NFL Draft Rumors: Panthers, Bears, Cam Newton, Colts, Lions

Here is a look at some the rumors that surround NFL teams upcoming draft strategies.

Carolina Panthers

Unfortunately for the Carolina Panthers, Andrew Luck decided to stay at Stanford which has since shaken up the NFL draft projections. The Panthers have made it clear that they plan to stick with the No. 1 pick. Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald discusses pros and cons of the available options for the team. Their options appear to be between DT Nick Fairley, DE Da’Quan Bowers, WR A.J. Green, CB Patrick Peterson and Newton.

Chicago Bears

Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com writes that the Chicago Bears scouting department is already preparing for the upcoming draft which is pretty significant for Chicago considering that they haven’t had a first-round pick since 2008. The Bears biggest weakness this season was their offensive line which gave up a league high 56 sacks. With this in consideration it would make plenty of sense for the Bears to draft someone that can help their offensive line moving forward. Depending on how they do this weekend, the Bears will draft now lower than #25 which would leave their available options as: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo, Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey, and Villanova tackle Ben Ijalana

Cam Newton

ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley suggests that the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins could consider taking Cam Newton in the upcoming draft. Mosley writes that the Redskins make more sense than Cowboys which is something that I’d have to agree with. The Cowboys drafting Newton seem very unlikely but the Redskins have been rumored to be targeting a QB in the draft. Earlier speculation suggested that Ryan Mallet is an option as well as Jake Locker.

Newtons ability has come under question recently because of his some-what disappointing performance in the National Title game. Another thing to consider is that Newton has yet to declare for the draft so he may not even be an option for teams that are in need of a quarterback. Any team that takes a chance on Newton will have to be willing to let him develop because he’s not likely to be successful in the NFL right away.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts will have the No. 22 overall pick in this years draft and are in need or help on the offensive line and at the position. The problem for them is that the draft has a limited amount of offensive line options and there is no guarantee that they will be available late in the first round. Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi and Florida’s Mike Pouncey could be options for the Colts but they may end up being in a position were they draft the best available player.

Detroit Lions

It’s no secret the Lions are in need of help at the CB position but the problem is that they will have the No. 13 pick which means that they aren’t likely to get one of the top two CB options (LSU’s Patrick Peterson and Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara). Trading up is always an option but if they end up staying pat, they could address the OLB position with either Texas A&M’s Von Miller and UCLA’s Akeem Ayers.