Coach Ron Rivera says it's more important for the Carolina Panthers to find a player to protect Cam Newton than to give his franchise quarterback another weapon.
That's as close as Rivera or general manager Dave Gettleman came on Tuesday to hinting what the Panthers may do with the 28th pick of next month's NFL draft.
"I think protecting him" is more important, Rivera said. "You have so many opportunities to get playmakers on the field. Other than the quarterback, there are five other guys who can make plays for you. I think right now what we've done is bring in guys who have the ability to make plays for us. I feel very comfortable with that."
But don't read too much into that. Gettleman remained adamant he would take the best player available. Noting the draft is exceptional at wide receiver, he said he wouldn't be "sad'' if a top cornerback fell to No. 28. He also said he wouldn't hesitate to pick up what he called a "blue goose'' pass-rusher or defensive tackle.
"When you have made up your mind you're going to take a position because you need to fill that spot, more often than not you're going to make a mistake,'' Gettleman said.