Jimmy Clausen appeared to be the Panthers' next Franchise Quarterback when they took him with the 48nd pick in last year's NFL Draft. However, with the 1st pick in this year's draft, the Panthers' selected Cam Newton.
According to all reports from Carolina, Clausen and Newton will compete for the starting position this year.
Newton is not only attempting to take his starting position but also his #2 jersey. Clausen has stated that he is not willing to give up either. Is this the correct thing to do?
Granted Clausen had a less than stellar Rookie season, however, he was playing in the NFL when Newton was still in college. Assuming that he should be able to have his number shows a lack of respect. Cam Newton will soon find out that NFL veterans will not deal with such disrespect.
Ultimately, this is the problem with the concept of the NFL Draft and NFL Rookies. NFL Rookies come into with a high amount of acclaim and are compensated for it. The contracts of rookies are occasionally larger than the best player at their position. This was the case when Matthew Stafford's Rookie contract was better than the contract of Tom Brady at the time.
Clausen will fight an up hill battle because he is not the team's #1 pick and does not have the salary that comes with the first pick. However, if he is the overwhelming best player, Clausen will play or be traded to a team who will allow him to be successful. Notre Dame fans would certainly enjoying seeing Clausen start and stick to the type of player that is the antithesis of Notre Dame.
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