Panthers GM Scott Fitterer: 'We do need a quarterback'

The Carolina Panthers were unable to persuade star quarterback Deshaun Watson to waive his no-trade clause for them earlier this month and have seemingly moved on from the idea of bringing Cam Newton back to serve as a QB2 behind current starter Sam Darnold. 

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule recently said at the league's annual meetings he believes "Sam is going to play significantly better football" working under new offensive coordinator and former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo. However, general manager Scott Fitterer suggested when speaking with Darin Gantt of the Panthers' website that he's still hunting for a top-tier signal-caller. 

"This will be interesting because the tackles will be the best players on the board," Fitterer responded when asked about selecting either a left tackle or quarterback with the sixth overall pick of the upcoming NFL Draft. "But we do need a quarterback, and at some point you have to take a shot, especially in the top 10. You hate to force it, because when you force it, you could make a mistake.

"It's a unique quarterback class, because there's not a clear number one, number two, number three. Like, who's the proven starter who can come in and play for you? That'll be the conversation we have for the next month — quarterback or left tackle."

Of course, it's possible Fitterer is trying to sell the draft asset to a team looking to move up to select a quarterback. As things stand today, five different CBS Sports analysts predict the Panthers will use pick No. 6 to take a QB: Either Malik Willis of the Liberty Flames or Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Panthers.