Gruden: Panthers Will Select Newton

[CarolinaNut]

Jon Gruden, who analyzes the NFL draft for ESPN, said this afternoon that he expects the Carolina Panthers to select quarterback Cam Newton of Auburn with the No. 1 pick.

“In this NFC South, you have Josh Freeman,” Gruden said, naming quarterbacks in the Panthers’ division. “You have Matt Ryan. You have Drew Brees. They have a young guy right there now in Jimmy Clausen. But I think with DeAngelo Williams, assuming he’s re-signed, Jonathan Stewart, Jordan Gross at left tackle, assuming [Jeff] Otah comes back at right tackle, you’re going to have the ability to put together a striking running game, with Cam Newton being a big part of that.”

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2011/04/gruden-panthers-will-select-newton.html

Jon Gruden on Newton freezing on play call question on ESPN's QB Camp: 'It's not his fault Auburn didn't huddle.'

Gruden thinks Newton will be able to learn the play calling lexicon. Also, said he has touch on deep throws, which has been a knock on him.

http://twitter.com/josephperson

take it as you will.

[Darth Urious]

speculation

[TarPanther9180]

This from the guy who stock piles QB's on his teams like they are going out of style.

[King Taharqa]

Good to see he gets it, still waiting for some of our fanbase to do the same. Even the Panthers couldnt blow this one. Easiest draft pick to make in our teams history. A no brainer.

[Lout]

Gruden wants the Panthers to take Newton so his brother/Bengals can get Gabbert. Smokescreen!

[CarolinaNut]

This from the guy who stock piles QB's on his teams like they are going out of style.

what does that have to do with who he thinks the panthers will draft?

[blackcatgrowl]

speculation

People just can't accept reality can they?

Worst offense in our franchise history, led by the worst QB play in franchise history means we HAVE TO do something at that position. There is no free agency right now... so building through the draft is our only option.

And like it or not, Newton has superstar potential. We'd be fools to not take him given our current needs. Yeah, he may bust, but ANYONE can bust. You don't draft on fear of the future... you draft on potential now.

[Montsta]

When Jon Gruden says something I like he is a football genius who is one of the best in the biz. When he says something I don't like he is one of the most overrated coaches of all time who got lucky and rode the tails of a Dungy-built team to a SB championship, all the while never actually having developed a decent QB himself.

I haven't decided yet which category this statement falls under.

[X-Clown]

Interesting that he would say that when so many experts here are convinced that Cam "blew his shot" with that QB camp segment.

[TarPanther9180]

what does that have to do with who he thinks the panthers will draft?

Because he is a big fan of collecting QB. Look at what he compiled on the roster before he was fired in Tampa Bay. I'm sure he would be a fan of drafting another QB in the mid to late rounds to go along with Cam, Clausen, Moore (he would want to resign him) and bringing in vets.

My point is, Gruden is a little biased towards QB's and you need to take what he says with a grain of salt.

[TarPanther9180]

When Jon Gruden says something I like he is a football genius who is one of the best in the biz. When he says something I don't like he is one of the most overrated coaches of all time who got lucky and rode the tails of a Dungy-built team to a SB championship, all the while never actually having developed a decent QB himself.

I haven't decided yet which category this statement falls under.

Falls into overrated coaching category. As an analyst on TV, he is great...mainly because he does know the X's and O's of football and has the personality for TV.

[Darth Biscuit]

Good to see he gets it, still waiting for some of our fanbase to do the same. Even the Panthers couldnt blow this one. Easiest draft pick to make in our teams history. A no brainer.

I'm cool with us taking Cam KT... I don't think the QB's in this draft are worth the #1, but I'm good with us trying to do something jump start our offense.

My question to you is, what are you going to do if we DON'T take him? Want to know what my guess is at your reaction?

[Ricky Spanish]

I fully expect the panthers to pick newton. the more I think about it, the more comfortable i am with it. The more interviews and stuff I see of cam, the less comfortable I am with it.

[Millions]

Not surprised by this for one Cam will be the pick there is no doubt in my mind it's come to the point where I'd be surprised if he's not called when we're off the clock. KT is 100% right it's a no brainer when you look at the talent, our QB need and potential high ceiling. And for 2 he stated if I'm not mistaken that he was the most impressed with Newton as far as the QB Camp goes compared to the others.

Can't wait to order that all black Newton Jersey though :D