How much should the CBA affect the draft?

[firstdayfan]

The most obvious problem with no CBA going into the draft is gonna be the lack of a free agency. I we could land a good DT in FA then when could pass on Fairley. Also if we could move Smith for a third rounder then we could pounce on AJ Green...but that can't happen without a CBA.

Ultimately though my question is this, should we make our decision with the CBA in mind??? Consider this...Newton blows away the combine and his workout and we pick him number one overall. Then the 2011 season is lost and we get the number one pick again in 2012. We would lose out on Luck bc we made the Newton pick this year. Should this even be in the conversation or do we just forget the CBA and pick the best player for this team right now.

Before you answer, imagine AJ Green this year and Luck next year. That could be special...but obviously that's a big "if". The reason I bring this up is bc of an article I read today which indicated that people around the league feel that the 2011 season could be in serious risk.

Before I end, there is also one more option, we pick Newton this year and if there is no season imagine what we could get in a trade for the number one pick (Luck).

There are a lot of scenarios...no of which would make me ok with not having a season next year.

[CarolinaCatBrigade]

JR will have prior knowledge I'm sure of it, and he will give Hurney and Rivera the treasure map to make the right decisions for the future of the Carolina Panthers.

[theyhateme45]

I honesltly don't even see the point of really having a draft if the season will be lost... that's just me. I guess maybe if they reach an agreement they want to be able to quickly start working? But they could do the draft in two days after an agreement.

And for the slim chance there is no football in 2011... then it would just be one big draft... maybe just add a lot more rounds.

But it just changes things for GM's.... You can't use FA to narrow down your draft needs... Also you can't sign non drafted players the day after the draft... that's gonna be big if there is no CBA by then.

[countryboi]

zero.....you draft who you draft and you cant pay them til a CBA gets done anyway

[eViL jEsTeR]

Don't base the draft on FA. FA you have to compete with other teams and the player can choose but in the draft, you can have any player available when it's your turn to pick, no competition and no player choice. When it's your pick, you take who you want.

don't worry about FA, just draft your needs and later fill in the gaps.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

Regardless of the CBA or free agency the Panthers will draft a player based on the following criteria (not claiming this is in any kind of order or weighting):

1. Organizational "Fit"

2. Talent

3. Positional Need

4. Impact Potential

5. Timing of contribution

Like it or not JR does have the inside scoop on whether or not the deal gets done. That said, we have to trust Jerry to get it done in the CBA and on draft day.