In a pair of stories yesterday, we examined whether Blaine Gabbert was a little overhyped and whether Cam Newton is already locked in to the No. 1 overall pick.
The more that we hear on and off record, the more we think the Panthers prefer Newton to Gabbert.
Darin Gantt of the Charlotte Observer had some interesting comments on Gabbert Wednesday night on Twitter:
“Bottom line on [Blaine Gabbert]: Haven’t had one scout/coach/personnel type I know tell me: ‘Love him. Will be a star.’ Looks like one. Is he one?” Gantt wrote.
Gantt has also heard that Gabbert’s relative lack of production and average yards-per-attempt were not just a function of his poor wideouts. All of this doesn’t mean Gabbert won’t go high in the draft. But it sure sounds like the Panthers don’t love him enough to take him No. 1 overall.
If the Panthers don’t take a quarterback, Gantt believes they will likely go with cornerback Patrick Peterson or defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
If they do take quarterback, it sure sounds like they’ll pick Newton.