Scout.com Article: Panthers Keep Options Open for No. 1 Pick

[pantherfan81]

Andrew Luck's decision was a devastating blow for the Panthers who desperately need stability at the quarterback position. Most scouts believe Luck was a once-in-a-decade quarterback who would have solidified any team for the next 10 to 15 years.

"In 2002, we were sitting there at No. 2 and Julius Peppers was on the board and there was a quarterback on the board (Joey Harrington) and several other good players and we didn't get a phone call," general manager Marty Hurney said. "I think in the past it has been difficult to trade the top pick, so we'll just see.

"I think the tact that you take is you always keep an open mind on everything and you never rule anything out and you proceed with a lot of different scenarios. Then when it comes time, you hope you choose the right one."

The rookie salary cap and exactly what happens with the collective bargaining agreement could impact how many inquiries the Panthers get from other teams.

As for Luck's decision, Hurney said the Panthers never approached it as a sure thing when he stayed at Stanford.

"I don't know whether surprise is the right word," Hurney said of Luck staying in school. "I can't say that. It was a decision that was made. When you do what we do, you never assume anything. Looking into the future and assuming something is going to happen isn't what we do.

"The way we approach it is, until he declared one way or another it wasn't anything that was done. When he declared he was going to stay in school, we knew it was one less option we would have."

TEAM NEEDS

1. Quarterback: Even general manager Marty Hurney admits finding stability at the quarterback position is the team's most pressing need. Jimmy Clausen was 1-9 as a starter last season and had just three touchdown passes in those games. The Panthers planned to take Andrew Luck of Stanford with the No. 1 pick in the draft, but he decided to stay in school. Auburn's Cam Newton is a possibility for the Panthers, but might be a stretch at No. 1 given his raw skills. He's more of an option if the team were to trade down. Look for the Panthers to solidify this position either in the free-agent market or via trade.

2. Defensive tackle: The Panthers finished up with Derek Landri and Nick Hayden as their starting defensive tackles last season and former defensive line coach Brian Baker admitted the team desperately needs to upgrade here. Auburn's Nick Fairley seems to be the likely pick for the Panthers at No. 1 if everything checks out.

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