Matt Moore shouldn’t worry, NFL Draft won’t hurt chances

The Charlotte Observer website is reporting some interesting news for Matt Moore:

Hopes are high within the organization that Jake Delhomme will be better than ever after having Tommy John surgery on his right (throwing) elbow. But it’s not a certainty, which will make for some nervous moments in the preseason.

If Delhomme recovers fully, the Panthers can make another run at the playoffs. If he falters, second-year pro Matt Moore could be called upon again to start. Moore was impressive in going 2-1 as a starter last year as an undrafted rookie, but it’s still too early to assess how he’ll do in the long run.

Look for the Panthers to draft a quarterback. It’s remotely possible, but unlikely, that they’ll make a bold move up the draft order to land Boston College’s Matt Ryan if he falls past the top five overall picks.

More likely is that they’ll spend a fourth- or fifth-round pick on someone like Southern Cal’s John David Booty.

It’s remotely possible, but unlikely, that they’ll make a bold move up the draft order to land Boston College’s Matt Ryan if he falls past the top five overall picks. More likely is that they’ll spend a fourth- or fifth-round pick on someone like Southern Cal’s John David Booty.

Coach John Fox said it is critical the Panthers get a running back in the draft. The Panthers likely will pick a back in the first three rounds. Names to watch: Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart and Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall in Round 1; Rutgers’ Ray Rice, Texas’ Jamaal Charles and East Carolina’s Chris Johnson in the second; and Central Florida’s Kevin Smith and Tulane’s Matt Forte in the third.

-The Charlotte Observer

Editor’s note:

With Matt Moore a strong #2 candidate in the Carolina Organization the chance of J.D.B – or any other quarterback for that matter – to take his spot is unlikely. The Panthers are very satisfied with his performances last season and are comfortable with him taking control of the team. The chances of Delhomme making it through an entire season at his age, after the beating he has taken are slim, so look for Matt Moore to be taking snaps in a meaningful game in 2008.