If you are of the opinion the Panthers need to draft a QB to compete with Jimmy Clausen and you weren't too keen on using the 6'4" or taller formula, then here's one you might find more palatable.  It's called the rule of 26-27-60, which was first posted by SI this past summer:

Here is the gist of it: If an NFL prospect scores at least a 26 on the Wonderlic test, starts at least 27 games in his college career and completes at least 60 percent of his passes, there's a good chance he will succeed at the NFL level.

QBs who did not pass this rule: Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, David Carr, Heath Shuler, Jimmy Clausen, Jay Cutler, Joey Harrington, Tim Couch, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow, Alex Smith (1 game short), Jeff George, and Vince Young (horrible Wonderlic). Yes, these are all huge busts but were all VERY high (or projected) 1st rounders.

Yes our own Jimmy Clausen is on this list. But note there are a few exceptions to the rule so Clausen could very well end up another exception. So does the disparity in the two lists give some credence to the rule? If you think so then see how some of the QB's in this draft fared against this rule...after the jump.

Here's the ones that fail the rule (minus the Wunderlic test score obviously):

Failed the rule (due to low starts or completion %): Locker, Kaepernick, Stansi, Newton, Mallet

Passed the Rule (No Wunderlic): Gabbert, Ponder, McElroy, Dalton

Of the list that passed someone we haven't discussed much is Christian Ponder, from HH:

via www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

Christian Ponder - 6'2.5" - 222lbs - PASSED
Chris has an injury history, and well, he went to FSU so there's no guarantee he'll pass the Wonderlic. Kidding aside, he graduated with a 3.96 GPA and is on his 2nd Masters. Crazy smart.

I like a smart QB...I think its a necessity. NFL defensive schemes are too cerebral these days to think I QB can simply use instinct alone.

One last comment on the Panthers QB situation that might cheer you up. At least we have a young QB already who could develop. A team like the Redskins absolutely must draft a young QB this year. If you aren't impressed with this collection of passers having Clausen with a season under his belt is a better situation. IMO...anyway

So what does everyone think of the 26-27-60 rule?