The 2012 Panthers Draft Discussion

[ShutDwn]

Originally Posted by xposipx

Here are the FA's of next year to consider. May need to groom a starting T, CB, FB. Bringing in Tolbert tells me we will be looking at a FB/RB combo back if we don't sign him. Goodson will be gone IMO as will Sherrod Martin. It also looks like we are interested in mid-round WRs for this year.

Steve Smith (WR)
Jeff Otah (RT)
Darius Butler (CB)
Sherrod Martin (FS)
Jason Williams (OLB)
Mike Goodson (RB)
Ben Hartsock (TE)
Captain Munnerlyn (CB)
Andre Neblett (DT)
Kion Wilson (LB)
Jyles Tucker (LB)
Ogemdi Nwaguo (DT)
Jason Phillips (LB)
Richie Brockel (FB)
Derek Anderson (QB)

None of those players outside of Smith are significant to us. Anderson got a one year deal so I am betting we draft a backup to develop so we can move on from Anderson.

We just signed Tolbert. It's interesting with such a crowded backfield it goes against conventional thinking but I think he was brought in to play more fullback and special teams than people think.

I think a formation with Tolbert at FB and two tightends would normally be seen as a power run formation but I think we have the ability to throw out of this formation with a lot of effectiveness. We are also a huge screen team and Tolbert is another versatile back to use in that. I wouldn't be surprised if Tolbert has more receptions than carries.

I'm not sure what happens with Stewart now. DeAngelo's contract makes him pretty much impossible to trade. The best suitor for Stewart is probably the Broncos with John Fox. It would suck to see him go, but getting more draft picks to sure up the OL and defense would help the team a ton.

[Smash28Dash34]

I hope we dont trade Stewart. I'm sure there is a way we can get him under contract and keep him on the team. I would rather cut Williams once we pay him all of the guaranteed money than trade Stewart and have to worry about RB in the future. I mean if Stewarts gone and Williams has another slow start like last year it will only hurt this offense going forward.

[dj825]

i dont think anyone in the Panthers organization has even eluded to the possibility of trading either of them, its just the media that have nothing else to talk about besides Peyton Manning and Tebow so they make up new stories out of nothing. Tolbert was signed as a FB for a relatively small deal, that doesnt scream Stewart or D Will being traded to me.

[ShutDwn]

Originally Posted by dj825

i dont think anyone in the Panthers organization has even eluded to the possibility of traded either of them, its just the media that have nothing else to talk about besides Peyton Manning and Tebow so they make up new stories out of nothing. Tolbert was signed a FB for a relatively small deal, that doesnt scream Stewart or D Will being traded to me.

I don't think we will trade him either. I'm pretty sure the team values Stewart as much as the fans do and they are trying to resign him. From what I can tell, Stewart and DeAngelo seem to be fine with each other. The future of this team is bright as well which I think will play a big role in bringing back Stewart.

People are overvaluing Tolbert a lot. His numbers are small upfront and Stewart is still on his rookie deal. Keeping them isn't difficult, financially at least. He may not get tons of carries outside the redzone, but he will also get plenty of catches. A formation with Smith, LaFell/Gettis, Olsen, DeAngelo/Stew and Tolbert doesn't tip the offensive hand.

Tolbert also wanted to play with Cam, and for good reason:
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/pos...y-back-at-work

[RaiderNation]

Has there been any rumors about what the organziation wants to do at 9? Seems like a DT is what everybody is mocking to the Panthers, but could a ILB like Kuechly be a possibility? What DT fits your guys need the best Poe, Cox or Brockers?

[xposipx]

Originally Posted by RaiderNation

Has there been any rumors about what the organziation wants to do at 9? Seems like a DT is what everybody is mocking to the Panthers, but could a ILB like Kuechly be a possibility? What DT fits your guys need the best Poe, Cox or Brockers?

The FA moves for the Panthers included a S, OG, and FB/RB. So CB/OL depth is likely for late rounds. It is almost a certainty pick 9 will be DL or LB. The Panthers brought in Kuechly today to talk to, so he is 100% on the radar somewhere. We have also talked to Brockers, but skipped the LSU pro day for NC State's. That leaves Poe/Kuechly as the top two candidates for the pick as Cox is likely a reach at that point (IMO). The Panthers have a history of always going BPA, and to me, that is clearly Kuechly based on most mocks.

If you are doing a full mock, it is also almost certain we will take a mid-round WR, a punter, and OL depth late in the draft.

[xposipx]

Originally Posted by RaiderNation

Has there been any rumors about what the organziation wants to do at 9? Seems like a DT is what everybody is mocking to the Panthers, but could a ILB like Kuechly be a possibility? What DT fits your guys need the best Poe, Cox or Brockers?

Also, do not count out Coples or Ingram yet as DE remains a need as well. However, many players being talked to individually have been late round DE prospects.

[villagewarrior]

Originally Posted by xposipx

The FA moves for the Panthers included a S, OG, and FB/RB. So CB/OL depth is likely for late rounds. It is almost a certainty pick 9 will be DL or LB. The Panthers brought in Kuechly today to talk to, so he is 100% on the radar somewhere. We have also talked to Brockers, but skipped the LSU pro day for NC State's. That leaves Poe/Kuechly as the top two candidates for the pick as Cox is likely a reach at that point (IMO). The Panthers have a history of always going BPA, and to me, that is clearly Kuechly based on most mocks.

If you are doing a full mock, it is also almost certain we will take a mid-round WR, a punter, and OL depth late in the draft.

I have the Panthers taking Kuechly over all the defensive tackles. Would Carolina fans be happy with that or do you want a big ugly up front?

[xposipx]

Originally Posted by villagewarrior

I have the Panthers taking Kuechly over all the defensive tackles. Would Carolina fans be happy with that or do you want a big ugly up front?

Most Panther fans would want a DT no matter what, but taking Kuechly would make us better against the run than risking a #9 pick on a DT. I'm a huge Kuechly fan for our pick. He is a difference/play maker and Poe just simply is not.

[villagewarrior]

Originally Posted by xposipx

Most Panther fans would want a DT no matter what, but taking Kuechly would make us better against the run than risking a #9 pick on a DT. I'm a huge Kuechly fan for our pick. He is a difference/play maker and Poe just simply is not.

I agree with your assessment. Poe will disappoint whoever takes him.

[ShutDwn]

Dream draft: Claiborne falls and we pick up a pass rusher in the second. I'd be ok with our DTs if that happened. Some decent players always get cut at the end of training camps. Vinny Curry may be possible. This combo would improve the defense the most.

I'd also be happy with trading back a bit and selecting Luke Kuechly. More picks in the early rounds would be great.

[xposipx]

At this point it's looking like anyone other than Cox/Kuechly/Coples in the first would be a surprise. I like Cox and Kuechly and would be happy either way. Not sold on Coples and I think he will be a bust.

[xposipx]

OL depth is officially off of the needs list with the Goodson/Campbell trade and Pollak signing.

Updated needs are:

P
DT
DE
CB
WR
LB

Honestly, if we do not take Cox - I don't think I want a DT from this draft at all.

[xposipx]

New Mock Panthers Draft (not dream)

9 - Fletcher Cox DT
40 - Vinny Curry DE
104 - Jayron Hosley CB
143 - Joe Adams WR
180 - Anger/Butler P
207 - Josh Kaddu LB
216 - Jeff Demps RB

Obviously, I would give this an "A" since I made it :)

[kBuc5]

Originally Posted by xposipx

New Mock Panthers Draft (not dream)

9 - Fletcher Cox DT
40 - Vinny Curry DE
104 - Jayron Hosley CB
143 - Joe Adams WR
180 - Anger/Butler P
207 - Josh Kaddu LB
216 - Jeff Demps RB

Obviously, I would give this an "A" since I made it :)

Demps is not playing football he is going to be an Olympian instead. Adams in the fourth would be nice for you guys but I think he goes a round earlier.

[xposipx]

Originally Posted by kBuc5

Demps is not playing football he is going to be an Olympian instead. Adams in the fourth would be nice for you guys but I think he goes a round earlier.

I know Adams is one of the guys they have scouted heavily. Wasn't sure where he was projected...he could slip a bit, you never know.

I didn't know that about Demps, I just like project picks in the 7th...could really be any position.

[kBuc5]

Originally Posted by xposipx

I know Adams is one of the guys they have scouted heavily. Wasn't sure where he was projected...he could slip a bit, you never know.

I didn't know that about Demps, I just like project picks in the 7th...could really be any position.

Adams is projected in the 4th by most and he could be there, just my opinon think he goes in the 3rd. He ran better on his pro day and is a big play guy in the passing game and can return kicks, those specialist type guys seem to get drafted higher then projected.

Rainey is comparable to Demps skill set, but he's a 4th round guy IMO. I think if Demps would have entered the draft he would of been in that same range.

Surprised some of you would like Kuelchy so high in the first round, think he will be a decent player but not top ten worthy. Good luck this offseason, think the Panthers and Bucs are on the rise while the Falcons and Saints are in the twilight of their prime. Should be an interesting year in the NFC South.

[ShutDwn]

Originally Posted by xposipx

New Mock Panthers Draft (not dream)

9 - Fletcher Cox DT
40 - Vinny Curry DE
104 - Jayron Hosley CB
143 - Joe Adams WR
180 - Anger/Butler P
207 - Josh Kaddu LB
216 - Jeff Demps RB

Obviously, I would give this an "A" since I made it :)

Those top three would be amazing. A boost like that to the pass rush would make me more at ease with the secondary. I'm all for investing in the front four at both positions.

I can't complain about anything that would follow those players.

[Smash28Dash34]

Is Hosley a guy that would be available in the 4th? I assumed he was a 2nd day prospect. If we got him in the 4th though that would be a steal.

[xposipx]

Originally Posted by Smash28Dash34

Is Hosley a guy that would be available in the 4th? I assumed he was a 2nd day prospect. If we got him in the 4th though that would be a steal.

He's projected 2-3, but there's around 10 CBs in that area, so a drop could be realistic.

[Smash28Dash34]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/pos...tructured-deal

"Very quietly, the Carolina Panthers have restructured the contract of tight end Greg Olsen.

The deal was done several weeks ago, but I haven’t seen it reported anywhere. The Panthers have made other moves since Olsen’s restructure and they currently are the only team in the NFL with less than $1 million in salary-cap space.

The Panthers dropped Olsen’s salary-cap figure from $4.125 million to $2.4 million by converting $2.3 million of his scheduled base salary into a signing bonus that will be pro-rated over the life of his contract. The Panthers also converted a $2.5 million option bonus into a signing bonus that also will be pro-rated over the rest of Olsen’s contract."

Pretty awsome Olsen was willing to restructure his deal only one year in.

[ShutDwn]

The Panthers signed Reggie Smith, a safety who has been in San Francisco. He is similar to Nakamura in that they are both players looking for a starting opportunity. Martin has a lot of competition. I don't think we should pick a safety.


Here is my list right now:
Michael Floyd
Luke Keuchly
Fletcher Cox
Quinton Coples


I won't hate it if we pick Coples. The physical talent is there and Rivera needs to figure out where his head is. If Coples is motivated he could be a huge addition. Hardy is good but I'm not going to complain about having a great rotation. A defensive line playing well has a ripple effect making the rest of the defense better.

[xposipx]

Originally Posted by ShutDwn

The Panthers signed Reggie Smith, a safety who has been in San Francisco. He is similar to Nakamura in that they are both players looking for a starting opportunity. Martin has a lot of competition. I don't think we should pick a safety.


Here is my list right now:
Michael Floyd
Luke Keuchly
Fletcher Cox
Quinton Coples


I won't hate it if we pick Coples. The physical talent is there and Rivera needs to figure out where his head is. If Coples is motivated he could be a huge addition. Hardy is good but I'm not going to complain about having a great rotation. A defensive line playing well has a ripple effect making the rest of the defense better.

I'm with you on these other than Floyd. The WRs in this draft go extremely deep and I don't see him as a top 20 talent in this draft. Blackmon is the only top 10 WR in my opinion. There are a slew of extremely talented guys from rounds 2-5 this year. My updated list is as follows:

I know some won't fall, but:
Claiborne
Blackmon
Cox
Kuechly
Coples
Poe

I would also definitely be looking to trade down 4 picks or so if possible to get that 3rd rounder we lost. We should be able to still get Cox/Poe/Kuechly around 13.

[JPF]

Originally Posted by ShutDwn

Here is my list right now:
Michael Floyd
Luke Keuchly
Fletcher Cox
Quinton Coples

That's pretty much my list ATM.

I have no interest in Poe whatsoever in the first round.

[Asteinebach]

I'm picking the Panthers to win the division in a landslide this year. With New Orleans in disarray, Tampa showing little improvement last year, and the Falcons being pretty quiet this off season, I really do think this will be the year of Cam Newton's Cats.