ESPN Insider: "Panthers and the top pick"

[holycrikey]

Anyone have ESPN Insider's subscription? I'm assuming this report is simply the same B.S. about the Panthers reaching out to Peterson and Fairley. Just wanted to know if anyone knows what the report actually is.

Sorry if this has been posted before. I searched but didn't find anything about it.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/features/rumors?date=20110125&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2ffeatures%2frumors%3fdate%3d20110125#7789

[vorbis]

seriously nothing new. they talk about the observer story about panthers calling fairley's HS coach. you can safely ignore it.

[Jackofalltrades]

You know they don't know anything, why bite?

[Panthro]

I would assume we will hear about talks with Bowers, Gabbert, and Newton coming down the line

[Snake]

With the #1 pick we should interview quite a few players. I would not be shocked if we interviewed all the top QBs in this draft.

[cdandi1]

if anyone pays for insider they should ask for thier money back. ESPN is becoming a joke for anyone outside of NY, LA, Dallas or Chicago.

[pantherfan81]

With the #1 pick we should interview quite a few players. I would not be shocked if we interviewed all the top QBs in this draft.

Yep. It's a safe bet they interview all top QBs even if they believe in Clausen.

[jramsey4]

if anyone pays for insider they should ask for thier money back. ESPN is becoming a joke for anyone outside of NY, LA, Dallas or Chicago.

I could say the same about just about every national sports program. I will tell you something I have found out (which is why I never watch any kind of news) every network and news program is biased one way or another.

[pantherfan81]

Panthers talking to people around Fairley, meeting w/ LSU's Peterson. But GM Marty Hurney says focus on jrs. will intensify at the combine.

Hurney also did not rule out taking a QB w/ the No. 1 pick. Hasn't given up on Clausen, but said Panthers have to improve at QB position.

Per @josephperson

[Ricky Spanish]

As the NFL playoffs wind down, we're getting closer to the official start of full-bore draft season, though it probably started for several teams weeks ago -- and it's a year-round affair for folks like our NFL Draft Insiders Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay. The decision by Andrew Luck to stay at Stanford was devastating to the Carolina Panthers -- who have the No. 1 pick and a need at QB -- but it simultaneously increased the debate on what the team will do, as there isn't a clear choice right now.

As of Tuesday, we know that the team is busy doing its homework on at least one of the options, Auburn DT Nick Fairley. Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer has reported that Panthers college scout Jeff Beathard has been in contact with Fairley's high school coach Bobby Parrish as part of the team's background check.

Person notes that this is part of the standard pre-draft procedure, and is likely being done by the Panthers on other prospects as well; however, it does officially confirm that Fairley is under consideration. Here's Kiper with why the Panthers should take the Auburn product, and McShay on why Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers is the right pick:

- Tim Kavanagh

Mel Kiper, Jr.

Fiery Fairley can be impactful as a rookie

"The No. 1 overall player on the Big Board, and one who can pay immediate dividends. Fairley isn't just a safe pick because of his excellent burst, violent hand action and ability to effectively penetrate and be a constant nuisance against both the run and pass; he also has the chance to be a dominant player regardless of system. Detroit and Tampa Bay drafted the top defensive tackles at Nos. 2 and 3 last year. Carolina should start earlier in 2011. A slight mean streak in a DT isn't the worst trait. Even Ndamukong Suh showed a bit of one this season."

Todd McShay

Versatile Bowers fills need at DE

"The Panthers made no secret of the fact that they would draft Stanford QB Andrew Luck if he were available, but with Luck off the board they turn their attention to their need for a pass-rusher. Bowers is the best available with his explosiveness, and he also has the strength to hold the edge against the run."

in other words, mcshay has no idea what he's talking about with our team needs. i hate the fact that i agree with kiper on his choice over mcshay

[Jackofalltrades]

Agreeing with Kiper is always tough, little surprised he doesn't have us taking TE.

[Highlandfire]

At this point they are all speculating

[Raskle]

Agreeing with Kiper is always tough, little surprised he doesn't have us taking TE.

6 years running... I guess he gave up on the idea

[scarface]

I would assume we will hear about talks with Bowers, Gabbert, and Green coming down the line

Fixed