The general consensus is that the Panthers will take Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the No. 1 overall pick later this month. But that could be a problem if owner Jerry Richardson isn’t on board with the idea.

According to CBSSports.com’s Mike Freeman, Richardson isn’t “completely sold” on Newton, although he is expected to defer to his scouting and coaching staff when the Panthers are on the clock. There have been plenty of examples of owners meddling in their teams’ draft plans and it usually winds up having an adverse affect on the franchise. Hopefully for the Panthers’ sake, Richardson butts out.

Freeman also says that the Panthers are “enamored” with Georgia receiver A.J. Green and according to his sources, the team would like to trade down and grab the former Bulldog later in the first round. But that could prove difficult seeing as how teams can’t trade future draft picks without a CBA in place. Thus, teams can only deal 2011 picks, which means Carolina would probably have to accept less for the No. 1 overall pick than a team would usually get for such a high selection, if they do want to move down, that is. (This draft also lacks a consensus No. 1 overall prospect that would make teams want to trade up.)

While this report is certainly intriguing, it’s not enough to sway my opinion that the Panthers will draft Newton with the top selection. This team needs a quarterback and while I have my own reservations about whether or not Newton will prosper at the next level, signs still point to Carolina taking him No. 1.