Carson Palmer : 2001 Draft Day Picks

Carson Palmer was born on December 27, 1979year. Under offensive coordinator Norm Chow,
in Fresno, California. Although Palmer does notPalmer ended the season with 3,942 yards on
have the athleticism of some of the other great309 completions. This went along with 33
NFL quarterbacks, he has everything that hetouchdowns and just 10 interceptions. To cap off
needs to succeed. This includes having a stronghis great senior season Palmer was awarded with
arm, great pocket presence, and being one of thethe Heisman Trophy. In the 2003 NFL Draft
smartest quarterbacks in the league. PalmerPalmer was selected with the first overall pick by
played high school football at Santa Margaritathe Cincinnati Bengals. After not touching the field
Catholic High School. As a senior, colleges from allduring his rookie season, he was then thrust into
over the country took notice of him as hethe heat of the battle. In his first full season in
passed for 31 touchdowns and only four2004 Palmer passed for 2,897 yards. He followed
interceptions. When his high school career wasthis up with 3,836 yards in 2005, and a trip to the
over, Palmer held 27 school records. After highplayoffs. Unfortunately, Palmer tore both the ACL
school Palmer decided to play at the University ofand MCL in his left knee in a first round game
Southern California. During his freshman season inagainst the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 2006 season
1998, Palmer was named the starting quarterbackwas Palmers' first since the injury, and it did not
in the ninth game of the season; a position thatappear to hold him back at all. He finished with
he would hold for the rest of his career. Palmer4,035 yards and 28 touchdowns. There is plenty
had three up and down seasons for the Trojans,more of this to come.
but things changed dramatically during his senior