NFL Two-A-Days: Previewing the 2011 Offseason for the Carolina Panthers

Oh yes, it's that time of year again, NFL Draft time. I am 15 years old and a "Volunteer Scout of the Atlanta Falcons". To read more about me, click here. I will be writing about the NFL Draft a lot until it happens in late April.

This is the beginning of a new series. I will be previewing the upcoming offseason, with two teams each day.  Before the NFL season started, I followed ESPN's Mike and Mike with the Two-A-Days series. I used the same questions, but answered them my way. I'm doing the same thing again.

5. Will Jimmy Clausen be given a fair chance to compete for the starting Quarterback spot?

As a rookie, Clausen threw three touchdowns and nine interceptions. His rating was horrendous, along with all his other stats.

Right now, the only other viable option at quarterback is Matt Moore. It doesn't look as if they'll be drafting a quarterback, and the Panthers don't usually spend too much money in free agency.

So as bad as Clausen was, he should get another shot in 2011.

4. Is it time to break up the running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart?

DeAngelo Williams was hurt for most of the 2010 season, and Mike Goodson filled in very well.

With three good running back options, trading either Williams or Stewart may not be a bad idea. Especially when you consider all the other needs this team has. If I had to pick one to trade, it'd be Williams, since he's had health problems.

Remember, players can't be traded until a new CBA is reached.

3. What is the current strength, if any, of Carolina's defense?

Charles Johnson had 11.5 sacks, so you'd have to consider him one of the strengths. Jon Beason is also still a good Pro Bowl talent.

In the secondary, both Charles Godfrey and Chris Gamble are good players. Godfrey is young, and had five interceptions and 84 tackles. Gamble is very experienced and the Panthers' top cornerback.

2. What is the Panthers' top priority in the NFL Draft?

I think they'll pass on Da'Quan Bowers since they've already got Charles Johnson rushing on one side. I understand you could put Bowers opposite of Johnson, but this team has too many other needs.

I believe Nick Fairley will be the pick here. He can dominate a game by stuffing the run and sending pressure up the middle.  

They could also go with Blaine Gabbert or AJ Green. Gabbert is a very iffy prospect if you ask me. He has many question marks, including weight issues. While I like Green, it is very difficult to draft a wide receiver with the top pick.

1. Stock: Rising or Falling?

You can't really fall much more than the Panthers already have. I think Ron Rivera was a good hire, but the quarterback situation needs to be resolved. On defense, they have some strong points to build off of. I'm not sure how good they'll be, but better than 2-14. Rising.

Here is a link to Mike and Mike's Panthers' offseason preview. Later today, I'll preview the Denver Broncos.