Anderson remains ahead of Clausen on the depth chart. (US PRESSWIRE)

Two years ago, Jimmy Clausen was a rookie in his first NFL training camp. The second-round pick out of Notre Dame never seemed like a good fit as the Panthers' franchise quarterback, sentiments reinforced when Carolina won two games in 2010 and the organization used the first-overall selection in the 2011 draft on Cam Newton.

Newton surpassed everyone's expectations last season, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for another 706 yards and 14 scores. Clausen, meanwhile, spent the season on the sidelines, dutifully holding a clipboard while veteran journeyman Derek Anderson (who was run out of Arizona so the Cardinals could trade for Kevin Kolb) moved to No. 2 on the depth chart.

In news only slightly more surprising than Brandon Weeden being named the Browns' starter, after a week of training camp, Anderson still remains ahead of Clausen. Details via the Associated Press's Steve Reed. 

During June workouts, the Charlotte Observer's Tom Sorensen described Clausen as "no longer … the quarterback who was so woefully overmatched his rookie season, (or) the quarterback who still was shell-shocked when he reported to camp as a sophomore."

Coach Ron Rivera even went so far as to suggest that Clausen could be a starter in the NFL.

“I think so,” he told Sorensen. “I do. The kid’s got a good arm, he’s an accurate passer, he’s learned a lot, and I think if he continues to grow this season he’s going to get his opportunity.”

If Clausen's going to get his opportunity it likely won't come in Carolina. But the NFL is full of players who make a handsome living as backups and that could be Clausen's best bet at a long career. (Hey, everybody can't be a superstar -- or even get an $8 haircut to make you think they're one.)

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