Updated 04/28/2011
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Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
The Panthers have a lot of needs and there are a lot of good players that have the potential to be the first overall pick in this 2011 NFL Draft.
The first option the Panthers could go is defensive line. Initially Nick Fairley (2011 NFL Mock Draft #2 DT) was a hot player to be the top pick in this 2011 NFL Mock Draft. After having a so-so showing at the combine and having Marcell Dareus (2011 NFL Mock Draft #1 DT) pass him I don’t think he has a shot anymore. I think that Dareus has a good shot though.
As far as the skilled positions go I think AJ Green (2011 NFL Mock Draft #1 WR) and Patrick Peterson (2011 NFL Mock Draft #1 CB) are both the top of their respective positions in this 2011 NFL Draft and could very be considered for the first overall pick in this 2011 NFL Mock Draft. With Steve Smith potentially gone and a below average secondary both of these picks would be good picks.
However, when it is all said and done it is going to depend on how much Jimmy Clausen is liked by the new head coach. Does he think that Clausen can be the future and starting QB of the team or does he need his own guy. The majority of mock drafts have the Panthers selecting Cam Newton (2011 NFL Mock Draft #2 QB) and I think that Newton has a very good shot at being the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. However, I think he is more of a boom/bust player than Blaine Gabber (2011 NFL Mock Draft #1 QB). By no means do I think that Gabbert is a safe pick but I think he will transition easier to the pro style of game in. All said and done I think they go with Newton as a bigger risk but also a bigger reward. He is a much different player than anyone in this draft and could be a starter for years to come in the NFL.
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