I like that the OP was saying the Panthers need to take someone other than the guy everyone claims they need to(Cam).
I think in today's NFL you have to acknowledge that Luck is there next year.
IMO The Panthers should trade the first pick for more picks in some fashion any fashion. Leaving it vague because I don't think it really matters exactly what spots they get in return as long as it's reasonable. Next is that since they seem to be done with DeAngelo, then trade him for whatever linemen or picks you can get.
With all these picks, their goal has to be to get linemen on the offensive side. It's never wise to scoff at adding quality to the D-line so there too if opportunity presents itself. If a pick can be traded (CBA) for a veteran lineman, then fine.
So suppose the Panthers have a good line in 2011 that can be very good in time.
They've got to know about the three QBs they drafted. They have to. I don't figure Claussen has much trade value anymore. Enough people did say he'd be a good pro. I love Armanti's excitement for gimmick plays and that moutaineer offense was used like six times. Their other developmental QB they drafted in 2010 really graded out well as a project before last year's draft. Not a play now guy, but a project. Nice size, strong arm, decent head, decent decision maker. Cincy was fairly good in college football and while I wouldn't give Pike all the credit, I think he deserves some that they were getting noticed and all.
This way they get to see what they have.
The line would be in place if they need to draft Luck and are the worst again.
There are a whole lot of QBs throughout NFL history that look far better playing behind a good OL than playing behind a poor one. Maybe Claussen and Pike just needed a an extra second. Maybe Armanti is useless as a WR and a QB. Maybe he's got some Doug Flutie in him and can play QB in the NFL despite his lack of height.
Rookie QBs don't usually win. We can't say that about the choices for this year and simultaneously hold that against Claussen and Pike. Eli was one of the worst rookies I've ever seen. Don't forget there was a joke how Peyton threw more TDs in a single game than Eli threw up until a certain point that season. Anyway you can't forgive rookie mistakes for potential draftees in 2011 and not the guys in 2010. It's just not sound logic at all. IIRC both Claussen and Pike were top 5 or top 10 QBs in last year's draft.
Back to rookie's don't usually win- is Luck going to be a veteran the day he's drafted or a rookie? Some people have Luck winning right away, some even compare him to Bradford as if Sam won 12 games his rookie year. Remember that although Bradford was impressive, his team wasn't even .500.
To sum this up-
Some of these patterns some want the Panthers to do is always be starting a rookie QB each year for 2-3 years (counting 2010) and then somehow they'll win. That's not progress at all and isn't a good theory at all. It sounds it near April, but every rook looks good in April.
Adding a line does give them something to build on. They still have a good RB in Stewart. A good line and a good RB is a good start to building an offense.
Further-if they draft a QB to be their franchise leader each of the next two years, I wouldn't be surprised if the NASCAR and basketball fans run them out of town. The support for the Panthers has been dwindling and Carolina has always been one of the unique places where football isn't king. Those fans seemed all fired up many years ago when Kerry and Greene were there. That was a long time ago. They've gotta throw them a bone here and give them something worth rooting for.