I was just reading an ESPN article by David Newton about how the Carolina "Panthers are in the market for Cam Newton's eventual successor," and while I do not think this is something they should jump the gun on, perhaps it is time to start thinking about it just a little (he has taken a lot of punishment over the years).
Then it hit me. My Panthers should draft Lamar Jackson out of Louisville if he's still available in the 3rd round. Now, if you knew me, youd think I had lost my mind because, despite being a lifetime supporter of the dual threat QB, Ive just never been much of a believer in Jackson in that I do not think he has the arm to play QB in the NFL. But, by all accounts he is a great kid with a great attitude, and his athletic ability as a runner is definitely elite.
-Just the other day Michael Vick referred to Lamar Jackson as a spitting image of himself (image from youtube).
His ability as a runner is reminiscent of Michael Vick, and I even heard a sports radio talk show host claim the other day that Jackson has a better arm than Vick at this point in their careers. However, I think the idea of him having a better arm than Vick is bullbutter. Vick had an absolute cannon coming out of Virginia Tech and while he may not have focused on detail enough to better develop his accuracy, it was clear he had an NFL arm from early on in his freshman season.
That said, learning for years behind Cam could be the perfect opportunity for Jackson to develop as a passer and as an effective dual threat QB. Cam should have 3-4 good years left at the very least, and in that time Jackson could back him up and perhaps even get a start here and there if Cam suffers an injury. In the meantime, they could utilize his unbelievable athleticism by working him into the offense here and there as an offensive weapon. Obviously he would be dangerous if they could get him the ball in space. He could be worked in as a runner or receiver out of the backfield, in the slot, or out wide. They could even find a way to let him throw the ball from time to time, perhaps even to Newton. With the versatility of Christian McCaffrey already in the offense, they could really have teams guessing with a little creativity from newly hired offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
I think this would be an interesting experiment, assuming Jackson would be willing to buy into this plan. I think theyd be nuts to draft him in the 1st rd and using that late 2nd rd pick on him might even be a bit of a reach considering all the team's needs, but if this guy could be had in the 3rd round I think it would certainly be a chance worth taking, even if they have to trade up a little to get him early in that rd. This would require a little outside the box thinking, but I think it could pay off. Even if the guy never makes it as a QB, he could certainly help this team in other way if worked in properly.