NFL Draft 2011: Why the Carolina Panthers Should Pass on a QB

Everyone (including me) seemingly has the Carolina Panthers selecting either Cam Newton of Auburn or Blaine Gabbert of Missouri with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

But the Panthers have holes all over their lineup.

I mean, Jimmy Clausen isn't entirely responsible for Carolina's 2-14 record. He only started 10 games for the Panthers.

Clearly, Clausen isn't the only thing wrong with that roster.

So, maybe the Panthers should target someone else at No. 1.

Someone like Nick Fairley, Da'Quan Bowers, Patrick Peterson or A.J. Green would help the Panthers more than Gabbert or Newton.

Here are 10 reasons the Panthers shouldn't select a quarterback with the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

10. Gabbert and Newton Would Cost Too Much Money

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton passes the ball during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The No. 1 draft pick always makes too much money, but that's especially evident with quarterbacks.

Sam Bradford signed for six years and $78 million with the Rams last season.

Fortunately for St. Louis, he hasn't been a bust.

That's too much money for the Panthers to be investing in anyone with all the holes they have on their roster.

9. Offensive Line Allows Too Many Sacks

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 12: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers tries to avoid a sack attempt from Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants on September 12, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeat

Jimmy Clausen appeared in 13 games last season and was sacked a whopping 33 times.

Clearly, the offensive line is unstable in Carolina.

Drafting Gabbert or Newton wouldn't solve that problem.

It won't matter who the Panthers line up at quarterback until they upgrade their offensive line.

8. Gabbert and Newton Won't Be Successful as Rookies Either

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers drops back to pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (P

The Panthers bombed last season with rookie Jimmy Clausen at the helm.

But that's to be expected for a rookie with this sort of team to lead.

At least Sam Bradford had a good defense and a good running back last season in St. Louis.

Clausen had none of that with the Panthers. And neither would Gabbert or Newton.

7. Panthers Need to Draft Defense for Ron Rivera

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SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera of the San Diego Chargers looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL Game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 23, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Image

Rivera is a defensive coach.

But even he won't be able to succeed without better players on defense.

Therefore, the Panthers can't afford to pass up guys like Nick Fairley, Da'Quan Bowers or Patrick Peterson.

Giving Rivera talent like that to work with in his first year would be a wise move.

6. They Should Wait for Andrew Luck in 2012

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after he threw a 38-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miam

If it really was Clausen's fault that the Panthers were horrible last season, then they'll be just as horrible next season and get another high draft pick.

Then they can take Andrew Luck, the quarterback they were hoping for this year.

Waiting for Luck would be a safer bet than selecting either Newton or Gabbert with the No. 1 overall pick this season.

5. Clausen Deserves One More Chance

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

I'll admit, I've said that Clausen is not the answer in Carolina.

But the more I look at it, the more I think he deserves a second chance.

He had no talent around him.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were both injured and ineffective and the receiving corps and offensive line were a mess.

Give him some talent to work with and then I'll pass judgment on him.

4. Panthers Need a Big-Play Receiver to Complement Steve Smith

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Wide receiver A.J. Green of Georgia runs through a drill during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Defenses keyed in heavily on Steve Smith last season.

That was because the Panthers didn't have a solid No. 2 receiver.

A guy like A.J. Green would be a good fit for the team.

I'm not saying the Panthers should take him at No. 1. I'm just saying he would be a better pick than Gabbert or Newton.

3. They Need Pass Rush Help

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The Panthers had a breakout season from DE Charles Johnson last season.

But they chose not to place the franchise tag on him.

So, whenever free agency starts, Johnson will hit the open market.

If I was him, I probably wouldn't re-sign with Carolina.

Therefore, the Panthers need to upgrade their pass rush.

A guy like Da'Quan Bowers out of Clemson would fit that bill.

2. They Need Secondary Help

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Patrick Peterson of LSU works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The Panthers have some holes in their secondary, too.

Peterson is the most athletic player in this year's draft.

He can step in and immediately improve the Panthers pass defense.

He can also help with special teams by returning kicks and punts.

1. Panthers Need Defensive Tackle Help

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Nick Fairley of Auburn looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

In order to get back on track, the Panthers need to stop the run.

That way, they can get the defense off the field and get the ball back to the offense.

Therefore, the most logical first pick of the 2011 NFL draft would be Nick Fairley.

He would provide a defensive star for Rivera to work with and could clog up the middle of the Panthers defense.

Taking a potential franchise QB will be tempting, but if the Panthers want to do what's best for their team in the long run, they will draft defense.