From: Austin
With the NFL draft coming up on Thursday, I haven't encountered one single Panther fan excited about the #1 pick. Highly unusual, seeing the top pick in the draft of the country's #1 sports league most often generates at least a little buzz. Why the blunted optimism? Cam Newton. Fans of a franchise coming off such a pathetic season pin their hopes on the new acquisition of talent from the draft, but visions of Vince Young dance in our head.
Young, also a dominant college quarterback, has more in common with Newton than being a tall black guy. He was selected third in the draft by the Titans after leading the Texas Longhorns and their spread option offense to the National Championship.What did he do in the League? Stink. Newton did not have to audible or read defenses in his one season at Auburn. John Gruden told him that the verbage of a NFL offense will be like going to France and having to instantly speak french. He is starting so far behind the eight ball that it may take a few seasons to get even there. He may end up having a fine career or he may not, but the Panthers need help now and a project like Newton is not the answer. They could just go out and sign Young as a free agent and then draft someone else if they are dead set on that style of QB. If you miss on a #1 quarterback it cripples you for years. How about draft the best WR in the draft in A.J. Green to pair with Steve Smith and give Jimmy Clausen some more targets? Or they could take a chance. Anyone remember Ryan Leaf?
