his name up. I said, 'Hey guys, he should be on the draft board.' I got vetoed on that one."
(📽️ @MattFosterTV)pic.twitter.com/drCGBJd47H
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 8, 2024
Purdy, as fans now know, was the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and wasn’t expected to pan out.
He got the starting gig with the San Francisco 49ers after injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance, holding onto it for the 2023 season, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Whether Rhule’s comments are genuine remains to be seen, especially since Purdy fell so far in the draft.
The Panthers had plenty of opportunities to take him earlier in the draft, but they elected to go elsewhere with their picks.
Rhule might not be with the team anymore, but they are still feeling the effects of his presence and role with the Panthers.
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