Carolina's interest in Auburn QB Campbell interesting

Carolina's interest in Auburn QB Campbell interesting


By Darin Gantt The Herald
(Published April 15‚ 2005)


CHARLOTTE -- Though quarterback appears to be well down their list of personnel priorities, the Carolina Panthers had Auburn signal-caller Jason Campbell in for a visit recently.
Whether the visit falls into the category of actual interest or pre-draft subterfuge won't be determined until next Saturday when the selection process begins.

Campbell is generally considered the third best quarterback in this year's draft, behind only California's Aaron Rodgers and Utah's Alex Smith. Most analysts figure he'll be a high-second round pick, making it a bit unusual for the Panthers to bring him here. They have more pressing needs at other positions, which is why the trip caused a few raised eyebrows around the league.

The Panthers are set at starter for the long term with Jake Delhomme, and they have a young project in Rod Rutherford they think they can develop. Veterans Rodney Peete and Chris Weinke are expected to compete for the backup job, though it appears doubtful that both will remain on the roster again this year.

As much as Weinke has progressed, the fact they're bringing back Peete after releasing him Feb. 28 indicates their perceived need for a training camp competition. General manager Marty Hurney said this week Peete would be re-signed before the draft, but he wouldn't comment Thursday on Campbell's visit.

Whether the Panthers bring him here or not, Campbell has quietly risen up draft boards this spring after being overlooked for much of Auburn's undefeated run last year. Playing in the same backfield as Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams (who'll both be top 10 picks) will do that, but Campbell did enough to state his own case.

He completed 69.6 percent of his passes last year (188-of-270) for 2,700 yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has a career record of 31-8 as the starter at Auburn.

At 6-foot-4, 223 pounds, Campbell has the kind of stature scouts love. Though he ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, he's more of a pocket passer.

Other teams have taken notice as well. He also had scheduled visits with Tennessee and Cleveland, and Miami and New England attended private workouts.

• EXTRA POINTS: While Hurney wouldn't confirm anything is done, the Panthers are expected to have a deal with Arizona tight end Freddie Jones finished by the middle of next week.

The veteran tight end would immediately become the most accomplished receiver of the Panthers entire depth chart at his position. He has 404 catches for 4,232 yards and 20 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons, the last three with Arizona. He caught 71 passes for San Diego in 2000.

The University of North Carolina product would likely compete for the starting job with Kris Mangum, though their different styles would allow for both to spend plenty of time on the field. ...

Today is the deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with other teams. None of the Panthers three remaining RFAs (linebacker Will Witherspoon, cornerback Dante Wesley and defensive end Kemp Rasmussen) are expected to get offers.

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• EXTRA POINTS: While Hurney wouldn't confirm anything is done, the Panthers are expected to have a deal with Arizona tight end Freddie Jones finished by the middle of next week.

The veteran tight end would immediately become the most accomplished receiver of the Panthers entire depth chart at his position. He has 404 catches for 4,232 yards and 20 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons, the last three with Arizona. He caught 71 passes for San Diego in 2000.

I like this part the best....I really think Delhomme could use a good target over the middle.....it would help take some of the pressure off the run game....as the LBs would have to look for a real target in the middle of the field...not just tee up and wait for our RB to come