Draft choices narrowed to 5?

[MHS831]

From what I read, it seems the Panthers, barring a trade, will draft one of 5 players, even though I think the Panthers' list is smaller. It is SO HARD to decide--I see everyone's points and I have decided we need them all. Let us take a look at the pros and cons for each player in relation to long and short term needs:

AJ Green

Pros: Steve Smith would have been better in his prime had he not been the #1 WR, but he is sure no #1 now. Even he wants to move inside--or be traded. Green is Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson. He is 6'4" tall, can jump, and runs a 4.45 40. He catches everything. May not be great until the QB/OL is worked out, but he is an offensive force, the focus of the 2011 Panthers. What do we do in 2 years when Smith is 34? Put Gettis there? That won't scare people. Gettis is a complimentary WR, not the #1.

Cons: We just drafted 3 WRs and we have Steve Smith who still has some kick left. We have other more pressing needs. Green would be nice, but we have 2 DTs on the roster and they are an undrafted rookie and a practice squad player. There are 2 DTs in the top 5. The defense collapses without good DT play. Find offense in free agency or later in the draft.

Cam Newton

Pro: Probably the best comparison is Steve McNair. A rocket arm, everyone thought he couldn't read defenses, and good mobility. A good arm and a rather quick release.

Cons: Character has been tested, and he has failed. Runs a simple offense. Concerns that he (and his "agent" father and rhinestone-jerseyed mother) may be in this for the paycheck. That makes the comparison to Jamarcus Russell. Can the frachise afford to play roulette with the #1 overall pick at QB? If you support Cam, are you willing to lose for 3 years before he adjusts to the NFL?

Nick Fairley

Pros: Has dominated every game I have seen him play. Sacking QBs, breaking up screens, stuffing a goalline attempt, etc. The Panthers might need 3 DTs this year, by far the biggest need. Fairley is a force in the middle, and will be a successful 3 technique 4-3 DT or DE in the NFL.

Cons: Shoots the gap a lot. Dirty. The draft is deep at DT, and there is talent later. The Panthers may not need the flashy DT, but the 2 gap control 1 technique DT might be the bigger need.

Patrick Peterson

Pros: Fast, athletic, and big for a corner (6'1", 222 lbs). Will be nightmare for WRs getting jammed. Compared to Rod Woodson. A true shut down CB, but a nasty hitter/tackler as well. Playing opposite Gamble, the corners are very solid. Also a great return man.

Cons: His size could project him to S, where we have 3 good young players. Part of his value is based on his return skills, but do we want our #1 overall pick returning punts? Pat gets cramps and he has for some time. Is this nerves? A symptom of a health problem?

Da'Quan Bowers

Pros: Peppers II. A bit shorter (6'4") but he weighs 280 and runs a 4.6. DEs are crucial to the success of a 4-3, and we have 1 established pass rusher at the moment. Paired with Johnson and backed by Brown, Hardy, and Norwood, imagine Johnson and Bowers moved inside to DT and Brown and Hardy at the ends?

Cons: Underperformed at times in college, the biggest comparison to Peppers. We simply do not need another DE. Hardy and Brown are coming along, and Brayton is still under contract. Norwood will also be utilized as a DE in passing situations. Logjams don't make you better when you have no DTs.

[Mr. Scot]

Newton is not an option at #1.

Don't know that he really was before, honestly, but after last night, definitely not.

[Grammer]

Cam Newton

fug

[Cavscout]

Take Newton off the list...not even consideration given to him, IMO

[Squirrel]

Narrowed to 4 Newton is not a top 5. He will most likely slide to late first rounder.

[Grammer]

i love how aj greens cons have nothing to do with the way he plays

Green '11 people

[Dpantherman]

Draft is deep at DT? how many 3rd and 4th round DTs have we drafted

[MWCarolina]

i think any of the QBs could be looked at as number one picks, BUT in the end, i dont see them being picked unless they have great combines and are easy to sign, because Richardson wont want a long holdout.

[Mr. Scot]

Disagree. I don't see a single QB worth the number one spot.

Basically, between the draft (minus Luck) and free agency, it's a really lousy year to need a quarterback.

[MHS831]

I said that "from what i read" (meaning here on this site)--Newton is mentioned by a lot of people on the Huddle--He is in the debate. I would not draft him in the second round, but I put him on here because he is in the discussion

I think it is down to Green and Fairley.

[Cavscout]

Me either...no QB is #1 worthy

[MWCarolina]

Disagree. I don't see a single QB worth the number one spot.

Basically, between the draft (sans Luck) and free agency, it's a really lousy year to need a quarterback.

i agree, BUT it depends on if they have GIVEN up on Clausen, if they have then i think they take a QB, if they havent they sign a Marc Bulger to backup and mentor Jimmy while we draft either Green (to make the panthers recievers great) or they take a defensive player.

[Snake]

Newton is not an option at #1.

Don't know that he really was before, honestly, but after last night, definitely not.

I dont agree. Last night didnt help his case but it didnt hurt it ether. He is just as much a prospect as Fairley at this point. Still at this point trading down if possible and picking up Peterson may be the best choice. I just dont see anyone that is a 1st pick except A.J. Green and we dont need him.

[Mr. Scot]

Stop for a minute and read--Newton is mentioned by a lot of people on the Huddle--He is in the debate. I would not draft him in the second round, but I put him on here because he is in the discussion/

Not really.

You've got one or two people vocally lobbying for him, but the overwhelming sentiment on here is that he's not worth the top pick.

The debate is pretty much over.