Third pick in draft highest based on team's record since GM Remley started running franchise
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2127 (Charlotte) - The Carolina Panthers find themselves this offseason in an unusual place. For the first time since GM 'Trader' Lee Remley took over the franchise in 2083, they have earned a top three draft pick based on their record.

The last top three pick the franchise had which was not acquired, and the only higher pick in the franchise's history, was the number one pick way back in 2083 when they were known as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Remley's first year as GM after former GM Fred Hurtbuise gave up the title. The number one choice in that draft was LB Brent Altenhoff. Altenhoff had a successful USAFL career and was a franchise player for many seasons.

There were other top picks in the franchise's history which were acquired via trade. In 2092, the Panthers acquired Miami's number one pick in the draft and took LB Chris Taylor. He spent many years in a Panthers uniform as a franchsie player. The Panthers own pick was #13, which they used to select T Winslow Harris. Harris spent many years as one of the anchors on the Panthers offensive line.

In 2095, the Panthers acquired the number two pick in the draft, which they used to take a QB named Kevin Jones. Of course, Jones just happened to start his rookie season, win Rookie of the Year, lead the Panthers to their first Sundby Cup, and end up being one of the best QBs in USAFL history. So that one turned out pretty well also. The Panthers own pick that season was the fifth pick, which they used to select DE Osgood Morrison, who spent several seasons on the Panthers defensive line.

Back in the 2101 season, the Carolina Panthers took OL Brian Murphy with the third pick in the draft they acquired. As some of you might remember, he went on to have a long and distinguished career with the Panthers. The Panthers own pick was the sixth pick, which they used to take OL Juan Eugene. Unfortunately, Eugene only lasted a couple of years in Carolina.

So it is a good sign of the franchise's success over the years that this is the team's best draft position based on win-loss record since GM Remley started running the franchise in 2083.

Unfortunately, it is also an indication of how badly this Panthers squad underachieved in 2127. Despite many trades in the offseason, it was felt my many that this team could stay competitive while rebuilding. Sadly, that did not turn out to be the case.

The Panthers have eight picks in the upcoming draft as of this writing. Might there be other changes on the horizon oustide of the draft?

As active as the Panthers GM usually is, observers of this team say you can count on it.