Rotoworld.com shares some interesting news about the Panthers and whether or not they may pass on Auburn quarterback Cam Newton:

Former high-ranking Panthers executive Tony Softli predicts that Carolina will pass on Cam Newton and take Alabama DT Marcell Dareus with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

“They need defensive linemen. They have for awhile,” says Softli, who also has a history with the Rams. “I really think they’re gonna pass on Cam Newton. … I really believe it’s gonna be the defensive tackle.” While we still take everything with a grain of salt, it’s important to note that Softli’s info has been solid this offseason. He was the first to point out Adrian Clayborn’s Erb Palsy condition, and among the first to explicitly report on Ryan Mallett’s drug use at Arkansas.

At this point, we can’t rule out anything as it pertains to the draft and who could be selected where. Since the combine, the majority of draft observers have had Newton mocked to the Panthers with the first overall pick – including myself. I don’t see the Panthers taking a defensive tackle at No. 1 overall, but Softli has more insight into the situation than I do so maybe he’s on to something.

Truth be told, defensive line is a bigger need for Carolina than quarterback. And if they’re not sold on Newton or Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert, then why invest all that money into a player that you’re not completely in love with? (Especially when said player is a quarterback?)

Still though, despite this report I would have to believe that the Panthers will take Newton with the first pick next Thursday. They need to find an impact player with that pick and that’s not to say that Dareus can’t be that type of contributor at some point in his career. But there is no other position on the field that creates as much of an impact as quarterback. And if the Panthers think that Newton can be “the guy,” then there’s no reason not to take him.