The Carolina Panthers currently hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. I use the word “currently” because it’s possible they try to trade out of that spot. Many teams in recent years have wanted out of the top spot because of the financial commitment involved.
2011 NFL Draft: Panthers Chances Of Trading Down From No. 1 Pick
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It also seems unlikely that anyone would trade up to the top spot for anyone but a quarterback. That's why, to Panthers fans who want a trade down, Cam Newton is a good name to remember. Newton's been moving up some draft boards lately, as SB Nation's Cat Scratch Reader says, and that would make the chances of the Panthers trading down more likely.
↵↵It first came with the news that (as it stands) there are six teams who have Newton rated as the best player in the 2011 draft, then Newton held his workout and Trent Dilfer was gushing, followed by NFL insider Matt Maiocco mocking Newton to the Panthers at #1, Charles Davis of NFL network said Newton would be a dark horse for the #1 overall pick and now Mel Kiper can boarded the train moving Newton up to #3 overall on in his mock draft (he has the Panthers taking Fairley #1 overall).
↵↵Panthers fans seem to be split at Cat Scratch Reader. It seems that most want to trade back if at all possible. Considering the ransom the No. 1 pick can call for, I can easily see that argument. Other Panthers fans say why not take a shot on Cam Newton? If he’s there, the Panthers need a quarterback, so why not?
↵The Panthers have a tough decision on their hands but I imagine if they got a reasonable offer, they’d be moving down if they could.
↵One important note is that if a rookie wage scale is done in time to implement for the draft picks, the chances of trading down dramatically increase once you’ve taken away part of that ridiculous financial commitment with the top pick.
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