ing a backup quarterback in the late rounds. Is Clayton Thorson the right fit?"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 NFL DraftCSR Film RoomCarolina Panthers Film RoomPanthers 2019 NFL DraftFilm room scouting report on Northwestern quarterback Clayton ThorsonNew Christian McCaffrey Womens Jersey ,33commentsThe Panthers have shown interest in drafting a backup quarterback in the late rounds. Is Clayton Thorson the right fit?EDTShareTweetShareShareFilm room scouting report on Northwestern quarterback Clayton ThorsonKirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsClayton Thorson was a four-star recruit from Wheaton, Ill. He is the son of former NFL player Chad Thorson. Thorson chose Northwestern over offers from Syracuse, Boston College, and Ole Miss. He was a four-year starter for the Wildcats and despite suffering a couple serious injuries, he never missed a start. Thorson finished his career in Evanston with over 10,000 yards passing, 61 touchdowns, 45 interceptions, and a 58% completion percentage.Film reviewThe Panthers are clearly interested in a quarterback during the draft. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner and quarterbacks coach Scott Turner attended Thorson’s pro day in Evanston. They also have a top 30 visit scheduled with Thorson according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. There is no question that there is a high level of interest. The question is how soon should the Panthers or any team draft him? The earliest he should be considered is the sixth round. NFL coaches especially on the offensive side of the ball have an arrogance about their coaching ability. They see a quarterback like Thorson who has the build Youth Christian McCaffrey Jersey , tools, and high character and they assume that they can develop him into a worthwhile player. Thorson has shown that he can work the pocket. He shows a good feel for this speed rush, steps up, and drops a beautiful ball in the bucket for a touchdown.He was an efficient thrower in the middle of the field for the Wildcats. If the offensive line gave him a clean pocket, then he can rip throws like this.The inconsistencies were a large part of his game though.On this throw, Thorson does an excellent job of manipulating the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield, and then shows a sound release. The problem is his deep accuracy is concerning. It’s questionable that Thorson managed the pocket well on this play. He is reading the three level concept, but he should not force this throw. He’s rolling to his weak-side and then just lobs it for grabs.Thorson has a completely clean pocket Christian McCaffrey Men Jersey , but again his deep accuracy lets his receiver down. This ball should be led further and towards the sideline hashes. Throwing deep balls is hard! I’m not expecting perfect accuracy from any quarterback on these throws, but Thorson has a collection of misses.Thorson also has a habit of abandoning clean pockets, which is infuriating to watch.He has an opportunity to step up and create a different angle if he steps into the void left by the left guard and tackle. Instead, Thorson rolls to his right and barely gives his receiver an opportunity.Thorson doesn’t have the upper body strength to make an accurate throw when his base isn’t set. It’s not a coincidence that the best young quarterbacks have this trait. On the second throw, again, he had no business leaving the pocket. He has to realize his limitations and play within the confines of Northwestern’s offense.Even when Thorson isn’t pressured, he shows awful accuracy. The pass rush speeds up his internal clock, which causes him to rush his process. This led to poor footwork as he attempts to throw this crosser. The final area that Thorson shows serious concern is anticipation. In my opinion, this is an area that can’t be taught at the next level. If quarterbacks don’t have the processing speed and quick trigger at the college game Color Rush Christian McCaffrey Jersey , how are they expected to learn it in the NFL against complex defenses and better athletes?Thorson had a -0.15 EPA per drop back in 2018. There are moments when he can make some decent throws, but overall he limits his offense with his inconsistencies as a thrower.Fit with CarolinaSuffice to say, Thorson would be competing with Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke for the backup role. Allen displayed some quality traits in his lone start last year, which should make him the clubhouse leader. The Panthers shouldn’t consider Thorson until the sixth round. He has a long way to go before he enters the competent backup role in the NFL. Sweat looks like a top ten pick to me."Defensive end Montez Sweat is my annual way-too-early to really know pick for the Panthers in the first round. I blame it on Bucky Brooks. Then Sweat goes and sets a speed record and thus cementing his status in my heart.When a player like Sweat is the sixth or seventh rated edge rusher in a draft, you know it’s a draft deep in defensive linemen. The 2019 NFL draft is shaping up to be a historic draft in this regard. Only time will tell if it deserves that moniker but it’s hard not to be excited for the Panthers since they need an edge rusher in a bad way. Sweat’s size seems like he would be a better fit at 3-4 outside linebacker versus 4-3 defensive end. That would align with Ron Rivera’s stated desire to play more 3-4 defensive packages. Sweat has a combination of speed and strength that is sure to create pressure from the edge at the next level. Like I said earlier Sweat looks like a top ten pick.The absolute only other position I would select in the first round this year is a starting left tackle. There happens to be a couple left tackle prospects that have looked good and very worth of the No. 16 pick.Cam Newton needs protection, that is very clear. It would be an unforgivable sin for them to not invest an early pick in an offensive lineman in this draft. We know the Panthers’ front office won’t fill all the holes via free agency. They might fill one at most. Another big need and worthy of a second round pick is a center. There are a couple of them that could be available at the Panthers’ pick in the second round. Here’s the best of the group but he has peers.My preference is the Panthers select a left tackle prospect or an edge rusher with their first two picks in this draft. A center with the third pick and an offensive guard in a late round. So what about the secondary you say? An effective edge rusher like Montez Sweat will be a big help. It’s time to invest in both lines.