Sources: Panthers to pick Andrew Luck

Updated: January 4, 2011, 2:31 PM ET
Sources: Panthers to pick Andrew Luck

By Pat Yasinskas
ESPN.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- If Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck decides to enter the 2011 draft, the Carolina Panthers will take him, two high-ranking team officials said Tuesday.

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A redshirt sophomore, Luck finished his season in Monday night's Discover Orange Bowl and has until Jan. 15 to declare if he will enter the draft. Although there have been reports indicating Luck may choose to stay in college, the Panthers remain optimistic he will turn pro.

Luck is viewed as the top prospect in the country by most draft analysts and the Panthers don't disagree with that assessment. The team officials said they wouldn't even consider trading down in the draft if Luck is available.

There has been some speculation that Luck and Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh could be a package deal. But in a press conference Tuesday to discuss the coaching search, Carolina owner Jerry Richardson said the team has not had any contact with Harbaugh. The team officials said they don't expect that to change.

The Panthers already have requested permission to interview San Diego defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. Although the team officials said they won't rule out candidates from the college ranks, they said the hire likely will be an NFL coordinator.

Pat Yasinskas covers the NFC South for ESPN.com

There you go, now who goes at 2?

Will they really take him, or are they throwing this out there to generate potential trade interest.

They'd be foolish not to take him. But a lot of reports seem to indicate that ownership won't hire a big name coach because they don't want to pay the money neccessary.

With that in mind, would they then be willing to pay huge money to a first overall QB selection? Or would they rather roll with Clausen, hope to trade the pick, and accumulate additional picks?

It'll be interesting to see what happens.

Midswat said:

Will they really take him, or are they throwing this out there to generate potential trade interest.

They'd be foolish not to take him. But a lot of reports seem to indicate that ownership won't hire a big name coach because they don't want to pay the money neccessary.

With that in mind, would they then be willing to pay huge money to a first overall QB selection? Or would they rather roll with Clausen, hope to trade the pick, and accumulate additional picks?

It'll be interesting to see what happens.

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I believe it, and your right Carolina isn't going for the big fish either, it's going to be a guy like Perry Fewell or Russ Grimm.