The signs pointing out Steve Smith’s future seem to be angled in every direction.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo could be one of the biggest steals in fantasy football drafts this season. Find out why.

All player movement is on hold during the NFL lockout, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about Panthers WR Steve Smith, who reportedly wants to be traded. It’s also believed that the team is interested in parting ways with Smith.

While it may not be the end-all, be-all, strength of schedule is a major reason why some good teams might go 8-8. Conversely, 5-win teams of last year can ride a creampuff schedule to doubling their win total.

As the whispers of Patrick Peterson being worth the No. 1 overall draft pick get louder, teams are definitely taking notice of LSU’s standout cornerback — beginning with, who else, but the Carolina Panthers.

Consider Cam Newton a man of his word. And if I’m the Carolina Panthers, I would take this quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick.

They still talk about Miami’s pro day in 2004 when an estimated 125 NFL coaches, GMs and scouts showed up to see one of the best draft classes a school has ever assembled — six prospects who went on to get selected among the top 19 picks. It might get topped here today when Auburn holds its pro day.

Jeremy Shockey isn’t about to re-emerge into an elite fantasy tight end, but his value does rise as a member of the Panthers.

As we wrap up Day 1 of the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, we’ll leave you with a few thoughts (some random), observations and highlights from what we’ve heard.

If the Panthers let DeAngelo Williams walk this offseason, Jonathan Stewart’s fantasy appeal will explode.

It’s the starting point for most discussions surrounding the 2011 NFL Draft: Who will the Carolina Panthers select No. 1 overall?

A few items on my mind this week after emerging from the film room, starting with the team that gets my vote as the NFL’s most improved.

A day at the San Diego Chargers’ training camp revealed a focused Philip Rivers, an aggressive defense, some impressive rookies on both sides of the ball, and more. Pat Kirwan offers his observations.

Add one more candidate to Detroit’s list. The Lions are expected to bring in Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera for an interview for their head-coaching job.

Several teams have called San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to interview for coaching jobs, and several teams have been rejected. For now.