BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft Pick No. 1 -- Carolina Panthers Select Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

by Michael Bean on Mar 11, 2011 2:39 PM EST in 2011 BTSC Community Mock Draft

The first pick of the BTSC 2011 Community Mock Draft is in and it's what I might call a controversial one. Many thanks to PCI Steeler for making the pick and doing so promptly. Next up: the Denver Broncos and Cannon36. - Michael B. -

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The Panthers are a team with needs all across the field. Their offense was the weak point. It doesnt help when you have to start a rookie QB, especially when the plan was to not start him in year one, DeAngelo Williams was out for over half of the season, their WR corps start with Steve Smith and ends with him.Even though they have a need of WR, and AJ Green is one of the sure picks of this draft at his position, they wouldnt have a QB to throw to him.
Von Miller would have been an option. He's a LB and that needs falls back some spots to other pressing needs.

I would like to choose Patrick Peterson. He's a 4 down guy. As Deion Sanders once said,"You had to see me in 1st 2nd and 3rd down. And now you have to punt to me in 4th down." His value is worth the first pick. They also have a couple of free agents in their secondary, which can make him a realistic option.

In the end after checking out the fellas at Cat Scratch Reader, and talking to some of my friends here in NC, they all felt a QB was going to be the pick. Newton vs. Blaine Gabbert, and I chose Newton. Why? Gabbert is a system QB whose measureables will sway some team -- that team will be disappointed when they draft him. His YPA was around 6 while Newton's was close to 10. And that was with sub par receivers in the plains of Auburn. Newton reminds me of another QB who weighs 250 lbs and is elusive in his pocket and out of the field. Well 2 of them. He potentially has a mix of Mcnair and our own QB, Benjamin. He throws the ball vertical, and has very good accuracy. The Panthers like to go downfield with Smith a lot, and they don't have a qb with an arm like Newton. Newton has the highest ceiling out of all the QBs in the draft. Yes, he has off field issues, but they were a result of negligence and greed from the parents than on him. I've included some video of his highlights.

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If he continues to be an arrogant interviewer

I’m going to enjoy watching him bust

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Mar 11, 2011 2:42 PM EST reply actions

I would enjoy watching him bust for the Bengals.

by StinkBomb on Mar 11, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

I just realized how awful that sounded

twss

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Mar 11, 2011 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

Lol

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 11, 2011 3:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

You're a Steelers fan

It is expected.

by Ravens One on Mar 20, 2011 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions

He's not in Mayock's top 20

And even aside from that, I doubt he’s a top 10 pick. Too much worry about him developing and his intangibles. Gabbert is no Andrew Luck but he can make all the throws.

That said I could see them going D-line or patrick peterson here simply as safer bets

by syrsteelerfan on Mar 11, 2011 4:01 PM EST reply actions

yeah they are safer bets

But history shows that a QB is more than likely to be picked first.

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 11, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

Mayock

Mike Mayock is friends with Tom Condon and pushing the hype machine know as NFL Network. The more I watch tape of prospects like Mallet, Locker and Gabbert, the more what Mike Mayock has to say about this class QB means zero to me.

Maybe Mayocxk has different game tapes than the one’s I have seen.

Mayock QB list.

Gabbert
Locker
Newton
Mallett
Ponder

Gabbert and Locker were mediocre as QB’s 2010 with Locker being coached by former NFL QB coach Steve Sarkisian at Washington. Sarkisian also has had stops at Oakland, the CFL, and USC. Mallet has public intoxication and drug use in his recent past (alledged) and Ponder, while very clean, is a walking mash unit.

The one guy in this class with real production that anyone can see if they make the effort is Cam Newton. I love this time of the year (the draft). You learn so much about……..

by Ravens One on Mar 20, 2011 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not sure who said Auburn had sub-par receivers

B/c that’s definitely not true (They made Chris freakin’ Todd look good) and not sure on the great accuracy bit, but…. hey, with that OL, they probably should have someone mobile.

Personally I would’ve went Peterson, but Newton is definitely a guy worth watching in the NFL, good or bad.

by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Mar 11, 2011 5:21 PM EST reply actions

Thoughtful analysis, PCI

it wouldn’t be my pick, but I’m looking thru the lens of years of Steeler drafts and we have the Rooneys. They have a whimsy butt as an owner…god luck with that!

"We have met the enemy and he is us" - Pogo (1970)

by Andy34 on Mar 11, 2011 6:33 PM EST reply actions

Yeah that is how i had to think

The Steelers would not have drafted a QB in that position. We are a defensive team first. Dareus would fit the mold of a player we take

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions

He wouldn't have been my pick

but I like the thought and effort you put into your choice.

When your team is so bad that they draft #1 overall then the BPA has to be the way to go. The Panthers could do it for every pick, as long as they aren’t drafting more for a postion than could start (ie you usually don’t need to draft more than 1 QB ).

"Canada? I don't even know what street it is on." Al Capone

"Until I can to Canada, I didn't know that snow was a four letter word." Alberto Manuel

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"If it wasn't for the anticipated flooding it will bring, Spring can not get here soon enough this year." COSF

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Mar 11, 2011 11:37 PM EST reply actions

Mine either

but history suggests that 10 out of the last 13 first picks were QB.
And the Panthers have needs all across the board.
Jon Beason, their star LB and team captain, wants the team to draft Newton.
Also they want to keep Steve Smith and drafting Newton might work

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Disagree entirely with the pick

But nice write up all the same. Cam Newton wouldn’t make it in my mocks top 20, but someone will surely take a gamble on him before then in reality. Some teams just desperately need the publicity this guy will bring with him

A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.

BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia

by Michael Hewitt on Mar 11, 2011 11:42 PM EST reply actions

thanks

The Panthers have a pretty good fanbase as they are the areas only pro team. after that they have the Hurricanes(which also have a decent fanbase) and ~~BORING~~ I mean NASCAR

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions

Fun way to start off the draft

But no way this happens. Ron Rivera knows what having the wrong QB can do to a team after his time in Chicago. He will wait another year, and hope for Andrew Luck next year. There is no possible way this happens. They will likely take someone on defense, whether that is Peterson or Miller or one of the DTs. This just wont happen, and it will be a good thing for the Panthers that it doesnt.

Best case scenario for Cam Newton is he is like Vince Young, aka a “winner” who never really wins anything of note except enough games to keep his job, at least until his attitude and pension for being just above average get him the boot. Worst case is he is Akili Smith, aka someone with a bunch of talent, but only one year of big time experience, a lot of ego, and ends up wasting some amazing skills.

The Poster Formerly Known As Gimpsta7

by Michael Uhlhorn on Mar 11, 2011 11:55 PM EST reply actions

Rams head coach is Steve Spagnuolo.. a former DC

everyone thought that the Rams werent going with a QB at first. They had Marc Bulger available, as a free agent though. They did not opt to resign him and drafted Bradford instead.
Everyone had Suh as the first pick.
Almost same situation in Carolina. and they will go with a QB. Newton or Gabbert and I like Newton

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

Bradford had injury concerns, but he was going to be a solid QB, people knew that

Newton is a huge bust potential, and people had Suh at that pick because, as Suh has proven he is a once in a generation talent at his position. However, the rams had a core group of players, whereas the Panthers have essentially no talent in 18+ positions for the future, so they have greater needs than a risky pick who will most likely flame out.

The Poster Formerly Known As Gimpsta7

by Michael Uhlhorn on Mar 12, 2011 11:31 PM EST up reply actions

Bradford was also a QB that played in a spread aerial offense.

He was in shotgun a lot compared to Newton who was on shotgun a little less.
So who were the core players for the Rams? Steven Jackson and who else?

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 11:40 PM EST up reply actions

Defensively the Rams had a lot of players

And the biggest talk about changing Newton is his need to change to an under the center QB. He played exclusively in the shotgun since high school.

The Poster Formerly Known As Gimpsta7

by Michael Uhlhorn on Mar 13, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I compare him with Young as well.

However, I wouldn’t say that’s a compliment. He’s got bust written all over him. Great physical talent like Young but has nothing upstairs.

Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.

by Black&GoldTrain on Mar 12, 2011 10:58 PM EST up reply actions

I didnt mean it as a compliment

I agree he has bust written all over him

The Poster Formerly Known As Gimpsta7

by Michael Uhlhorn on Mar 12, 2011 11:29 PM EST up reply actions

He does have bust written over him

i agree with that

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 11:41 PM EST up reply actions

maybe

The panthers pass on the first pick this year. :) Certainly, QB is their biggest need, but I just don’t see a top flight QB this year. I would think they go with Green, then look QB in round 2.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Mar 12, 2011 9:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions

they dont have a second round pick

I also think they might trade out of their first pick because they have needs everywhere.

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

I can see them trading out of the top spot, possibly staying in the top 15 and picking up a couple of extra picks. I doubt you were given that choice in this situation so I can’t argue with your pick.

If anything, his jersey sales and the interest/revenue he generates will be far more than a D line player.

by alistar7 on Mar 12, 2011 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah it would make sense if they did trade out

The Patriots are a team with a ton of picks in the first 2 rounds of the draft

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 12, 2011 11:41 PM EST up reply actions

it would make sense for them to trade back

But would it make sense for anyone else to trade up with them?

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Mar 13, 2011 2:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I can see the Panthers taking Newton, but it’s not at all the right choice. For me, the #1 overall pick has to both fill a need and have at least a 90+% chance of true stardom. Newton definitely fills a need because after the back-and-forth QB debacle of last season Carolina definitely needs a QB. However, he does not have a 90+% chance of true stardom, not even close.
Personally I’d give him a 50% chance of one day becoming a top-10 NFL QB, a 40% chance of becoming no better than a serviceable starter, and a 10% chance of becoming a career backup. Those odds are nowhere near good enough to make him worthy of the top overall pick.
The only way this pick would have been defensible would be if, in some alternate universe, the Panthers had traded for this pick and were just a great QB away from SB contention, because there the risk would be worth the potential reward. However, with the fact that there isn’t a single position on Carolina’s roster that is not in need of overhaul, taking a QB who’s far from a sure thing as the #1 pick is indefensible, no matter how important a top-caliber starting QB is to a team. Because if Newton pulls a Brady Quinn or Jamarcus Russell, the Panthers just set themselves back another few years by not taking someone like Dareus, Peterson or Fairley, all of whom are almost certainly destined for NFL stardom.

by Akshay R on Mar 13, 2011 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

This is not a knock on PCISteeler at all btw, your analysis was really well done and made sense; I’m just giving my own opinion that taking a guy like Newton would not be the right move for a team with as many major needs as the Panthers have.

by Akshay R on Mar 13, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

well put sir

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Mar 13, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Funny in a strange way

I wrote up my pick on the bills three days ago and just now read your comment.

And I essentially used your opinion. There are so many needs that a blue chip player is a better pick than any player with a higher ceiling or at a more important position like qb but has significant risk of underperformance

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
--Aristotle

by steelerstyle on Mar 16, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions