Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Just spent the last hour doing the NFC South preview on ESPN News and Todd McShay and I appear to be hearing the same thing on Carolina's interest in Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.
It's a lot more serious than a lot of people realize or are willing to believe. I first wrote of Carolina's deep sentiment for Ryan a few weeks ago, but it's always been a long shot that the Panthers could get him at No. 13 and they have plenty of other needs (defensive end, offensive tackle, running back and safety). Logic says the Panthers will end up with Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey or Pittsburgh offensive tackle Jeff Otah.
But McShay said he's been hearing the same thing I have in recent days. If - and this is a huge question mark - Ryan gets by Atlanta at No. 3, look for Carolina to make an attempt to move up to try to get Ryan.
The Panthers probably would have to get ahead of Baltimore at No. 8 and that won't be easy and might not be possible. But Carolina's interest in Ryan is no smokescreen. The Panthers believe he's the best quarterback to come along in the last few years.
They're also staring at a situation where Jake Delhomme is coming off Tommy John elbow surgery and there are no guarantees. The Panthers are high on Matt Moore and Brett Basanez - as backups. Getting Ryan would give the Panthers a long-term option if Delhomme goes down again or isn't the same player he was before his surgery.
Keep one other thing in mind: Coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney are on the hot seat. Getting a potential franchise quarterback might buy them some more time.
