Panthers should draft a QB in 2015

[Jeremy Igo]

The Panthers have not drafted a quarterback since 2011... they are due. 

 

Even though it doesn't appear to be a team need on the surface, the Panthers would be wise to invest a mid to late round pick on a quarterback project. 

 

Yes, Cam Newton is the starter and in all probability the long term solution at QB. However, backup Derek Anderson is a free agent in 2016 and should get quite a few looks from around the league. It is likely a team would be willing to give him a chance to start, something he does not have in Carolina. 

 

Joe Webb is also a free agent next season. The Panthers like Webb as a fill in for many positions, but not as a full time backup QB. 

 

So don't be shocked if this year Dave Gettleman selects a QB on day 3 of the draft. 

 

A guy they may be targeting is Oregon State senior Sean Mannion. 

 

Mannion is a projected round 4-5 QB, which places him squarely in the area the Panthers may be considering a project QB to be a high value pick. 

 

At 6'6 and 229 pounds, he has the physical build to be an elite NFL pocket passer. Throw in the fact that he played in a pro style offense, may be the most accurate passer in the draft, and has great arm strength and it becomes easy to imagine him being a 4th or 5th round steal. His lack of mobility seems to be the only reason he will fall in the draft. Luckily, the Panthers aren't concerned about mobility in their backup QB. (See Derek Anderson)

 

 

Skills competition:

 

 

Highlights: (Notice the pocket presence)

 

 

 

 

[Nick_81]

Why not?  Trying to get young, right?

[KSpan]

Quality arm and good presence. Also some of the ugliest uniforms In have ever seen. Wtf is on their facemasks?

[L-TownCat]

I think we are going to start to see the overall picture of Gettleman's strategy.  Now, for most around here its going to seem alien and pointless but Dave is building "depth".  Now "Depth" means that if/when something happens to a starter there is a capable replacement and life goes on.  Depth has not been seen on this roster since the dawn of the 2008.

[Germy Ego]

No thanks. We have other needs. Just because we haven't drafted one in a while, doesn't mean we should. How many of our drafted QBs have ever panned out. Besides Cam. We have our man. We have DA and Webb. Would rather get Cam's backup through FA when needed and not waste a pick

[Biggdaddi1022]

No ban this user lol

[ECUPantherFan]

I'd be happy with Mannion as the backup.  He reminds me of Derek Anderson with slightly better elusiveness in the pocket.

[jumpman910]

Personally I like JW Walsh late but he won't come out till next year

[rmoneyg35]

Mannion has the potential to be a steal.

[Panthers8969]

Woah woah woah DA was runnin all over the Bucs this year he's super mobile

[Moorgan]

I wonder if the year to take the back up QB isn't next year? Would we really carry 4 QBs this year? DA isn't going anywhere this year and didn't we just resign Webb? Plus he does so many other things. If we drafted one this year wouldn't we be forced to carry 4 QBs this season?

[AceBoogie]

The notion that a team is going to give Derek a legitimate chance to start is just ridiculous. He had a chance to leave and he didn't, no team is looking at DA as a starter.

[Moorgan]

That being said, I have no issue if we take this kid. Seems game and I'm a big fan of strong arm and accurate. Big fan.

[Moorgan]

And one more thing, if we draft a "Gurley" we would need to draft a "Mannion" to balance out the name testosterone. Just sayin.