Sports Sound Off - Toyota of Rock Hill - March 24th 2011

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by Steve Lyerly

Story Created: Mar 23, 2011 at 6:01 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 20, 2011 at 2:55 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, NC - Although the NFL is locked-out, the draft is only a little more than a month away.  Yet, there's still no clear choice for who the Carolina Panthers should select with the number one overall pick.  If they go the QB route, should they select Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert or, as recently revealed, Ron Rivera's man crush, Ryan Mallet? 

No matter what they decided to do with the pick, it's becoming more evident what the Panthers and new head coach Ron Rivera won't do: "stand pat" completely on the quarterback position.

Although a rookie last season, Jimmy Clausen's numbers - 3 touchdowns, 9 interceptions and a passing rating of 58 - leave enough concern that the team must address the QB position.  Let's be honest, free-agent Matt Moore wasn't much better; maybe worse.  But, Rivera does think Clausen received too much of the blame. 

On cue, reports are begining to trickle in that Carolina could be seeking a quarterback through free-agency or trade. 

Carson Palmer

The biggest name on the trading-block is Carson Palmer.  Forget it.  Palmer turns 32 in December, has a history of injuries and wants to be traded to a west coast team.

Kevin Kolb

The better choice would be Kevin Kolb.  The Eagles are entertaining offers, he's 26 and has played well in the past.  But, word is, Philly wants a high-first round pick. Maybe the Panthers could do some dealing to trade down and grab Kolb.

Billy Volek

Don't be surprised if the team doesn't go with another QB option, signing free-agent and former Charger Billy Volek. Volek has shown promise starting and he worked with Carolina's new O.C. Rob Chudzinski and head coach Ron Rivera in San Diego.  

Steve Smith

Speaking of trades: several writers are speculating franchise-face Steve Smith could be on the trading block.

Of course, while teams are locked out, there are no trades or roster moves.  But, that doesn't mean Smith won't be shopped around.

Smith turns 32 in May and he's had a couple injury-plagued years.  His value will only go down from here.  But, for teams interested, he's still a good # 1 option.  However, he could be deadly as a slot-receiver.

 

Now, it's your turn to "Sound Off"!

 

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