PFW's Draft Grade

[pantherfan81]

Carolina Panthers

GM Marty Hurney has been one of the best in the draft at nailing first-round picks, but he took much more risk than usual with the selection of Cam Newton, forcing offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to redesign the offense and perhaps creating an unhealthy competition between two entitled quarterbacks in Newton and Jimmy Clausen. The decision to couple a new head coach (Ron Rivera) with a new franchise quarterback was logical, and Newton has potential to make a more immediate impact than any other quarterback in the draft, with the capability to become an impact performer. Hurney's decision ultimately will be judged by Newton's development and the sustainability of the spark he can bring to the offense. The Panthers were without a second-round pick, dealt last year for Armanti Edwards, and they are still waiting for the light to come on for him. He made zero impact last season while transitioning to the slot. DT Terrell McClain and CB Brandon Hogan both possess starting-caliber traits, but also came with some risk. For where they were drafted, the risk might well meet the reward. NT Sione Fua and WR Kealoha Pilares can become solid contributors. The Panthers have had a knack for adding OL depth late in the draft, and C-OG Zack Williams and OT Lee Ziemba have developmental potential. LB Lawrence Wilson could help on special teams. The Panthers addressed key needs, and Rivera's ability to deal with prima donnas makes the high risk that defines this draft more tolerable. However, for a team drafting so highly, the Panthers' draft was dangerously volatile.

Grade: B-minus

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Kinda thought they'd pan us.

[CatMan72]

Interesting that they said:

"Newton has potential to make a more immediate impact than any other quarterback in the draft"

I thought they just got done calling him a project?

[Grammer]

huh, they gave the lions a C. thought they had one of the best drafts

[Jackofalltrades]

Fair.

[C47]

Giving out draft grades 24 hours after the draft has concluded is retarded....you can't grade a draft until at least after year 2....

[Ricky Spanish]

everything he said was true. there's a lot of volatility in what we did this year. hopefully it all works out in our favor.

[BizEagle]

Lee Ziemba was a steal. Very solid pick, lucky to get him in a late round

[RedMage138]

huh, they gave the lions a C. thought they had one of the best drafts

Just because Mel Kiper says it doesn't make it true...

[Peppers90 NC]

Interesting that they said:

I thought they just got done calling him a project?

whats the difference?

[OchoNueve]

For what it's worth, I would think the Panther's front office would be somewhat flattered with that analysis.

[Devoid]

perhaps creating an unhealthy competition between two entitled quarterbacks in Newton and Jimmy Clausen.

unhealthy competition? I always thought competition was a good thing. Also Jimmy may be entitled with QB coaches since birth. Newton is overconfident more than entitled. Newton just needs a slap in the face and Ron's a big enough man to do it.