Newton Working the Playbook:
The same evening the Carolina Panthers selected Auburn quarterback and 2010 Heisman trophy winner no. 1 in the 2011 NFL draft, Newton received the Carolina Panther playbook due to a short lift of the NFL lockout. It certainly appears that Newton is all but sleeping in his playbook.
According to sources of the Charlotte Observer, Newton has learned about 90 percent of the playbook, and has been working it weekly in developmental workouts with pros of various NFL teams. Some of the players include Giants wideout Michael Clayton, Lions wideout Titus Young, and Browns tight end Alex Smith, as well as others.
Former Carolina Panther quarterback Chris Weinke has taken the reigns of coaching the young kid, including working with his delivery and motion.
Newton is working hard to be a true threat as a passing quarterback. There is little doubt at Newton’s ability to escape pressure with his running skills, but all eyes will be on how well he can deliver accurate throws downfield hitting receivers in stride.
McClain Projected Future Starter at DT:
Carolina’s first pick in the third round was used on South Florida defensive tackle Terrell McClain, and McClain appears to be a front runner at nailing down a starting spot for that position in the 2011 season.
It is doubtful that 2010 starter Derek Landri will be retained by the Panthers, and Nick Hayden appears to be in the fight for a starting spot of one of the defensive tackle positions, however McClain seems to have all the tools needed to make plenty of plays at the position, even as a rookie.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera has faith that McClain can use his immense athletic ability to keep offensive blockers off the linebackers, allowing blitzes to come in clean in the offensive backfield.
McClain is 6’2”, 291 lbs, and was selected as first team, all Big-East team selection after recording 24 tackles and three sacks for the Bulls in the 2010 season.
“They said I’m going to have a good chance to break into the rotation. But whatever happens, happens,”
McClain said. “I’m going to go out there and play my hardest, like I have been doing at South Florida.”
“I’m going to try to come in, get my foot in the door, and try to earn the respect from the veteran players, try to learn the playbook as fast as I can,”
McClain said.
