The first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft appears to be wide open.
2011 NFL Draft No. 1 pick wide open
Getty Images
The Charlotte Observer reported on Saturday that the Panthers may not necessarily be thinking defensive lineman at No. 1. That could lead them to one of the draft's top two quarterbacks in Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton.
If that’s the case, it could be either quarterback as the pick. As Rob Rang of CBS Sports found out, NFL personnel men are varied on which quarterback is at the top. Rang polled seven personnel sources and four had Newton as the top quarterback and three had Gabbert.
There are still some questions about Newton off the field that the Panthers may consider. Wes Bunting of National Football Post writes in his latest draft rumors column that scouts are telling him they are afraid of his off-field character and the people with whom he surrounds himself.
The other issue the Panthers face if they draft Newton or Gabbert is that neither looks close to being ready to start as an NFL rookie. Carolina would face a quandary if their rookie quarterback sits and second-year signal caller Jimmy Clausen quickly develops. The Panthers took Clausen in the second round last year, which leads you to believe they have confidence in him as a future quarterback.
If they do, Carolina could also target LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson. Although he was likely high on the team's draft board before it, he certainly helped himself with a stellar NFL Scouting Combine performance. The Charlotte Observer noted on Tuesday that Peterson is "in the conversation" for the No. 1 overall pick.
But then there's the belief that a good pass rush is what ultimately makes a good pass defense. Charles Johnson's 11.5 sacks in 2010 make him a very good starter at one side, the Panthers have little other pass rush. That may push Carolina back toward selecting someone along the defensive line.
The top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft is far from settled. If there is one thing that is certain, though, it’s that this might be the most suspenseful first overall pick in recent years.
See More:
