Just something to keep in mind....

[Zod]

In regards to how much interest the Panthers are showing to choosing a QB overall #1. Rivera/Hurney have not looked for someone to talk to about Cam Newton. The only reason Newton is in the dialogue is because that is what the reporters are asking about.

"Ron, what do you think about Cam Newton"

"Well, I think he is a tall kid and looks like a lot of the recent successful QB picks."

Headline: "Rivera speaks highly of Cam Newton"

Actual Headline "Rivera answers a specific question on Cam Newton with kind words"

I highly doubt we pick a QB at #1 at this point. I would say 90% chance we do not.

[Catalyst]

The reason I think we're seriously considering a QB is because every other word out of Hurney, Richardson, & Rivera's mouth since Rivera was hired has been about how we MUST find a franchise QB.

We may not take a QB. I'd rather us not take Gabbert, TBH, but to think we're not serious about taking a QB is ignoring something that's pretty obvious at this point. Now, I don't expect them to take a QB just for the sake of taking one, but Rivera has already said we're taking the player who fills our biggest need and then in the same interview mentions - for the 3rd or 4th time - how we HAVE to get a QB.

So yeah... I'm not going to sit here and guarantee anything obviously, we may very well not take a QB, but I do believe they are very seriously considering their options at the position.

[MadHatter]

The need to find a franchise QB does not mean that you reach at #1 for a guy that is a 2-3 year project.

I agree with Zod. Very little chance we go QB at #1.

But it we do, I believe there is a better chance that Gabbert will be the guy and not Newton.

Word out of the combine is that Gabbert blew teams away dueing the interviews and with his ability to breakdown coverages and plays on the board.

[Catalyst]

The need to find a franchise QB does not mean that you reach at #1 for a guy that is a 2-3 year project.

No, it doesn't mean you reach for a QB, but it could mean a QB takes higher priority over an equally rated player at another position.

Nobody is a 2-3 year project in this league. They always say that; it's crap. When's the last time you saw a QB sit for 3 years before getting his chance because his coach didn't feel he had developed enough? Aaron Rodgers did, but that was because he was behind Favre. Anyone else? No.

Cam would sit for a year max before we gave him a shot.

Word out of the combine is that Gabbert blew teams away dueing the interviews and with his ability to breakdown coverages and plays on the board.

You know... if that's true and if he looks good at his pro day and Hurney and Rivera feel good about him... why the hell not? As I've said all along, I trust Hurney to make the right pick here due to his record with 1st rounders.

I still think Newton has the higher ceiling and will be the better player in 5 years, but if the team feels like Gabbert is the guy, I'll support the pick.

[teeray]

In regards to how much interest the Panthers are showing to choosing a QB overall #1. Rivera/Hurney have not looked for someone to talk to about Cam Newton. The only reason Newton is in the dialogue is because that is what the reporters are asking about.

"Ron, what do you think about Cam Newton"

"Well, I think he is a tall kid and looks like a lot of the recent successful QB picks."

Headline: "Rivera speaks highly of Cam Newton"

Actual Headline "Rivera answers a specific question on Cam Newton with kind words"

I highly doubt we pick a QB at #1 at this point. I would say 90% chance we do not.

Or the fact they have said he was coming in to interview.

Or the fact they have said point blank he was in the running.

[Catalyst]

It's no use; these folks are just afraid to pull the trigger. No guts, no glory... and a thousand other cliche' phrases.

[Panthro]

I think we are less likely to draft a QB if Richardson has told them to sign a FA when/if the CBA is complete.

Hurn-vera have probably told him all the options that might be available and the BC said go get who you need.

They make a run at Volek. Clausen backs him up for 2 years. We draft AJ Green.

[mmmbeans]

Nobody is a 2-3 year project in this league. They always say that; it's crap.

I don't really have a dog in this fight but...

philip rivers

aaron rogers

david garrard

Tony Romo

Matt Schaub

That's just off the top of my head.

[Catalyst]

I don't really have a dog in this fight but...

philip rivers

aaron rogers

david garrard

Tony Romo

Matt Schaub

That's just off the top of my head.

philip rivers - played behind Drew Brees

aaron rogers - played behind Brett Favre

david garrard - was a 4th round pick

Tony Romo - was undrafted

Matt Schaub - was a 3rd round pick AND played behind Mike Vick before being traded

I'm talking 1st round QB's here. Guys the "experts" say are projects that come from spread offenses and will need "2-3 years" before they can play. They said it about The Golden Calf of Bristol and he was playing as a rookie, and very well I might add. Bradford was also expected to sit his rookie year.

[teeray]

Cam Newton may be a project but it won't be 2-3 years. he will transition faster than that if he puts the work in

[Lumps]

That is because trying to reach for a QB #1 overall in this draft is just brainless. There is a difference in being gutsy and just being stupid. There are more prominent prospects to use the pick on, no need to be all gutsy and taking risks with the first pick overall and especially not in this draft class. If we take Cam or any QB and he bombs it will be an accelerator further along the downward spiral, that is why they have to take someone with the least amount of risk. BPA is a must in this draft class for us and this is according to pretty much every expert and mock draft as well.

I look at fans who want a QB #1 overall as just desperate and delusional. Yes we need a franchise QB but no need to be so desperate for one you're willing to risk the future of the team. Come on people.

[teeray]

That is because trying to reach for a QB #1 overall in this draft is just brainless. There is a difference in being gutsy and just being stupid. There are more prominent prospects to use the pick on, no need to be all gutsy and taking risks with the first pick overall and especially not in this draft class. If we take Cam or any QB and he bombs it will be an accelerator further along the downward spiral, that is why they have to take someone with the least amount of risk. BPA is a must in this draft class for us and this is according to pretty much every expert and mock draft as well.

I look at fans who want a QB #1 overall as just desperate and delusional. Yes we need a franchise QB but no need to be so desperate for one you're willing to risk the future of the team. Come on people.

That depends on whether Hurney or Rivera think that there is a franchise QB in this draft. If so go get him if not... well i dunno. That is kind of the problem I guess.

[CRA]

In regards to how much interest the Panthers are showing to choosing a QB overall #1. Rivera/Hurney have not looked for someone to talk to about Cam Newton. The only reason Newton is in the dialogue is because that is what the reporters are asking about.

"Ron, what do you think about Cam Newton"

"Well, I think he is a tall kid and looks like a lot of the recent successful QB picks."

Headline: "Rivera speaks highly of Cam Newton"

Actual Headline "Rivera answers a specific question on Cam Newton with kind words"

I highly doubt we pick a QB at #1 at this point. I would say 90% chance we do not.

from day 1 Rivera has talked about finding a QB, finding a QB, and finding a QB. That is his talking point....not something being prompted by reporters.

[MadHatter]

from day 1 Rivera has talked about finding a QB, finding a QB, and finding a QB. That is his talking point....not something being prompted by reporters.

But, they never said that they were going to take the top rated QB at #1...even if he is not a #1 talent.

I just don't see either Newton or Gabbert as worthy of the #1 pick. In most years they would not even be a first round grade.