Agreed. However, it's nearly impossible to trade down in the draft. This year might be the best chance, since Draft people are supposedly grading Andrew Luck as high as anyone since Peyton Manning.
I'm gonna be perfectly honest in saying this. I would not put it past Carolina to swerve and take a "Peyton clone" in hopes of upgrading the situation. But to be hopeful, I'd rather they didn't.
From what I understand, they (CAR) seriously aren't as impressed by Clausen; but due to lack of options they haven't given up yet on him. And I think it shows you something when they sign, then start, Brian St. Pierre over their 6th round pick - Tony Pike.
Still, Clausen was projected to be the "most NFL ready" out of
ALL QB's coming out of the draft this year. And so far, McCoy is shining in Cleveland; and Bradford has flatout been amazing. Tebow is even proving some worth, for what little he's being used. Clausen is simply getting a raw deal with little to nothing to work with.
If you can't trade down, you don't want to draft a WR first overall... I can't recall the last time that worked out. What's the Left Tackle situation like? Or a Pass Rushing Defensive End.
Jeff Otah & Jordan Gross, arguably the best OL-ends there are. Otah has been banged up all year; I'm almost sure he went on IR a couple weeks back as well. He should be solid and ready to roll next year.
And keep this in mind. We shifted some Guards around last year, and our Center is Kalil (good center). Last year, we were one of the top rushing teams in the league - with just a just as crappy WR core. It was Otah who obviously made the difference when rushing to that side.
As for DE's.. Charles Johnson is better than people give him credit for. He's no Peppers, but he's better than some other starters in the league. Everette Brown, believe it or not, is still not a full-time starter. Opposite Charles Johnson is Tyler Brayton. (former Raider, who's once again become something better than expected, but still nothing great)
IF we do anything, my best bet is we'll tie up the DT spot in which we have roughly noone at. Or possibly another hybrid that can go DE/DT.
I'm not surprised Claussen was a bit rattled when he first came in. He's a kid still, and he was put in a no-win situation by QBing a bad team.
Exactly. But once Carolina's season is over, and John Fox is gone.. (even with as much as the players, from what rumors are claiming, are pushing for his return) will the new Head Coach even WANT Clausen, or will he push for someone else?
Carolina was in-talks with Philly over getting Vick before he became a starter for them. I wouldn't doubt we could still be in talks of perhaps getting Kolb now, or maybe even still Vick if he doesn't re-sign with them. Vick has went on record as saying he wants to be a Panther - simply so he can play Atlanta twice a year.
