A day before the NFL draft, the teams owning the first and second overall picks are internally debating who to take, with both teams down to four players on their lists.
ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio is stationed in Carolina this week, where he reports that the Panthers have narrowed their list to four players they might take first overall: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson and Georgia receiver A.J. Green.
Panthers G.M. Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera plan to make their final decision today and present that decision to Panthers owner Jerry Richardson tonight, although Hurney wants to keep all options open until the Panthers turn in the draft card, meaning the Panthers are still open to listening if some team wants to contact them about a trade.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Ed Werder is stationed in Denver and says the Broncos are also down to four players with the No. 2 overall pick: Dareus, Peterson, Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley and Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller.
Our money is on the Panthers taking Newton and the Broncos taking Dareus. We’ll find out for sure in about 28 hours.
