And With the First Pick...

in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers...

MAKE THE DRAFT INTERESTING!!!

YAAAAAAY!!!

I say this because I cannot see the Panthers taking Quarterbacks Cam Newton, or Blaine Gabbert.

I read the other day what Head Coach Ron Rivera thinks about Newton, saying he's "worthy" of the first pick. Well, you know who isn't worthy of the first pick? Ron Rivera.

This guy has been passed over for more jobs than any coach I've ever remembered. Do you think for a second the owner of the Carolina Panthers, Jerry Richardson, is going to let Ron Rivera make the pick? Or even the GM? While I'm not going to call him "cheap", even though it has been said, Richardson is OLD SCHOOL. He played in the NFL. He's going to make a very SMART pick.

Why do I think this way? Well, it's because he's made some very BAD picks over the years, and more recently they've become conservative in the first round.

Early on he picked Biakabatuka, Rae Carruth, and Jason Peter in 3 of the first 4 seasons.

Since then it's been character and safe, for the most part.

They are not taking Cam Newton, and for a guy who some call "cheap", they are also not taking Blaine Gabbert.

Yes, Jimmy Clausen isn't great, but he was a rookie. They'll find out what they have first before they throw money at a guy who won't even play his rookie season.

The Panthers are a bad football team, and need an upgrade almost everywhere.

I suspect they'll be taking Marcel Dareus or Patrick Peterson with the first pick. Both safe, both solid, both guys you can build a team around. If they're gonna risk it they'll take AJ Green, a star wide-receiver who helps your young QB.

I'd be shocked if they take either of the QBs.

And assuming they don't it will be more fun to watch them slip.