Pro Football Weekly is getting massive amounts of national airtime for its scouting report on Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. ESPN discussed PFW draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki’s evaluation of Newton with ex-Chiefs coach Herm Edwards earlier in the week, and Nawrocki called into NFL Network’s Total Access program Friday night.
Panthers G.M. Marty Hurney says he knows exactly what PFW and Nawrocki are up to:
"(Nawrocki) did his job. He’s selling books.”
Hurney appeared on WFNZ the Fan in Charlotte Friday, and the first question he was asked pertained to Nawrocki’s criticisms of Newton.
"(Nawrocki) has never met Cam Newton,” Hurney said. “So who has (Nawrocki) talked to? He says he’s talking to decision makers. We have the No. 1 pick. He hasn’t talked to me.”
Hurney’s defense of Newton is especially notable because he’s known to be the only remaining supporter of Jimmy Clausen in the Panthers’ building. He used the 48th overall pick on Clausen in 2010, and it’s hard to imagine Hurney signing off wholeheartedly on another quarterback at No. 1 in this year’s draft.
Our guess?
He’ll be doing it anyway.