Who They Should Pick: I was going to go with Da’Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson) here originally, but his knee issues are causing him to fall quickly on draft boards. I’m almost sure the Panthers won’t go this route, but they should take Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU). Peterson is easily the top player on my board, and he can impact the defense and the return game. Corners don’t go first overall, but this guy is good enough to do so.

Who They Will Pick: As much as it pains me to say it, I think the Panthers pull the trigger on Cam Newton (QB, Auburn) here. I personally think he is going to be a bust, and there is a ton of risk, but Carolina will want to make an impact, and sources say they are high on him. I think they should ride it out with Jimmy Clausen, their second rounder from last season, but I don’t think they will. If Newton does go here, it will be a pick that could define the future of the franchise. The question is, will it be a positive or negative impact?

Other Possibilities: Bowers, Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama), Blaine Gabbert (QB, Mizzou)

My next question was about the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are two of the better runners in the league, but neither one is having a great season. For those of you wondering, Williams missed practice again Thursday with a foot injury, and he might not go this week. The biggest problem with the running game is their quarterback. Defenses are loading up the box with eight-man fronts, and with All-Pro tackle Jeff Otah out, the running game has really been slowed. If Williams is unable to go this week, it could be a nice added bonus for St. Louis.

Defensively, the Panthers are actually pretty good. They have a young defensive line, but there is plenty of talent there. The linebacking corps has some solid players, but injuries have caused them to play out of position. The group that most concerns me is the secondary. They have some playmakers in that group, namely Chris Gamble, and I am worried that turnovers could happen. Sam Bradford needs to take care of the ball, and we should be fine.

Injury Report: SJ39 didn’t practice today, but he said he will play this weekend. That’s great news. He is trying to find some kind of soft cast to wear on Sunday, but expect him to be full-go. Fred Robbins didn’t go today, and his status is still unknown. If he can’t go, it would be a big blow. Jason Smith left after a helmet-to-helmet hit with Chris Long, but hopefully he will be fine. Clifton Ryan was placed on IR due to migraines, so we can stop worrying about him. I don’t know what the deal is here, but I can’t believe they can’t get it solved. The team signed safety Michael Lewis to take Ryan’s spot, and he is another Spags guy who is a former Pro Bowler.

To lighten the mood, here is a picture of Bradford making good on his bet with Danario Alexander over the Oklahoma-Mizzou game last weekend. Sam looks awfully good in the black and gold. Sorry for the size, it’s the only way I could get it on.

Now, let’s look at some remaining players who would be a good fit. With my boy Demaryius Thomas off the board, which has me completely bummed out by the way, this pick is wide open. I am a big fan of WR Arrelious Benn,

and I think he could be a very real possbility. He is similar to Thomas in size, but he doesn’t have quite the speed. Still, he is a first round talent and would upgrade our receiving corps. Another possibility would be Everson Griffen, DE from USC.

It’s no secret that our pass rush isn’t very good, and he could provide an excellent option opposite Chris Long. DT Brian Price would make some sense, but after the trade of Adam Carriker I have to wonder if we feel like DT is a great need. Same goes for Terrence Cody, DT from Alabama. Sergio Kindle is there as well, but h has some character issues that might scare us away.

My prediction, although it will almost certainly be wrong, is that we trade back a few spots and pick Arrelious Benn, but I wouldn’t be shocked by anything at this point. It was a crazy one tonight, and I expect much of the same tomorrow.