<
        >

          NFL Nation

          Panthers mailbag: Questions on Cam Newton, etc., Part I

          • David Newton, ESPN Staff WriterMar 28, 2015, 08:00 AM ET
            Close
              David Newton is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Carolina Panthers. Newton began covering Carolina in 1995 and came to ESPN in 2006 as a NASCAR reporter before joining NFL Nation in 2013. You can follow Newton on Twitter at @DNewtonespn.
            Follow on X

          CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Apparently, comments from Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman and coach Ron Rivera at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix raised questions among the fan base.

          I’m here to answer them and others.

          So let’s get started with the first of a two-part question and answer session. Part II runs on Sunday as I attempt to take more of your questions moving forward.

          @DNewtonESPN: Haven't heard of Cam Newton working with somebody specifically outside of the organization. He's been taking classes at Auburn and is on schedule to graduate this semester. Between that and obligations to the companies he represents, Newton has his plate full. Graduating is a priority. He hoped to finish school last year but between the offseason surgery and the season running late because of the playoffs that didn't happen. I suspect he'll start working with his receivers when they're all back in town as he did last year after doctors turned him loose. The good news is he's healthier than he's been during the offseason since arriving at Carolina, so he'll be able to focus on fundamentals instead of splitting time with rehab.

          @DNewtonESPN: I don't see the comments less positive at all. It's just now down to a point where until they get something done they're into the less-said-the-better mode. They still consider Newton the franchise quarterback of the future and have every intention of getting him signed long term as long as it doesn't break the bank. They're not in the mode of wanting to start over with a new quarterback after this or next season.

          @DNewtonESPN: Can't see that happening based on general manager Dave Gettleman's past history. But it's a short history, so you never know. I suppose if there's a player in the 20th-pick range the Panthers really want they might be willing to give up their fifth-round pick since they picked up two compensatory picks in that round.

          @DNewtonESPN: Not at all. The Panthers have put a huge effort in upgrading special teams, from moving Bruce DeHaven into the role of special-teams coach to signing several players to upgrade that unit. Ted Ginn Jr.'s return gives the Panthers the return guy they didn't have last season. Teddy Williams is a proven gunner and Kurt Coleman also is a strong special-teams player. As for the secondary, adding rookies Tre Boston at free safety and Bene' Benwikere into the starting lineup late last season solidified that group. The Panthers still are looking for another player that possibly can be the every-down corner opposite Josh Norman so Benwikere can return to the nickelback spot. But the staff is completely comfortable if Benwikere is the every-down corner.

          @DNewtonESPN: Probably not now that they've added former Green Bay receiver Jarrett Boykin. While the team would like to add Greg Jennings, management likes what's been done at wide receiver already with the addition of Ted Ginn Jr. and potential of Stephen Hill. There's also the draft that is deep at that position.

          @DNewtonESPN: You are correct in that New Orleans, Atlanta and Tampa Bay are in a transition phase. Carolina does appear the most stable in terms of its core players and overall roster. That doesn't guarantee success. Atlanta, if new coach Dan Quinn can turn around the defense as he was brought in to do, to me is the biggest threat to the Panthers. But because Carolina on paper has by far the best defense and appears to have upgraded on offense. I'll take a strong defense any day.

          @DNewtonESPN: If you believe the so-called experts, Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory won't be there at No. 25. But he had the failed drug test for marijuana at the combine that could hurt his stock. If the Panthers are satisfied with the explanation for that and Gregory falls to them, they have to do their due diligence to make sure there are no questions. So bringing in a player like that for a visit makes more sense than those you already know everything about.