The Carolina Panthers held the first overall selection of the 2011 NFL Draft, and to no surprise they picked Cam Newton, the Heisman Trophy winning quarterback out of Auburn. But even then, there was skepticism concerning the pick.
Newton has all the tools to be a top level quarterback in the NFL. He also has the liabilities that can hold him back. He has size, speed, arm strength and looks like he was chiseled by Michelangelo out of solid marble. But he comes to the pros out of a spread offense, where his accuracy was questionable at times and he was as dependent on his running as his passing to succeed. Running quarterbacks take a beating in the NFL, and with the holes in the Panthers line just how much will Newton be able to take.
The Panthers also have Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, and the second round pick from 2010, while he never did look comfortable on the field, didn't really get a chance either. He went into the season second on the depth chart behind Matt Moore. Which means he did not get the lion's share of reps during training camp or play with the first string in the preseason. It will be interesting to see who looks the best this coming season for the Panthers.
The Panthers did not have a pick in Round 2 due to a trade the previous draft, but they got help for the defense later in Round 3. Terrell McClain and Sione Fua are both defensive tackles and could have an opportunity to play right away.
A late round sleeper looks to be Lee Ziemba, an offensive tackle out of Auburn. Zeimba was a four year starter in college, and could move into the starting lineup as the Panthers line gave up 50 sacks in 2010.
Draft Grade: C
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