Reeder's Take

   The Carolina Panthers drafted Cam Newton to be their franchise quarterback.

   Which means Jimmy Clausen isn’t.

   So what does the move mean for Clausen, last year’s second round draft pick from Notre Dame who went 1-9 as a starter? And, while we’re at it, what does it mean for Matt Moore and Tony Pike?

   It’s possible two of those three could be gone.

   Panthers general manager Hurney seemed opened Thursday night to the idea of bringing in a veteran quarterback once NFL teams are allowed to sign free agents (probably next week).

   “That’s something we’ll discuss after we get through the draft,” Hurney said. “Right now we’ll get through the next couple of days and then address that.”

   Clausen is under contract for three more years and Pike two, while Moore is a restricted free agent who was tendered a contact by the Panthers earlier this year before the lockout.

   If the Panthers bring in a veteran quarterback, it’s likely two of last year’s quarterbacks will get squeezed out since teams generally only keep three on their roster. Pike, however, could be a good candidate for the practice squad.

   When asked about Clausen’s future, Hurney said, “I’ve said this time and time again, Jimmy’s going to be a good football player and I believe he’s going to play in this league. It’s a critical position. All you have to do is look back to our recent seasons to know you need depth at that position.

   “I know this – Jimmy’s going to come in and compete, and he’s going to practice as well and hard as he can, and play as well and hard as he can. And we’re going to get everything he’s got.”

   However, it possible the team could trade Clausen at some point down the road, although it’s hard to imagine them getting anything close to a second round pick for him.

   On his Twitter feed, Clausen sent congratulations to his new teammate, saying, “Congrats to Cam Newton! Welcome to the Panthers.”

   The Panthers became only the third team since 1970 to take quarterbacks in the first 50 picks in consecutive drafts, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

   In 1982, the Bills drafted Matt Kofler 48th overall then took Jim Kelly 14th the following year. Likewise, Baltimore selected Art Schlichter at No. 4 in ’82 but came back to take John Elway first in 1983. However, Kelly played in the USFL before going to Buffalo in 1986. Elway never played for Baltimore.

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