CSR: Shawn Zobel of Draft Headquarters on Panthers draft plans

[CatMan72]

Draft Headquarters began three years ago as a scouting, evaluataion and mock draft site and since then lead writer Shawn Zobel's record speaks for itself. He has accurately predicted more 1st round picks than either Mel Kiper or Todd McShay, and at this point it is accepted among NFL insiders that he does have sources and connections around the league.

It's surprising, however, that Zobel would offer up as much information as he did last night over his Twitter feed that tipped the hand of numerous teams. Sure, perhaps this could all be a stunt to drum up website hits or expand his brand- but if he's not being truthful it's a big risk to take. Furthermore, everything could all be smokescreen... we just don't know.

After the jump I'll give you what Zobel has said, and we can discuss everything and what it means for the Panthers.

Let's start with what Zobel said that directly relates to the Panthers:

- Carolina have no interest in QB Blaine Gabbert with the #1 pick. If Gabbert goes #1 overall it will be because the Panthers traded the pick. Currently 4/5 teams in the top 5 want to take a QB. Carolina and Buffalo are set on Cam Newton, while Cincinnati and Arizona have Blaine Gabbert at the top of their board.

- The Panthers are interested in trading out of the #1 spot for the right price, and Zobel puts the Panthers' chances of moving out at 50/50. If Carolina were able to trade out they would not be able to get either QB, and Newton would go to Buffalo and Gabbert to either Cincinnati or Arizona. He believes it would take a big offer to move the Panthers out of #1.

So there we have it. It's certainly a lot to digest, but if this is accurate then we get a very, very good idea what we could be looking at. There appears to be trade potential at #1 from numerous angles;:

- CIN or ARZ could move up for Gabbert

- Buffalo (who Zobel says "Cam Newton is by far Buffalo's #1 guy") could try and buy Newton from the Panthers.

- Washington could try and leapfrog everyone if they like Gabbert enough

What appears shocking though is just how much the QBs are now looking like they'll fly off the board. Zobel is essentially predicting that Newton and Gabbert will be top 3 picks, Locker a top 10 pick and Mallett gone before the end of the 1st round.

Read more: http://www.derp/2011/4/13/2108211/shawn-zobel-of-draft-headquarters-spills-beans-on-many-draft-plans#storyjump

[teeray]

This is the guy Haters laughed at because he claimed a source close to draftheadquarters.com which was basically saying he had a source close to himself :lol:

In his defense he was the first to report that Cam was our #1 target.

Of course if we go out and draft Dareus he will have some serious egg on his face :lol:

[CatMan72]

...and here's a follow up from his blog:

1. Carolina – I’ve been told that Cam Newton will be the pick unless the Panthers receive a big enough package to move down. I was told by one source that it’s 50-50 as to whether they’d get a good enough package to entice them to move down. At this point, I’m completely assuming that Newton will be the pick until I hear otherwise.

Read more: http://draftheadquarters.com/dhqblogs/?p=708

[CatMan72]

This is the guy Haters laughed at because he claimed a source close to draftheadquarters.com which was basically saying he had a source close to himself :lol:

In his defense he was the first to report that Cam was our #1 target.

Of course if we go out and draft Dareus he will have some serious egg on his face :lol:

Yeah, I make no claims about his credibility either way - just posting this because I found it interesting.

[MrBubba]

Wonder what Buffalo would offer to jump to number one and take Cam. Flip ones, a second and perhaps a late pick sixth rounder maybe. Then have choice of who is left Dareus or PP after Denver selection

[CatMan72]

Wonder what Buffalo would offer to jump to number one and take Cam. Flip ones, a second and perhaps a late pick sixth rounder maybe. Then have choice of who is left Dareus or PP after Denver selection

Yeah, if Buffalo is so high on Cam I'm not sure why they wouldn't make a big-time offer to jump one spot and get him?

Heck, we might swap 1's with them and take their 2nd.

[teeray]

Wonder what Buffalo would offer to jump to number one and take Cam. Flip ones, a second and perhaps a late pick sixth rounder maybe. Then have choice of who is left Dareus or PP after Denver selection

If we are assuming Zobel is correct I imagine it will take no less than this years 1st AND next years 1st.

I think we are willing to trade down but not looking to trade down. Therefore we will ask a lot in return.

[The Other Colbert]

Wonder what Buffalo would offer to jump to number one and take Cam. Flip ones, a second and perhaps a late pick sixth rounder maybe. Then have choice of who is left Dareus or PP after Denver selection

I think they'd need to offer more than that, that offer is just wide right.

[SOJA]

Buffalo's first, 2nd, 5th, and next year's 4th

[Nicbsbll2]

If Buffalo wants Cam bad enough, then I hope we can get a future 1st to go along with their 2nd and maybe a lower round pick. Absolutely rape them if they want Cam bad enough.

[teeray]

If history serves as an indicator we are going to want a future 1st rounder.

[pantherfan81]

According to an analyst I was speaking with yesterday, he said 0% chance we trade the pick at this time because of the risk of no draft next year. Trading to our spot would require future picks which have no value currently. Also in regards to the Denver trade, he said 1% lol

[CarolinaNut]

my question is that if carolina likes cam enough to select him first overall then they obviously think he can be a franchise QB...you do not pass on potential franchise QB's unless you have one...we do not...if we are indeed sold on newton it would have to be one hell of a deal to move us out of that number 1 spot

[Swarly]

If history serves as an indicator we are going to want a future 1st rounder.

I don't see that being possible. We'd only be moving three spots down.

Their first and second sounds GREAT to me.