2011 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers Draft Needs, Cam Newton or Defense?

The NFL Draft is only a few weeks away, and instead of fans being able to focus solely on that, much attention is being given to the ongoing lockout. Fans are beyond frustrated with both sides and want to talk about their favorite teams and how to make them better. In the next few weeks, I will dissect each team and their needs.

We will begin with the Carolina Panthers who hold the first pick and work our way down to each of the remaining 32 teams.

The Panthers have fared reasonably well with the draft in recent seasons. They have had successful picks such as Jon Beason, Ryan Kalil, Charles Johnson, DeAngelo Williams and Jeff Otah most notably. On the flip side, they have experienced disappointment from the likes of Dwayne Jarrett and missed on some second and third-round selections.

They have been active trading away future first or second-round picks for the next draft in order to move up in the current draft which has also had mixed results. Players such as Everette Brown and Armani Edwards, both players Carolina moved up for still have time to prove their worth.

While Jimmy Clausen may not, and probably isn’t the answer for Carolina at QB, it was a smart selection in the second round in 2010. Clausen received a first-round grade from most services and truly didn’t have a lot of support last season. With a new coach in place, will Clausen get more time?

Carolina’s top needs:

• Defensive tackle
• Cornerback
• Quarterback

While there are other needs for Carolina, these appear to the most pressing. Following is options for the Panthers for each position.

Defensive Tackle – Carolina hasn’t had consistent production from this position since before they shipped away Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu was injured. There are terrific options at this position for Carolina as Nick Fairley has top-five talent, although character concerns, and Marcell Dareus appears to be close to being a sure thing. While Dareus may never develop into an All-Pro, he projects to be a solid and consistent starter for the next decade. Is that worth taking number one overall?

Cornerback – Perhaps the best player in the draft, Patrick Peterson will be available for Carolina if they so choose. There is a deep and talented group of cornerbacks in this draft so if they choose to go another route with the first choice, they could select a cornerback with their next choice, which will be in the third round. Behind Chris Gamble, there isn’t a lot on the current roster that inspires confidence. This position will be addressed at some point.

Quarterback – New coach Ron Rivera will determine soon, if he hasn’t already that Jimmy Clausen is his quarterback of the future. Perhaps Rivera wants to build the rest of his team while he sees what Clausen has. There are several interesting prospects in this draft, but not one prospect scouts think is a consistent No. 1 overall choice. Much debate has been made about Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert, but Carolina needs to be sure they believe in one of these guys if they choose them first overall.

Cam Newton has the kind of talent to go first, but will Carolina allow off-field concerns to cloud their judgment or take the leap of faith and draft Newton based on his immense potential? 

Carolina also has questions at WR but used three picks on that position just last year. Star WR Steve Smith is another year older, coming off several injuries and stated his desire to be traded. This is a position in flux but once (if) free agency commences, Carolina can add a veteran to complement the young talent they have.

Tight end could possibly be addressed but with the signing of Jeremy Shockey, perhaps that buys them one more season until they look for a young replacement.

Most likely scenario: Marcell Dareus or one of the two QBs. The closer we get to draft day, the talk of Newton to Carolina picks up more steam.