Gantt's Mock 5.0

[CatMan72]

Three weeks to go, and while some things are coming into focus, others seem as confused as ever.

Teams have hunkered down into scouting meetings, with the evaluations finished and only the sifting and jockeying (and lying) left for the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, a few of you seem confused about what we're doing here. For the most part, the last four mock drafts have been about presenting options, adjusting to different scenarios that could arise (such as a CBA before the draft, etc.). Most of you got that. One or two of our less sophisticated readers have mistaken it for equivocation (and spelled most of the words right in their rebukes).

My stance is as it has been since the combine. The Panthers are looking at a lot of guys, but they have to make sure they don't pass a potential franchise quarterback. They know they need one, so they're going to turn over every rock.

Now, if they're not convinced, and someone offers the moon, they're listening. We'll see in the next three weeks if anyone feels more strongly about the top pick than they do.

1. Carolina

QB Cam Newton, Auburn

Is he a sure thing? He is not. Is he the best quarterback in this draft? He is. That doesn't make him Andrew Luck, but that makes him the top pick.

In a sense, with a younger staff geared toward teaching (Mike Shula might have been the most underrated hire of the bunch), and a roster designed to insulate (great running game, good O-line and they didn't sign Jeremy Shockey for his charm) it's actually not a bad time to pick a quarterback first.

Read more: http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/04/07/2971220/mock-draft-50-mock-in-the-usa.html

[teeray]

No way.

[SOJA]

pretty good logic. If the Panthers draft him, then I'm going to be very excited because I will know that after months of researching him they feel he can be a franchise guy.

[CatMan72]

I agree with Gantt's opinion... Cam is so talented that he's worth the risk.

[mav1234]

...and he has Gabbert going #2 to Denver. Heh.

[teeray]

pretty good logic. If the Panthers draft him, then I'm going to be very excited because I will know that after months of researching him they feel he can be a franchise guy.

Pretty simple deal you would think.

[CatMan72]

pretty good logic. If the Panthers draft him, then I'm going to be very excited because I will know that after months of researching him they feel he can be a franchise guy.

Agree, if Hurney signs off on Cam I will feel very confident that he's the right man for the job... Hurney is not reckless, he takes calculated risks like Armanti, but he's not going to gamble with the 1st overall pick.

[teeray]

...and he has Gabbert going #2 to Denver. Heh.

Don't see it happening. Their fans are already on edge about a certain QB there. And Fox has already pissed the fans off.

[DaveThePanther2008]

I agree with Gantt's opinion... Cam is so talented that he's worth the risk.

What you say here and what you say there.

We would be pulling our hair out every time we see him take his team to the playoffs.

[mav1234]

Don't see it happening. Their fans are already on edge about a certain QB there. And Fox has already pissed the fans off.

plus, they have Orton, and have much, much bigger needs on defense.

pretty good logic. If the Panthers draft him, then I'm going to be very excited because I will know that after months of researching him they feel he can be a franchise guy.

yup. I'll be nervous but excited at the same time.

TBQH, I'll be excited no matter who we draft, but more excited for a player on offense because I think both the QBs and Green are real difference makers on offense. But the realist in me knows that, ultimately, with our holes at DT and CB, and the fact we just drafted 2 young QBs and 3 young WRs, maybe DT/CB is the way to go to improve the team.

but still. I'll be excited to see this draft come.

[CarolinaNut]

I agree with Gantt's opinion... Cam is so talented that he's worth the risk.

pretty much how i feel as well.

[CAVSS]

No way Foxy goes for Gabby. I would chit myself if that happened.

[Sword]

No way Foxy goes for Gabby. I would chit myself if that happened.

I think Elway has more sway in Denver then Fox..I think they've had enough of letting coaches like Shanahan and McDaniels dictate who they take and want to leave it up to management from now on...I don't think Fox would have gotten this second chance if he didn't agree to go with their decisions.

[MWCarolina]

While Gannt said that Newton would be a Panther, he also said that Gabbert would be a Bronco. for some reason, i cant see Denver risking that much on a QB. First off, they have Orton for a one year deal which i think is pretty good money, then you have The Golden Calf of Bristol being paid 1st round money. Imagine if they had Gabbert too. that's ALOT of money for 3 QBs and you do NOT pay THREE different QBs that much money. the Broncos need defense which is why i see them getting a defender. i could see the panthers getting Newton, but i dont see the Broncos getting a QB and if they do then the fanbase in denver should go nuts over the decision making there. a guy with potential in The Golden Calf of Bristol, a guy in Orton who can start for a year and a rookie!??