The draft and Fox's future

[Cyberjag]

Found it!

I was in my car listening to this on Sirius. They were shocked (me too.) Adam Schein said this was an owner's pick, because the coach and the GM needed someone that could help now. He even said he felt sorry for them. Later they said that they found out that the Panthers started trying to move up to 33 to get Clausen, He was the guy all along.

So it sounds like he made an educated guess and later recanted.

I think a known problem in the Panthers Front Office has been that with the way Fox is always going to keep the team competitive, we're just not going to be in position to draft a franchise QB that often. So when Clausen fell within reach, they jumped. They tried to jump earlier, but it turns out they didn't have to.

In a normal draft, I doubt he makes it out of the first. But all those great linemen had a real effect on how things shook out this year, and we got lucky.

[bleys]

I'm hoping we did get lucky.. with his accuracy and arm strength, ability to move in the pocket.. my only concern is if he can continue to improve or if he'll hit a ceiling sooner than later..

[Woodie]

Found it!

So it sounds like he made an educated guess and later recanted.

I think a known problem in the Panthers Front Office has been that with the way Fox is always going to keep the team competitive, we're just not going to be in position to draft a franchise QB that often. So when Clausen fell within reach, they jumped. They tried to jump earlier, but it turns out they didn't have to.

In a normal draft, I doubt he makes it out of the first. But all those great linemen had a real effect on how things shook out this year, and we got lucky.

I don't think I would even call it an educated guess. I think he just looked at the fact that Fox is a lame duck coach, and determined that he needs someone to produce immediately, so leaped to the conclusion that it must have been a move directed from far above. But I think with the way everyone has talked about how giddy Fox and Hurney were about getting Clausen, that it was definitely not a pick anyone forced them to make.

I also believe this means that the liklihood Fox re-signs is much greater than most outside the bubble of influence think. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't already have some sort back door offer. I just can't see any way Fox would be this excited about a guy that he may not get much, if any, usage out of without some sort of indication that he'll be here beyond this season.