What to do with the first pick in the NFL draft…

Being from the great state of North Carolina it was very difficult to see the Carolina Panthers struggle this season. The Panthers have a loyal fan base but they were no doubt tested this season as they were just, well to be honest, horrible. After the Jake Delhomme train left town to go to Cleveland the Panthers had a big void at the quarterback position. The hope was that Matt Moore would be able to put together a solid display at the position, but it was not to be. Moore was hampered with injuries and when he did play fact is he was not very good but it cannot all be placed at his feet. The Panthers had their rash of injuries at every position most of all at running back. With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart being the main contributors over the past seasons, there was no rushing attack to set up the passing game. Also Steve Smith struggled as there was really no help for him in the receiving game the Panthers had many unproven and untested rookies at the wide receiver position. With Moore injured or not playing well the Panthers turned to Jimmy Clausen, rookie quarterback from the University of Notre Dame. With the fast pace game of the NFL, Clausen struggled to say the least as he was just not very good in his first year with Carolina. In his defense there was not much protection for him, without the stellar rushing game and with the lack of receiver depth it made for a hard learning curb. So all that came to this, having the first pick in this year’s NFL draft but what to do…

Let’s be honest Carolina is better than the 2-14 record they posted this season (maybe not by much). First and foremost they must get their running backs healthy; if Stewart and Williams are healthy they both are capable of rushing for over 1,000 yards. The real key will be the play at the quarterback and who you play, Clausen or Moore? Really Carolina needs a veteran presence as a backup to help these young QB’s (like a Mark Brunell or a Jim Sorgi). What will they do with the #1? Carolina needs a lot of help on both sides of the ball, would it be best to trade the pick and get some valuable veterans? Would it be best to draft another quarterback and try to trade one of the others? I am sure that Steve Smith would love to have some help on the opposite side of him also. So I ask you what you would do with the #1 pick in the NFL draft.

> Check out the 2010 NFL schedule for your favorite team's schedule this fall and don't miss out on our great selection of NFL apparel & jerseys as well as NFL Fatheads and more!

In my opinion:

As I said the Panthers need a lot of help but I believe that with the running backs getting healthy we can really see what the quarterbacks will be able to do as the rushing attack will help give a little more protection in the back field. I believe that Clausen can overtake Moore for the starting position and he can produce. As far as the draft pick, I would trade it and get valuable veterans, for a number 1, you can get a couple of quality wide receivers and some help on the defensive side of the ball and you also have other picks to fill the needed spots. If they keep the pick look for them to go on the defensive side of the ball.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer