2011 Panthers Draft Recap thread

[carpanfan96]

Day 1.

1st Overall Pick

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Bio's and draft profiles

Panther Bio

http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Cam-Newton/a9ff8c76-7a6a-4e1a-9e9a-b72aff45deb4

Auburn Bio

http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/newton_cameron00.html

Draft profiles

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=71142&draftyear=2011&genpos=qb

http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2011/3/14/2041717/2011-nfl-draft-profile-cam-newton

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/cam-newton?id=2495455

Newton is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks in draft history. Possesses a quick, clean release, enough arm strength to complete the deep out, prototypical size, and is a dangerous threat outside of the pocket. However, he has a ways to go before turning into a productive, reliable NFL starter. Was not asked to make pro-style reads or move through progressions in college. Footwork is sloppy and accuracy is inconsistent. He's competitive and vocal on the field, but has had several off-the-field issues and his character is in question. Despite the risk, Newton's talent will likely prevent him from lasting past the middle of the first round.

Panther website media and interview

Carolina Newton introduction / presser

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/Cam-Newton-Presser/8f602a6f-0f1a-4169-a43a-6be0d3d632fd

Fan reaction at BofA stadium

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/Panthers-Insider/0351b28d-2e61-45a0-a146-dac071c6731a

Rivera and Hurney on Newton

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/Rivera-Hurney-on-Cam-Newton/86c75ead-919d-4dbe-9092-b767fc5af79c

NFL.com on Newton

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/With-the-first-pick/45d56425-5b3c-4964-8cf5-c275db6945e8

Interview with Panthers.com

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Cam-Newton-Interview/80de1152-a1e9-40f5-a2d9-f400a0d01ae0

Panthers.com articles on Newton

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Newton-driven-by-will-to-win/6bd96860-7bab-46bf-b9dd-6c1cf3e632e3

Newton didn't, however, simply punch a ticket to greatness.

He punched a clock.

"I'm just going to continuously keep working on my craft," Newton said. "The biggest thing for me going into this whole transition to the NFL is preparation. I admire guys like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning. They're professionals at what they do.

"They might not run the fastest 40 or jump the highest, but you're not going to outwork them. They're watching film before the offensive coordinator is watching film. I respect that, the way they go about their job each and every day."

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-make-Newton-top-pick/68fd859a-41b4-45c3-affd-87edc2068d47

From the airwaves to Internet message boards and throughout the offices of the Carolina Panthers, a staggering number of words were devoted to Cam Newton leading up to the NFL Draft.

Thursday night, when Newton finally got word that the Panthers were making him the No. 1 overall pick, it nearly left him speechless.

"I'm trying to find a word to express how I feel but I keep coming up short," said Newton, who won the Heisman Trophy and the national championship as Auburn's quarterback in 2010. "I'm really looking forward to making Charlotte my home. I'm ready to change this whole organization around, to go from worst to first."

CBS Articles

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/15002830/panthers-gamble-on-auburns-newton-with-top-pick

Ron Rivera wanted to keep the list of potential No. 1 picks long. Cam Newton wouldn't let him.

So after months of research into Newton's stunning one-year dominance at Auburn and his equally disturbing off-field baggage, the new Carolina Panthers coach set up one final meeting with the quarterback last weekend in Atlanta.

"That's when I felt very, very good that this young man is the kind of guy we're looking for," Rivera said

Opinion pieces

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/story/15002684/when-newton-succeeds-and-he-will-critics-will-go-silent

His name was called, and the boos came down like acid rain.

Cam Newton ignored it all. He walked on stage and that smile seemed impenetrable. He was going to enjoy the moment and didn't give a damn about the reaction. It took about 10 seconds for the Panthers to make the pick. That's part of Newton's Law: you either fall for Newton or you don't.

You either hate him or you love him

.

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15002692/by-taking-newton-panthers-stacked-deck-against-themselves

A smart man once said you're not supposed to gamble with the first pick of the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the Carolina Panthers just did. They chose quarterback Cam Newton. Good luck, fellas.

Newton is a high-risk, high-reward choice who has, as one NFC head coach put it, "Hall-of-Fame talent." But it's not Newton's talent that's in question here. It's all the other things that go into making a franchise quarterback, starting with knowledge of the game -- and, sorry, but Newton misses big-time there.

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15003402/newton-provides-carolina-fans-with-instant-excitement

Only a few minutes into his press conference Thursday evening to address the Carolina Panthers' choice with the top overall selection in the NFL Draft, rookie head coach Ron Rivera offered this assessment of quarterback Cam Newton: "He's not drafted to be a franchise savior."

Really, coach?

Check out the rapid reports on CBSsports

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/CAR

ESPN articles

Draft story

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/news/story?id=6445107

Newton led Auburn to an undefeated season and its first national championship since 1957. Carolina was 2-14 last year, using four quarterbacks, two of them rookies.

"I'm ready to change this whole organization around, to go from worst to first," said Newton, the third straight quarterback taken first overall. "Just being a Panther is the most special part about this."

After draft interview

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6445230

Pat Y opinion piece

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/20569/panthers-didnt-draft-cam-newton-to-sit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- For just a second Thursday night, the new Carolina Panthers looked just as deliberate as the old ones.

The team that has set NFL offenses back a decade the past couple of years, ran one straight up the gut. New coach Ron Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney weren’t playing any games as they talked about Cam Newton, the man they took with the first pick in the NFL draft.

They didn’t come right out and say it, but you don’t have to look for any mysterious lines to read between. Rivera uses the term “bottom line’’ a lot and, in this case it’s real obvious what the bottom line is.

The Panthers’ plan is to play Newton right away. In fact, go ahead and pencil him in as the opening-day starter.

Opinion piece

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&page=wojciechowski/110428&sportCat=nfl

It began like this:

Carolina Panthers equipment manager Jackie Miles, one of the franchise's original employees, handed the handwritten selection card to an NFL official. The card made its way to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who leaned toward the microphone and at exactly 8:05 p.m. announced that Cameron Jerrell Newton was the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft.

The 6-foot-5 Newton emerged from stage left, took just nine strides to reach Goodell and then beamed for the cameras as he and the commish held a Panthers jersey against their suit jackets.

"Man, you just don't know how I'm feeling right now," said Newton, still smiling. "What I really want to do, I can't do it. I just want to scream."

Newton got what he craved Thursday evening, got what he thought he deserved -- to be the No. 1 overall pick of this NFL draft. But did the Panthers get what they crave -- a quarterback who will transform a faceless, often forgettable small-market franchise into an elite playoff team?

Uh, no.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=camnewton&num=1

The Cam Newton story starts, conspicuously, on the southwest end of Atlanta. Not since the Mannings, or maybe the Clintons, have people been so fixated on one Southern family. Cecil Newton shows up at a football game -- or doesn't show up -- and it's huge news. The path to their house is well-worn. Six-figure scandals can do that, flash the spotlight on kin.

In most years, when a young man is on the verge of being the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, his beginnings are well-documented. Cam's aren't. Cecil's son exploded onto the college football scene so fast and the family's fall was so quick, the headlines changed from CAM FOR PRESIDENT to HEISMAN HYPOCRISY within a matter of days.

[carpanfan96]

Cam Newton Cont.

SI media and articles

SI video on Newton drafted

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/nfl/2011/04/28/042811.draft_first_cam_newton.SportsIllustrated/

Opinion pieces

Video piece

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/behindthemic/#042611.btm_chris_cam

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/nfl/2011/04/29/042911.first_round.SportsIllustrated/#?eref=sihp

NFL.com

Draft videos on Newton and NFL.com articles

Article on Newton and upside

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d81f8a161/article/panthers-take-a-chance-use-no-1-pick-on-qb-newton-?module=HP_headlines

The Carolina Panthers selected Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, gambling the Heisman Trophy winner will overcome questions about his character and work ethic to become the team's first franchise quarterback.

After going 2-14 last season with the NFL's worst offense, the Panthers bypassed safer choices such as Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Georgia receiver A.J. Green for Newton, who dazzled in his only season playing major college football.

"He has special qualities," general manager Marty Hurney said. "We've had a strong feeling for some time that he was the person who we felt could come in and have the most impact on our football team."

expectation piece/opinion piece

http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d81f8e79c&module=Draft_CP

My phone conversation with Cam Newton was short and sweet -- about as long as it took the Panthers to submit his name to be drafted. He was headed to dinner with his family and his agents, but he took a second simply to say that he was excited to get to Carolina to get things going.

Newton better be excited because this town, so used to adequate-at-best quarterbacks with little star appeal just had its team use the No. 1 overall pick on him. Expectations are already in play based on the fan reaction.

Coach Ron Rivera said Newton will get every opportunity to start right away -- just days after preaching tempered expectations. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula are going to tailor schemes simply for Newton that will take advantage of his ability to run and use his big arm off play-action.

Article on the pressure Newton and Panthers face "also has interview at draft with deion

http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d81f8c212&module=Draft_CP

Now that the Carolina Panthers have taken the plunge and put their future in the hands of a quarterback offering every bit as much risk as he does reward, it's time to examine what they do with him.

Cam Newton's arrival in Carolina suddenly means that Rob Chudzinski and Mike Shula have a whole lot of pressure on their shoulders -- far more than they already had as the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, respectively, of a team with a huge rebuilding task.

Chudzinski faces an enormous challenge. He has to design an offensive scheme that takes full advantage of Newton's immense athletic ability and rocket-like throwing arm, but is simple enough for a quarterback who excelled in a spread offense that often put him in shotgun formation and allowed him to rely more on instincts and raw skill than structure.

Newton's reaction

http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d81f8bee0&module=Draft_CP

Newton on red carpet

http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d81f8afcb&module=Draft_CP

Draft photo

http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/04/28/photo-cam-newton-is-first-overall/

Other sites

Pick profiles on Newton "very general articles"

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/28/qb-cam-newton-goes-1st-in-nfl-draft-to-panthers/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/04/28/2254288/sanders-is-in-newtons-corner.html

http://www.kffl.com/fantasy-sports-blog/cam-newto/2011/04/28#more-15836

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/29/us-nfl-draft-newton-idUSTRE73S0P420110429

Draft Grades

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/14998621

This is a pick that will define this franchise for the next 10 years. It could be feast or famine. Big risk. "GRADE C"

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/rounds

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2011/tracker/draft_analysis/index.html?eref=sihp

[carpanfan96]

Day 2

3rd round (65th overall) Terrell McClain, DT, South Flordia

CBS draft grade

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15003197

He helps fill a major need. The really lacked talent at tackle. McClain is small at 305, but he has some quickness. "grade C+"

Draft article on McClain pick

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110430/SPORTS/104300311/McClain-goes-1st-3rd?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp

McClain draft Profile

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=70848&draftyear=2011&genpos=DT

ESPN pick recap

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/rounds?round=3&year=2011&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft%2frounds%3fround%3d3%26year%3d2011

What he brings: McClain is an upfield penetrator with good quickness and hands as a pass-rusher. He needs to work on lowering his pad level and getting off blocks as a run defender, but should bring good depth as a situational one-gap player as a rookie.

How he fits: Carolina used mostly backup-type players at this position last season and could lose some to free agency. For years the Panthers have lacked a powerful run stuffer inside with the ability to get penetration in pass-rushing situations. McClain won't be elite versus the run but he can be an inside penetrator and is a more gifted athlete than they have on the roster.

Combine Video

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eb8c69

Panthers.com Interview

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Terrell-McClain-Interview/4cdbb7fd-34de-46ef-b436-2cd191491b92

3rd round (97th overall) Sione Fua, DT, Stanford

CBS draft grade

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15003197

He is a power player who will anchor in against the run. Should be able to help at a position of need. Value was in this range, but maybe a little high. "Grade B-"

Draft article on Fua pick

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_17961622?nclick_check=1

Draft profile

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2571

ESPN draft profile

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/rounds?round=3&year=2011&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft%2frounds%3fround%3d3%26year%3d2011

What he brings: Fua is a one-dimensional run-stopper with the size and low center of gravity to plug the middle and keep blockers off his linebackers. However, he lacks the endurance and closing burst to develop into a good pass-rusher and become a three-down player in the NFL.

How he fits: Carolina used mostly backup-type players at DT last year, and not only were they not overly productive, but they could have some losses in free agency. They already addressed this position earlier in the round with Terrell McClain, and they seem to be committed to bolstering the inside of this defense. Fua fits well if they change up their DL techniques and shade him over the center.

Combine video

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eb452b/2011-combine-workout-Sione-Fua?r_src=ramp

Interviews at Panthers.com

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Terrell-McClain-Interview/4cdbb7fd-34de-46ef-b436-2cd191491b92

Articles and Highlights on both players

Panthers.com article on the DT's

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-grab-pair-of-DTs-in-third-round/8ae65176-c57e-43bd-9e27-013a8c3cbbbe

As a linebacker on the Chicago Bears' famed and feared defense a quarter-century ago, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera understands that an attacking defense is a winning defense.

Rivera also understands that even the best linebackers can't attack without a helping hand up front.

With that in mind, the Panthers opened and closed the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday by selecting multi-talented defensive tackles, going with fleet-footed Terrell McClain from South Florida and big-footed Sione Fua from Stanford.

Pat Y on the Panthers picks

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth

Carolina Panthers. No. 65, Terrell McClain, defensive tackle, University of South Florida. This guy has a chance to step in and start immediately. Defensive tackle has been the weakest position on the defense for a couple of years. McClain is the kind of space eater that’s been missing since Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu departed.

“The opportunity is there,’’ McClain said. “I’m not going to back down from it. I’m going to be one of the hardest workers out there. I don’t want to have any regrets.

No. 97, Sione Fua, defensive tackle, Stanford. The Panthers opened and closed the round by taking a defensive tackle. Can’t argue with that because they need all the help they can get at the position. Like McClain, Fua can play nose tackle or the three-technique spot. Like McClain, he also will have a shot to get playing time right away

Hurney and Rivera on the Panthers two newest DT's

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/Hurney-Rivera-on-McClain-Fua/60b1503a-647d-43a6-ba9e-a18357b6410a

Yahoo.com article on Panthers day 2 picks

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nfldraft-panthers

Day 3

4th round (98th overall)

Brandon Hogan, CB, WVU

scouting report

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2556

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-30/carolina-panthers-pick-cornerback-to-open-last-day-of-nfl-draft.html

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1272361

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/20717/another-sign-times-changing-in-carolina

Panthers.com Interview

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Brandon-Hogan-Interview/a57b3bc0-40a7-4524-bbcd-bd35749b6248

5th round (132 overall)

Kealoha Pilares, WR, Hawaii

scouting report

http://www.nfldraft101.com/draft/profiles/player/160769/Kealoha_Pilares.jsp

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=6648&line=203734&spln=1

Panthers.com Interview

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Kealoha-Pilares-Interview/398108f5-088c-4ad6-aa3e-c25bcc670fe8

6th round (166th overall)

Lawrence Wilson, OLB, UCONN

scouting report

http://sidelinescouting.com/rankings/olb/lawrence-wilson.shtml

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2011/04/30/panthers_take_uconn_lb_wilson_in_6th_round/

Panthers.com Interview

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Lawrence-Wilson-Interview/0f5e7343-c107-4c91-8a30-bc7cf1a47384

6th round (203rd overall)

Zack Williams, OG/C, WSU

Scouting report

http://www.kffl.com/player/24300/nfl/zach-williams

Panthers.com Interview

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Zack-Williams-Interview/f317c639-ad01-4e55-9d5e-10ce9b00ba13

7th round (244th overall)

Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn

Scouting report

http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/OT/Lee-Ziemba.php

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/04/auburns_lee_ziemba_goes_in_sev.html

Panthers.com Interview

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/audio/Lee-Ziemba-Interview/6e3b32c8-ab0d-4b55-9205-f9ff27ca15d6

Panthers draft photo gallery

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/photo-gallery/NFL-Draft/828d1bdb-df83-42ea-8203-dcfb1fa9d952

Panthers.com Day 3 article

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Day-3-of-NFL-Draft-underway/4fe079de-b809-4680-9f33-7a7f580acf41

Panthers Post draft Presser

http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/Post-Draft-Presser/297d8367-57c1-43b6-a542-7a1305e2381e

[carpanfan96]

Day 1 Thoughts

In round one of the 2011 NFL draft Carolina takes a QB at #1, a big Risk/Reward type of pick in Cam Newton. One of the most polarizing Draft prospects in NFL history, Newton has the highest ceiling in this draft and fills a major need for Carolina at QB.

It's also a major plus that he fits in with the expected offensive scheme that Carolina should run next season. Newton is a big framed, big armed QB with plenty of mobility and athleticism that's off the charts for his size at 6-6 250.

Expect Cam to play from day 1, even if it's just in some sort of wildcat type of setup, he will see the field and should have a positive impact on the upcoming season for Carolina.

Grade - B

While Newton fills a major need for the team, there are question marks about his Background and the style of system he played in at Auburn. He will take some time to fully develope as a NFL passer, but once he does he could be a top 10 QB.

[carpanfan96]

Day 2 thoughts

On day 2 of the 2011 NFL draft, we saw Carolina shore up it's major hole at the DT position by taking two DT's in the third round. Each filling a major need within the expected defensive scheme that Carolina should run next season. While both players can play the 3 technique they should have more defined roles in Carolina next season and both should see major playing time during the season, if not end up starting for the team.

McClain fills the role of the 3 tech more then Fua, McClain is more explosive when rushing the passer and has the explosiveness and agility to have an impact on passing downs, but is only adaquet against the run.

Sione Fua is the exact opposite and would excel as a NT. Stout against the run, using his strength and leverage very well. Fua lacks the explosiveness that you look for when rushing the passer, but can push his blocker back into the backfield.

Teamed with the Current DE's on the team's roster, holding double teams and pushing blockers back should be enough to allow Carolina's young Defensive line to get one on one matchups and excel. Together Fua and McClain should form a nice tandem for Carolina for years to come.

Grading both picks together as I think they fit together to form a nice tandum at DT and both fill a major need for Carolina and should instantly shore up the middle.

Grade B+

Day 3 Thoughts

In rounds 4-7 Carolina looked to shore up the few remaining glaring holes on the team and did so nicely. Taking a CB in round 4, WR in round 5, OLB and OG in round 6, then OT in round 7.

The day 3 picks should provide depth for the team at critical spots along the Oline and OLB where injuries are a major concern for the team.

Hogan will compete for instant playing time either at nickel or the starting spot opposite Gamble if the team doesn't resign Marshall.

Wilson should provide some nice depth in case Anderson and/or Davis aren't resigned, Should also have some impact on ST coverage units.

Pilares at WR is a quick, shifty player with the ability to break tackles and could see some time at the slot spot in the coming season. Ran a 4-4 to combat the talk of him being overly slow or not speedy enough, Pilares is deceptively quick in and out of his cuts which makes him a perfect NFL slot reciever.

Williams and Ziemba give the team some needed depth along the Oline in case the injury bug strikes again, while I like the picks both probably won't see the field this upcoming season.

Day 3 Grade B-

[carpanfan96]

Draft Pick Highlights

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

[carpanfan96]

Overall Draft Grade - B

Drafted a potential future franchise QB in Newton, shored up the DT spot with two solid day 2 picks. Drafted for depth late in the draft and added a WR that's a playmaker in Pilares.

Starters this season - Both McClain and Fua will see plenty of playing time from the start in a rotation system at DT. Newton should also see some playing time this season as well.

Sleeper pick - Pilares from Hawaii, might beat out AE for the slot job this season.

Worst Pick - Zach Williams

[JawnyBlaze]

pretty much agree with all your opinions here.

[Jackofalltrades]

Bump for being a great thread.