There seems to be a consensus growing that the first quarterback off the board in the 2011 NFL draft will be Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert or Auburn QB Cam Newton. There also seems to be somewhat of a consensus that neither player will be selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers.
NFL.com's Gil Brandt would disagree with that assessment saying he'd be "shocked" if Newton weren't the first player picked. Via Rotoworld:
"It would shock me... if he's not the first player picked," Brandt said. "If I was drafting and I had Carolina's [No. 1] pick, I'd feel really good about who I was getting as far as ability. I just hope he realizes how hard he needs to work."
Brandt's been around the league for a long time and is well-respected so I had to take a second glance when I saw this.
Even if Newton went first overall, it's possible Gabbert's stock isn't affected. If the Buffalo Bills (3rd) or Arizona Cardinals (5th) like him over Newton, they could take him even if Newton is off the board.