4 developmental QBs the Panthers should consider drafting
By Dean Jones
Jamie Newman – Wake Forest/Georgia
Another quarterback the Carolina Panthers examined closely at the 2021 Senior Bowl was Jamie Newman. It was a week full of ups and downs for the quarterback – which was to be expected with so long away from anything competitive after opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 health concerns – but the potential for further development makes him an intriguing mid-round prospect.
Newman has the arm strength and mobility to really make a name for himself at the next level, providing he’s in the right fit. Putting too much pressure on his shoulders right away would undoubtedly do more harm than good, so allowing him to learn behind a veteran whilst coming in on specific packages is the best way forward.
One area where Newman needs some coaching up is going through his progressions quickly. Time will be at a premium against speedier edge rushers in the NFL and focusing too much on his first read is a turnover waiting to happen in a professional environment.
His accuracy was also off target at times both during his college career and in Mobile. So everything really needs to come together quickly for Newman in the NFL if he does end up on the Panthers.
The potential is there, of that there is little doubt. But whether Carolina has the luxury of picking someone like Newman to sit and grow at his own pace is highly questionable.