The Patriots claimed quarterback Matt Corral off waivers on Thursday. The 2022 third round pick was waived by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.

The 6-2 220 pound Corral is a California native. He put up big numbers during his college career at Ole Miss playing for Lane Kiffin. He threw for 8,287 yards and 57 touchdown passes. 

Corral was profiling as a first round pick but after injuring his ankle in the 2022 Sugar Bowl, he slipped to the third round. Ironically enough, the Panthers drafted Corral with a pick they got from the Patriots in a trade.

The Patriots were in the market for a quarterback after releasing Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham earlier this week, but many thought they would probably be signing a veteran. Not the case. They opted for a developmental quarterback with potential in Corral.

Now before you start thinking that Corral could be a potential replacement for Mac Jones, don’t. Corral has upside but he is far from a finished product. He is athletic, has +++ arm strength at all three levels and can make off platform throws but his game needs refinement, especially when it comes to making reads and processing. 

Despite all that, taking a flier on Corral is a smart move because it gives the Patriots a young quarterback that Bill O’Brien can develop. 

Corral is apparently going to be Jones back up for now but stay tuned. Things have been pretty fluid in Foxboro this week and that could change by tomorrow.