This is what I like about the Carolina Panthers' offseason moves: They made up for mostly uneventful free-agent shopping with a highly impressive draft. The common theme of the Panthers' drafting was that they put less stock in pre-draft workout results and more in on-field production. As a result, their first three picks have a good chance of making a significant impact this season, and it is realistic to expect their top four choices to be productive within the next two years.

First-rounder Jon Beason, whom the Panthers selected after trading down with the New York Jets, could start right away at linebacker. Beason's athleticism and aggressive style of play should make him a strong addition at an unstable area. John Fox and Carolina's other coaches noticed a clear trend when they watched the former Miami Hurricane on videotape: He was always around the ball, ready to make a play. At the very least, Beason can provide strong depth behind Dan Morgan, whose history of concussions is an ever-present concern.

The Panthers used their two second-round picks on former USC players who should have a positive impact on their offense. Dwayne Jarrett is a strong, dependable, possession-type receiver who should be a nice complement to Carolina's best playmaker, Steve Smith. Dwayne Jarrett's selection resulted in the prompt release of Keyshawn Johnson, who represented the older model of Dwayne Jarrett. Dwayne Jarrett should quickly become a favorite target of Jake Delhomme in the red zone.

Ryan Kalil, the other former Trojan the Panthers selected in the second round, was the draft's best center and addresses another area of need.

With veteran defensive end Mike Rucker trying to battle back from major knee surgery, the Panthers made an important move to help their depth by selecting former Georgia standout Charles Johnson in the third round. If Rucker doesn't recover, Johnson might find his way into the lineup as soon as this season. At the very least, Johnson, who needs to work on his pass-rushing technique, should be part of a rotation with Rucker and Julius Peppers.

This is what concerns me: After a highly disappointing 2006 season, the Panthers are putting a whole lot of faith in Delhomme to make them the Super Bowl contender they were expected to be a year ago. They could have used their original 14th overall pick to select their future franchise quarterback, Brady Quinn. Instead, they made a deal with the Jets that moved them to 25th, three spots below where the Cleveland Browns eventually selected Brady Quinn.

True, the Panthers' only notable pre-draft move was signing David Carr after the Houston Texans released the quarterback they made the top overall pick in 2003. However, Carr was a flop with the Texans and has a long way to go to demonstrate he has what it takes to live up to the once lofty expectations that the Texans and most other NFL teams once had for him.

The Panthers want Carr to spend at least one season watching, while regaining his confidence and learning what is necessary for him to improve his game. If they're forced to play him sooner, they could be in for a long year ... and regret they didn't choose their future franchise quarterback.

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