How soon until we know?

[OchoNueve]

I know that every draft is different as far as the timeline before the #1 pick becomes clear, but isn't it always known prior to draft day? Whether the #1 team has already begun contract negotiations, or at the least has become vocal in the media about their intentions... Fans of the team that hold the coveted #1 pick usually know before before the draft.

I haven't done much research but the most recent situation I can remember where it went close to the draft was with Reggie Bush/ Mario Williams. I think everyone expected Bush to go #1 up until 2-3 days before the draft when everyone found out the Texans were in contract negotiations with Williams and he signed on the eve of the draft.

That brings me to my question:

When will we know? Will this be one of the first times in recent history where it remains unclear up to the draft? Or will a prospect separate themselves from the rest in the next week or two? If we are trying to trade the pick is it better to keep everyone guessing or to try to smokescreen your pick to get another team to bite?

This thread is about when... not who, lets's try to keep it that way

[Jangler]

This month.

[CatMan72]

With the way this class is, I don't think we'll know until it's announced.

[CarolinaNut]

i think it will begin to leak the day of the draft...i hope it's sooner but hurney will give himself as much time as he needs to make the right choice

[Udogg]

Think it will be earlier than usual because no contract negotiations are going to take place.

[CarolinaNut]

Think it will be earlier than usual because no contract negotiations are going to take place.

really? i kind of thought it was the exact opposite for that very reason.

[OchoNueve]

really? i kind of thought it was the exact opposite for that very reason.

That is what I was thinking. Contract negotiations are sometimes the only reason that it becomes apparent prior to the draft. With no negotiations, i would think that is one less outlet for the media to use to break the story.

[King Taharqa]

We will officially know a week or so before the draft. I think that'll be good for us to ease the shock and awe of it all on draft day. Give people time to soak it up. As for draft day, I dont think there's any question this board is gonna crash hard. Not being negative, just being realistic. I know Zod likes to put up music videos and such while we wait for traffic to die down. Here's a good video I suggest....

[Jangler]

Maybe this...

[logic1977]

Until they announce it officially we won't know. This front office could do just about anything and i wouldn't be surprised.

[chknwing]

have u ever followed the panthers off season before, we never know anything they are doing until its done. Theres not one person on this forum or media analyst that could have predicted carolina would trade future picks to get Otah and Armanti

[OchoNueve]

have u ever followed the panthers off season before, we never know anything they are doing until its done. Theres not one person on this forum or media analyst that could have predicted carolina would trade future picks to get Otah and Armanti

Agreed, but #1 pick is a different story. There is nothing that would cause the Panther's to have to go to "Choice B" with the #1 pick. With #1 pick you always get the guy you want and smokescreens are only for the purposes of trading down.

[Millions]

Week leading up or the day of I am pretty sure it will be before we are on the clock though.

[Devoid]

The torment will never end. No contracts, no clear cut #1, unless we trade back I don't think we will know till the pick is in.