In talking and discussing Cam Newton with many Panthers fans including readers on here it has become readily apparent that not everyone is sold on Cam Newton…including Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.
Now while he is still expected to defer to his football experts this gives some reason for pause.
Who does Jerry like?
The same player that many Panther fans would prefer over Newton; A.J Green.
A.J Green is a elite receiving prospect and whose talent ranks him, arguably, as one of the top three receiver prospects since Calvin Johnson.
This is becoming really interesting because we can all remember Steve Smith pleading with the Panthers organization to bring in some elite and young receiving talent. Last year that meant Dez Bryant who they passed on, this year it means A.J Green or Julio Jones.
Steve smith is not getting any younger and having a dynamic playmaker beside him could even make Matt Moore or Jimmy Clausen look like a viable NFL starter, especially with news that the Panthers are looking for a tight end this off-season as well.
Cam Newton despite his unrivaled college success and Heisman trophy is still a boom or bust proposition, though the more football people I listen to the more convinced I am that Newton has that “It” factor that will help him to succeed in the NFL.
A.J Green on the other hand is quite possibly the solution to Carolina’s problem.
If Cam Newton is drafted he will have no one to throw to because Steve Smith will garner double coverage and sometimes even triple coverage.
As stated above a duo of Steve Smith and A.J Green would be one of the best in the NFL and could give Jimmy Clausen a new lease on his football life.
I know by now most of us want nothing to do with him, but let us remember that Clausen was a 1st round talent who was dogged by off-field character issues.
If Clausen proves to be the epic failure some think that he is, than I am sure that at this time next year we would have already agreed to a deal with Andrew Luck.
Taking the Lions as a precedent it might make sense to draft the top receiver, let him be immersed in the system for a year and than to draft a quarterback after you have the supporting cast for that QB to succeed.
But once again, I do not think Clausen fails with Steve Smith and A.J Green, he is too talented for that.
Should we opt for Green over Newton?
3 Comments
Count me among the Newton doubters. QB’s who look to take off running first and pass second are exciting to watch but don’t find much real long term success in the NFL. I’ve been pushing for the DE out of Clemson, but a top-notch receiver makes sense. Not only would it help Steve Smith get open, and thus help whoever the Panther QB is… but Smith won’t be around forever – it’s time to start grooming his replacement. It’s a shame we’ve wasted his talent for so many years, so maybe now is the time to fix that.
Totally agree with Green as the top pick. Need supporting cast for Smith. While he is getting older, with the right supporting cast he has plenty of useful years left. If not go for the defensive line.
mudminnow
Hey M,
I agree and think either Green or Julio Jones makes more sense for the Panthers.
Give Clausen another shot because even if he is as bad as some think, it only means the Panthers will get Andrew Luck next season.