Did you bother reading the post I was responding to? I'm sorry, but the fact that you'll suck enough next year to get Andrew Luck is a shit reason not to get a QB. I didn't even say "the only reason not to take Newton". I said "the only reason not to take a QB". If they don't feel Jimmy has a chance of developing into anything, they need to take a QB to develop OR trade for one once league rules are set. You can't intentionally throw away two consecutive seasons in the NFL without giving your fan base a QB they can get behind. Obviously if they're not sold on Cam, they shouldn't take Cam. The point still stands that if they don't see Jimmy developing, they need to grab a QB THIS year.
You don't invest 60 million if we get a rookie pay scale. If we go back to 2010 rules, he gets a fat contract. That's sure as hell not a certainty. No, you don't have anyone NFL ready. What you do have, however, is promise. I don't think some people on here understand the situation the Panthers are in. This is a game, but it's also a business, and a big one at that. The Panthers fucked their fans over last offseason, shedding money for the lack of a salary cap and driving their roster age down. With Steve Smith trying desperately to get out, Peppers gone, and Deangelo likely leaving as well, they have NO face of the franchise. They're not going to alienate their fans for another offseason. I doubt they even care if Cam Newton is a true franchise QB if he puts asses in the seats and gets fans excited about the future of the team. Tell me, which other pick at the top gets average fans (and fairweather ones) excited about the team? It's a ballsy move to avoid the splashy move like the Texans did in 2006, and the Panthers may not be able to afford it. Do I think Cam's a surefire success? No. Do I think the Panthers wished to God that Luck had come out? Of course. Do I think they need Newton, or another QB, as a sign of good faith to the fans and as a business decision? Absolutely.
One thing I briefly touched on, but haven't seen mentioned, is that Newton learned 3 different systems in college, UF, Blinn, and Auburn, and the two in which he started, he was phenomenal. He's demonstrated an ability to learn quickly. Granted, it's a huge step from a shotgun heavy college offense to the NFL, but you can't discount how successful he was so quickly in those situations. Also, before anyone discounts his experience at Blinn, keep in mind that Juco football in Texas rivals a lot of FCS conferences. The guy is a much faster learner than people are giving him credit for, a proven winner, and looks a lot like a bigger, stronger Randall Cunningham (who finally developed his arm at the NFL level). Remember the knocks on him coming out?
LOL. I figured someone would bring that up when I posted that. He sure came off looking bad next to Mallett in that regard. Still, I'm sure Carolina is vetting the hell out of him with Mike Shula to figure out whether he'd be able to succeed after a year in the system.
Or if he doesnt think that Newton or Gabbert would be his guy. You dont take a player that early if you are not convinced he is going to be something special because the investment you make almost forces you to keep trying - you could view it as throwing away next season but if they are not convinced by these guys and they turn out correct then they have thrown away the next 3-4 seasons. Personally I would go with the best player on their board, try to get a decent vet as insurance and give Clausen another go.
Clausen shouldn't have even touched the field last season. He wasn't ready. When Carolina drafted him I felt horrible for him. Not the right CS to develop the kid.
...kinda sad I didn't ever post in this one. I was a big Cam Newton supporter last offseason, but I thought AJ Green was the safest pick. Both players are doing a damn good job as rookies. Newton has done far more than anyone expected and that's awesome for a franchise like Carolina. I thought they'd be a bottom-feeder for at least five more seasons. Now Panther fans have a reason to go to games, even if they're still losing most of them. It's funny what happens when you put such a talented athlete in the right system. Carolina's offensive staff is using him the right way.
In defence of everyone who voted "No" I think even the most hardcore Newton fans are surprised by just how well he's playing...
I can't believe I voted Yes for this poll. Then again the poll asked if I would draft 1 overall, not if he he would be one of the top QBs this season. If that were the question it would have been a no
Sure, for this season. I called him a much better Randall Cunningham, I just didn't think he'd be so good so fast.
Wait till this kid has an entire offseason to learn the playbook and build chemistry with his receivers. What Newton is doing as a rookie post lockout, is nothing short of remarkable.
What angers me is that you still have people questioning whether he's "cerebral" enough (and I promise this isn't directed at any particular posters here, just in general), which I have ALWAYS believed was a sloppy, lazy codeword. Kid had no off-season anything and he's come in and picked up a pro NFL playbook and has been reading defenses well enough, all things considered. I've always been a fan and, especially since he's not in our division, I really root for his success. I was telling my girlfriend yesterday I wish I could go back and find all the talking heads who slammed this kid for months on what type of NFL QB this kid would be.
