The Carolina Panthers chose Jonathan Stewart with the No. 13 overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft on Saturday. Stewart is expected to receive a contract worth $2 million a year and $7 million in guaranteed money.
“Really and truly I didn’t know where I was going to end up,” Stewart said. “When I went to Carolina to get my surgery done with Dr. (Bob) Anderson, I saw the players and the stadium from a distance from the hotel. I thought to myself that this would be a great opportunity to play here if it was the Lord’s will, and obviously it is.”
Stewart will compete with third-year back DeAngelo Williams for playing time in the Panthers’ backfield. The team also drafted Pittsburgh tackle Jeff Otah with the 19th overall selection and Oregon tackle Geoff Schwartz in the seventh round (No. 241 overall).
“The Carolina Panthers have a plan. Running the ball is something that you have to do in this league, and they are definitely getting that instilled in their offense,” Stewart said.
Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said he spoke with Stewart on Saturday while Stewart watched from his home in Lacey, Wash., with family and friends.
“I think he’s really, really pleased,” Bellotti said. “I knew once they got past the measureables and went to the intangibles as far as character and personality, that his stock would rise.”
Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon was drafted in the fifth round (No. 156 overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Stewart taken 13th overall in NFL draft by Panthers
Daily Emerald
April 26, 2008
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