So I might as well admit it...

[mav1234]

Clearly Gabbert's underage drinking has swung the pendulum away from him. ;)

Not too surprised, but I think the biggest test has yet to come and I'm fairly certain that Newton will have to impress in it to be taken #1. I think he can and will, but time will tell.

[raleigh-panther]

Well, I guess I kinda feel like, 'take a chance, Columbus did'.

Same with being dealt a losing poker hand, which in NFL terms, the Panthers were this draft, either play and take a chance for a big time payout or lose or fold. Sometimes, you read the other players and take that chance.

The reality is, we are 2-14, last in all offensive stats, there is no one on the current roster that will change that and a defensive player, well, so, we might be 4-12 vs. 2-14, so what.

Sometimes, do what Babe Ruth did, point to the seats, swing at the pitch, and believe that you'll get it.

In life, I've found, few things go well by playing it safe, other than looking back 5-10 years and saying, '...damn, I wish I would've....'

Sometimes, if I or you, or a NFL team gets a chance at a potential star, just gotta take it.

[Davis83]

If happens, I'll support - but still holding hope that this is all poo.

[Proudiddy]

Sam Mills Jr. was telling people at Hickory Tavern Ballantyne last night that he wants the Panthers to draft a defensive lineman but they are drafting Cam Newton.

Great job throwing him under the bus.

[Mother Grabber]

Reading the other players and getting a big payout, in your poker analogy, would be another team trading us the farm for #1 so that they can pick Newton. The teams are the othe poker players the rookies are the cards.

It's very likely that Newton is currently in a highly favored position, where he's the pick unless something outlandish happens, ie he flops horribly or someone offers us the farm. Just because we're still 4 weeks out doesn't mean that the FO hasn't really liked what they've seen from him thus far and the rest is just a formality.

[Catalyst]

JR won't let it happen. no one wears #1 for the Panthers.

He should either buy #2 from Clausen or go with a new number unique to him. I would say 4, but with Kasay still in town, that's not happening.

[raleigh-panther]

Reading the other players and getting a big payout, in your poker analogy, would be another team trading us the farm for #1 so that they can pick Newton. The teams are the othe poker players the rookies are the cards..

Indeed, I mean if we are offered a Hershel Walker or a Ricky Williams type of deal that is one thing, and certainly to be considered if we are, but, we are not in this woebegone position.

There is no telling if Newton will be average or a superstar, but he does have potential, and Rivera strikes me as the type of coach to tame his ego.

In the draft, yes, there is science, but, it can't measure desire, if it could well, different story.

I'd rather the Panthers aim high and miss then continually not take a chance. They may never have the #1 pick again, this is it. Go for it, at least they can say they tried. If they miss, they miss. It's not like there won't be another season; but, the worst thing any NFL team can do in my opinion, is stay pat. It seems to be a 3 year window. They missed that window 4 years ago and did not retool, they knew Delhomme's elbow was shot and here we are.

As Herm Edwards said on ESPN the other day: 'his potential is enormous. He is not being paid to be a role model to kids for anything more than how to play quarterback. Being role models is a parent's job.'

Brett Farve was a great QB, he is not a great role model. Larence Taylor, great Linebacker, not much else. My point is this, draft based on ability, and proability of performance, nothing else, as that is what they are being paid to do. Avoiding drunks, drug addicts, rapists and murders, also a plus.

[King Taharqa]

He should either buy #2 from Clausen or go with a new number unique to him. I would say 4, but with Kasay still in town, that's not happening.

I say let Clausen keep #2. Newt should go for either #1, or #14. I think both of those would look good. :)

[mav1234]

As Herm Edwards said on ESPN the other day: 'his potential is enormous. He is not being paid to be a role model to kids for anything more than how to play quarterback. Being role models is a parent's job.'

If you're playing for this team at quarterback, JR will expect you to be the face of the franchise. He WILL expect you to be a role model. To claim anything else is ignorant.

That being said, it's also silly to assume that Newton can't be those things. He's had a checkered past, but what better of a role model than someone who has nearly ruined their life and has emerged from it to give advice to others NOT to go down the path he did? If he turns out alright, he's a great story about a guy who really learned his lesson and is the better for it.

[Sword]

Put Cam in on 3rd and short and in the redzone at first and let him get adjusted to the game that way..Let your vet(Moore or someone else) take most of the snaps..the Michael Vick Experience if you will.

[Delhommey]

If Cam promises to live in the film room and the gym, I'm 100% for it.

[raleigh-panther]

If you're playing for this team at quarterback, JR will expect you to be the face of the franchise. He WILL expect you to be a role model. To claim anything else is ignorant.

JR also said he didn't expect 'choirboys' but he didn't expect 'thugs' either.

The reality no one knows what they are getting in any position for any company, NFL or otherwise.

I'm sure that the Packers either didn't know, or turned a blind eye to things with Farve, as did the Jets, as did the Vikings. There are enough security people to know what is going on. The same with Rothliesberger. The same will be true of Newton or any other player.

Companies, and teams, want all of their people to be 'model' citizens and have Business Conduct Guidelines, but the reality is, where humans are involved, things happen.

Edwards, IMHO, spoke the truth. These are athletes and athletes only, put some other moniker on them, and more fool the person who does.

[thefuzz]

If Hurney is making the pick with no outside influences, I do think that it will be Cam.

If Ron and JR get involved expect Gabbert or Dareus.

[panthernation23]

As Herm Edwards said on ESPN the other day: 'his potential is enormous. He is not being paid to be a role model to kids for anything more than how to play quarterback. Being role models is a parent's job.'

i stopped reading after herm edwards, terrible coach, worse analyst