NFL Lockout's Impact On The Carolina Panthers

New head coach Ron Rivera inherits a roster that isn't very talented and he will have a big decision to make when the NFL Draft opens on April 28. The Panthers must decide if they like Cam Newton enough to be their quarterback of the future. Rivera is walking into a very difficult situation and I don't expect things to get better for the Panthers this season. Rivera's first order of business should be to revamp Carolina's defense and restore the toughness that was once there. The potentially good news for Panthers fans, they should get a chance to see Newton flash some of his athletic brilliance at some point this year.

2011 NFL Schedule: Carolina Panthers

(All Times ET)
Sept. 11 at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 18 Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Sept. 25 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Oct. 9 New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Oct. 23 Washington, 1 p.m.
Oct. 30 Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Nov. 6 BYE
Nov. 13 Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Nov. 20 at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Nov. 27 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Dec. 11 Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Dec. 18 at Houston, 1 p.m.
Dec. 24 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Jan. 1 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

2011 NFL Draft: Telling moves by Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos?

The two teams atop the 2011 NFL draft board made significant moves today that could impact the draft. The Carolina Panthers, who hold the first overall pick, placed the franchise tag on center Ryan Kalil. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos signed cornerback Champ Bailey to a new four-year contract. Both decisions could change the teams' strategy on draft day.

For the Panthers, the decision to franchise tag Kalil means 24-year-old defensive end Charles Johnson, who had 11.5 sacks in 2010, will become a free agent. If Johnson leaves Carolina, the Panthers may look to draft a defensive end with the first pick. If that is the case, DE Da'Quan Bowers from Clemson would be the favorite to go first in the draft, replacing current favorite Auburn's DL Nick Fairley. There is an outside shot DE Robert Quinn from North Carolina could jump up draft board after the combine.

As for the Broncos, re-signing Bailey to a long-term deal likely takes CB Patrick Peterson of LSU out of the picture as a possible #2 pick. Also, with Fairley back in the picture, the Broncos may target him to shore up their interior defensive line.

Of course, complicating all of this is the expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The current CBA is set to expire after March 3, 2011 and until a new deal is reached, free agents will be forced to sit and wait for a new CBA.

The NFL draft is April 28-30, 2011.

Carolina Panthers place franchise tag on Ryan Kalil

The Carolina Panthers will reportedly make their Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil one of the highest paid offensive linemen in football, according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network.

The Pnathers slapped the franchise tag on the fourth-year pro. Kalil is one of the NFL's best centers and will make around $10 million in 2011.

The Panthers' decision to franchise Kalil means defensive end Charles Johnson and running back DeAngelo Williams will both become free agents.

Carolina Panthers reportedly won't franchise tag DeAngelo Williams

It appears running back DeAngelo Williams' days are numbered in Carolina, this after the Panthers reportedly decided not to use their franchise tag on the six-year back.

League sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Williams will become an unrestricted free agent and could potentially leave the Panthers.

Williams, who turns 28 in April, was sidelined much of 2010 with a foot injury. He managed only 361 yards and one touchdown last season.

According to ESPN, the Panthers will tag either center Ryan Kalil or defensive end Charles Johnson.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

2011 Projected

2825 yds.

13 TDs

18 INTs

The Panthers would like to bring Newton along slowly, but the fact of the matter is, they can't afford to. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who was a rookie last season, showed he wasn't the answer for a franchise that desperately needs a spark. Newton's abilities are off the charts, but he'll need time to learn a complex pro-style offense. Newton's ability to run (projected: 5 rushing TDs) and his impressive arm strengh will make him an exciting player to watch, but he'll have a limited impact in fantasy football.