Panthers Serious About Trading Up For QB Matt Ryan? - GridironFans.com

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes the Panthers are -- and should be -- serious about possibly making a move up in the first round of the draft to get Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. "I've been talking about it for a month and a half," Kiper said on a conference call with reporters this morning. "Carolina needs a quarterback. I like Matt Moore. But if you want to make a big splash ... They need some excitement. "If you asked people on the street, 'Who's on the Carolina offense?' not many people can answer after (WR) Steve Smith. They need playmakers. They need a little personality on the offensive side of the ball. "They need a face for the organization." Kiper said he sees no way Ryan will fall past the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 8 pick, and that Carolina would have to trade up to get him, probably with New England at No. 7. He said the Panthers would become a factor if the Atlanta Falcons (third pick) and Kansas City Chiefs (fifth) pass on Ryan.