Panthers

All eyes were on the Carolina Panthers on draft day, as they held the not always so coveted number one pick in the 2011 draft. As expected, they nabbed Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, one of the more polarizing prospects of the past decade. I believe Newton has what it takes to succeed in the NFL and if he is handled the right way, he could be a superstar. Of course, he comes with a lot of risk, both on and off the field. But I don’t believe in playing it safe at the top of the draft. I can’t fault Carolina on taking a chance on a guy with such a unique and gifted skill-set.

The horrendous Armanti Edwards deal from last year’s draft really came back to haunt the Panthers, as they lost out on the first pick in the second round. For a rebuilding club, that pick is pivotal. Instead, they had to wait until the third round to add a pair of defensive tackles in Terrell McClain and Sione Fua. Both profile as solid presences on the interior, and the Panthers are desperate for help inside; both tackle spots could use an upgrade. Both are strong against the run and should aid a run defense that got ran over at times in 2010.

The Panthers draft lacked flash outside of Newton. However, they added some tough, experienced players and found contributors on both sides of the ball. Both cornerback Brandon Hogan and tackle Lee Ziemba could prove to be steals, as they’re tough, heady players with a mean streak. You would have liked to see them add another playmaker to aid Newton, but their offense is in decent shape with a strong offensive line as well as Jonathan Stewart and a host of young receivers. Of course, it all comes down to Newton, just like it does for any other team who drafted a quarterback in the first round. He will either make Ron Rivera one of the league’s best coaches or have him out of a job in four years. Perhaps more than any other team with a young quarterback, the Panthers will be reliant on Newton to serve as a spark for their offense. In a division with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Josh Freeman, he is going to need to be good if the Panthers are going to avoid more finishes in the cellar.

DRAFT GRADE: B-

 

 

 

 

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