I put the order of importance by position in positions we need to fill in the NFL draft:
DT
CB
DE
OL
WR
QB
TE
S
HB
LB
Friday, April 24, 2009
Special Teams Breakdown....
At the beginning of the season, our special teams was just flat out embarassing. Getting out punts blocked more than once is just frustrating. That problem was fixed quickly. Thank the heavens!
But newly signed Rhys Lloyd was a great pickup. Lloyd led the league in touchbacks and really helped Carolina's starting position defensively.
John Kasay was once against Mr. Reliable. Although he missed the field goal against the Giants, it was not entirely his fault. That was a miscommunication and that missed field goal did not reflect his age at all.
Panthers traded their 2010 7th round pick for Packers' Long Snapper JJ Jansen. This is a conditional pick as Packers only recieve the pick if Jansen makes the team. Extremely reliable veteran, Jason Kyle, has expressed a want to come back to Carolina. Look for Carolina to resign him when more cap room opens up.
A valuable return man in Mark Jones was released. This could hurt us, but Ryne Robinson is back to return kicks/punts which will lead to only a minor dropoff in production.
But one of the most underrated players on the Panthers roster has to be punter Jason Baker. Averaging over 44 yards per kick he is a monster. He rarely ever muffs kicks like you see all these other punters around the NFL doing. I am in love with our punter and he is a very valuable part of the Panthers football team.
But newly signed Rhys Lloyd was a great pickup. Lloyd led the league in touchbacks and really helped Carolina's starting position defensively.
John Kasay was once against Mr. Reliable. Although he missed the field goal against the Giants, it was not entirely his fault. That was a miscommunication and that missed field goal did not reflect his age at all.
Panthers traded their 2010 7th round pick for Packers' Long Snapper JJ Jansen. This is a conditional pick as Packers only recieve the pick if Jansen makes the team. Extremely reliable veteran, Jason Kyle, has expressed a want to come back to Carolina. Look for Carolina to resign him when more cap room opens up.
A valuable return man in Mark Jones was released. This could hurt us, but Ryne Robinson is back to return kicks/punts which will lead to only a minor dropoff in production.
But one of the most underrated players on the Panthers roster has to be punter Jason Baker. Averaging over 44 yards per kick he is a monster. He rarely ever muffs kicks like you see all these other punters around the NFL doing. I am in love with our punter and he is a very valuable part of the Panthers football team.
Defensive Back Breakdown....
Our pass defense is sub-par. We let Drew Brees throw on us against the Saints and more importantly we let Kurt Warner throw all over us in the NFC Championship game. The problem is a CB. And we solved that problem half-way by releasing Ken Lucas.
At the CB position we have former first round pick Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall. Backing them up is CJ Wilson. Chris Gamble is a proven player but im not so sure about Richard Marshall or CJ Wilson. Marshall looks shaky but he defently has potential to be a quality player. We need to pick up a CB in the draft to give us more options in case Marshall can not handle the starting job.
At the safety position we are dandy. Chris Harris is a hard-hitting monster and Charles Godfrey frustrated me at times but he is a rookie after-all. The rookie mistakes he made should lessen as he looks like he is going to be a star.
Look for a the Panthers to pick up a CB early.
Chances that Panthers are going to use a high draft pick on a DB: Very High (CB)
At the CB position we have former first round pick Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall. Backing them up is CJ Wilson. Chris Gamble is a proven player but im not so sure about Richard Marshall or CJ Wilson. Marshall looks shaky but he defently has potential to be a quality player. We need to pick up a CB in the draft to give us more options in case Marshall can not handle the starting job.
At the safety position we are dandy. Chris Harris is a hard-hitting monster and Charles Godfrey frustrated me at times but he is a rookie after-all. The rookie mistakes he made should lessen as he looks like he is going to be a star.
Look for a the Panthers to pick up a CB early.
Chances that Panthers are going to use a high draft pick on a DB: Very High (CB)
Linebacker Breakdown....
The most solid position on our defense by far. MLB Jon Beason one of the best in the league. And he's young. Same with OLB Thomas Davis who had a tremendous season. Our other OLB is Nai'll Diggs and as a veteran he is teaching 2008 rookie Dan Connor the position.
Remember that name: Dan Connor.
He led special teams in tackles until he suffered a seaosn ending injury in his rookie campaign. Keep an eye on this talent from Penn State, he will make some noise in the NFL in the coming years and is the best Carolina Panther you havent heard of. Until now.
But Dan Connor puts our linebacking corps at 4 deep. There is somewhat of a drop off in talent in our backups Landon Johnson (whom was just resigned) and James Anderson. They could make a significant impact in special teams play.
The linebacker position is deep and solid for the Panthers.
Chances of the Panthers using a high draft pick for a LB- Very Low
Remember that name: Dan Connor.
He led special teams in tackles until he suffered a seaosn ending injury in his rookie campaign. Keep an eye on this talent from Penn State, he will make some noise in the NFL in the coming years and is the best Carolina Panther you havent heard of. Until now.
But Dan Connor puts our linebacking corps at 4 deep. There is somewhat of a drop off in talent in our backups Landon Johnson (whom was just resigned) and James Anderson. They could make a significant impact in special teams play.
The linebacker position is deep and solid for the Panthers.
Chances of the Panthers using a high draft pick for a LB- Very Low
Defensive Line Breakdown....
The defensive line question is all up to what Julius Peppers does. Will he stay one more season? Will he go? I don't even think Peppers knows. He is being greedy, in handcuffing the organization down by taking up almost $17 million in cap room. We have had to cut several players just to keep him on the team. He will not sign the franchise tender therefore Carolina does not have the right to trade him on draft day. Although Peppers' 16.5 sacks in 08' was nice, he is only valuable when his heart is in the game. If he does come back to the Panthers next year, his heart will be left on the field. Why? Becuase we put a franchise tag on the athletic DE this is his last year with the team. He will want to work hard to get better offers from other NFL orginizations come 2010. BUt the Peppers situation, as of now is still a mystery.
Our other defensive ends are underrated. Veteran Tyler Brayton had a solid first year with the Panthers with 4.5 sacks and 40 tackles. Charles Johnson had six sacks coming off the bench with limited playing time, if Peppers leaves I believe Johnson can make an immediate impact for the team. He will not fill Peppers shoes but he is not some garbage player.
We still have rookie Hilee Taylor who played in 10 games and did record a sack. He needs more time to progress, and when he does i think Fox will give him a shot. Lastly, practice squad member Casper Brinkely could get some playing time with the departure of Peppers.
In the Defensive Tackle Position veteran players Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu need some depth behind them. 2008 6th round pick Nick Hayden has not proved himself yet, but we do have some practice squad depth that may be moved onto the roster this year.
Look for Carolina to fill both the DT/DE position early.
Chances Carolina will use a high draft pick on a DL: Very High
Our other defensive ends are underrated. Veteran Tyler Brayton had a solid first year with the Panthers with 4.5 sacks and 40 tackles. Charles Johnson had six sacks coming off the bench with limited playing time, if Peppers leaves I believe Johnson can make an immediate impact for the team. He will not fill Peppers shoes but he is not some garbage player.
We still have rookie Hilee Taylor who played in 10 games and did record a sack. He needs more time to progress, and when he does i think Fox will give him a shot. Lastly, practice squad member Casper Brinkely could get some playing time with the departure of Peppers.
In the Defensive Tackle Position veteran players Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu need some depth behind them. 2008 6th round pick Nick Hayden has not proved himself yet, but we do have some practice squad depth that may be moved onto the roster this year.
Look for Carolina to fill both the DT/DE position early.
Chances Carolina will use a high draft pick on a DL: Very High
Offensive Line Breakdown....
After coming off the great 2008 rushing season a lot of the thanks can be paid to our offensive line. This is one of the best groups in the entire NFL:
Jordan Gross, 3.0 sacks (15 games) PRO BOWLER
Travelle Wharton, 2.5 sacks allowed (14 starts)
Ryan Kalil, 0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
Jeff Otah, 5.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
Keydrick Vincent- 3.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
Otah is a rookie and is still learning the position. However, 5 sacks allowed as a LT is not that much in this league. Look for him to grow of this year. Wharton could have been the MVP of the game @ Green Bay. Making key blocks and recovering a fumble downfield near our endzone; he was a game changer. Vincent is the only lineman to stay healthy the whole year and boy was he solid. Jordan Gross, our pro bowler had a great year, but critizied for his false-start penalities. Look for Delhomme and Gross to fix this problem in the offseason.
While Gross is a Pro Bowler, he's not the kind of dominant left tackle who simply eliminates a good defensive end. But Gross and Otah are very solid run blockers and able to more than hold their own in pass blocking. With a pair of very talented backs and Steve Smith, that's enough to give the Panthers a chance to compete with anybody.
But here is the problem with the line. DEPTH. Panthers have lost Frank Omiyale, Geoff Hangartner, and Jeremy Bridges. Now what? We still of Bordeneau and Schwatz but I am certain Carolina will pick up an offensive linemen in between rounds 3-5. We need to add depth as we saw last year the plague of injuries that can occur to these big men.
Chances Carolina will use a high draft pick on an offenslive linemen: Very High
Jordan Gross, 3.0 sacks (15 games) PRO BOWLER
Travelle Wharton, 2.5 sacks allowed (14 starts)
Ryan Kalil, 0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
Jeff Otah, 5.0 sacks allowed (12 starts)
Keydrick Vincent- 3.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
Otah is a rookie and is still learning the position. However, 5 sacks allowed as a LT is not that much in this league. Look for him to grow of this year. Wharton could have been the MVP of the game @ Green Bay. Making key blocks and recovering a fumble downfield near our endzone; he was a game changer. Vincent is the only lineman to stay healthy the whole year and boy was he solid. Jordan Gross, our pro bowler had a great year, but critizied for his false-start penalities. Look for Delhomme and Gross to fix this problem in the offseason.
While Gross is a Pro Bowler, he's not the kind of dominant left tackle who simply eliminates a good defensive end. But Gross and Otah are very solid run blockers and able to more than hold their own in pass blocking. With a pair of very talented backs and Steve Smith, that's enough to give the Panthers a chance to compete with anybody.
But here is the problem with the line. DEPTH. Panthers have lost Frank Omiyale, Geoff Hangartner, and Jeremy Bridges. Now what? We still of Bordeneau and Schwatz but I am certain Carolina will pick up an offensive linemen in between rounds 3-5. We need to add depth as we saw last year the plague of injuries that can occur to these big men.
Chances Carolina will use a high draft pick on an offenslive linemen: Very High
TE Breakdown....
Carolina hasn't had a star tight end since Wesley Walls. Drafting a tight end is not unusual for GM Matt Hurney as he has selected a tight end in each of the last three fifth rounds (Jeff King in 06', Dante Rosario in 07', and Gary Barnidge in 08'.
If you remember Week 1 of the 2008 Season it was Carolina @ San Diego and with the time expiring Jake Delhomme threw a winning touchdown pass through the hands of defensive backs and into the hands of Dante Rosario. After the game, me and a lot of other fantasy football owners rushed to free agency to pick him up onto our teams. Soon after, he was dropped by me and a lot of other fantasy football owners, making only 8 receptions for 85 yards and 0 TD's in weeks 2-17. We thought we found a receiving tight end.
However, Jeff King turned out to be a great blocker and average reciever for us. Although he is not a Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez (traded to our rivals: the Atlanta Falcons, GREAT!), he is a tight end worthy to start in the National Football League.
In his rookie season, Gary Barnidge played in 15 games but did not have a single reception. He was very limited in the games and playing time was minimal for the rookie.
Having three young tight ends, i do not see the Panthers drafting one early. Another fifth round pick on a tight end is unlikely as i believe that streak will end this year.
Chances of drafting a TE with an early pick: Medium
If you remember Week 1 of the 2008 Season it was Carolina @ San Diego and with the time expiring Jake Delhomme threw a winning touchdown pass through the hands of defensive backs and into the hands of Dante Rosario. After the game, me and a lot of other fantasy football owners rushed to free agency to pick him up onto our teams. Soon after, he was dropped by me and a lot of other fantasy football owners, making only 8 receptions for 85 yards and 0 TD's in weeks 2-17. We thought we found a receiving tight end.
However, Jeff King turned out to be a great blocker and average reciever for us. Although he is not a Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez (traded to our rivals: the Atlanta Falcons, GREAT!), he is a tight end worthy to start in the National Football League.
In his rookie season, Gary Barnidge played in 15 games but did not have a single reception. He was very limited in the games and playing time was minimal for the rookie.
Having three young tight ends, i do not see the Panthers drafting one early. Another fifth round pick on a tight end is unlikely as i believe that streak will end this year.
Chances of drafting a TE with an early pick: Medium
Wide Receiver Breakdown....
Predraft at WR we have Steve Smith (of course), Mushin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarret, Ryne Robinson, Jason Carter, Kenny Moore, and Kevin McMahan. This is both practice squad and the roster.
This position is not very deep for the Panthers. The future looked bright with the 2nd round pick on Dwayne Jarret, a highly rated prospect ; and the signings of Mushin Muhammad and DJ Hackett. Hackett was recently released as he did not live up to his potention in Carolina; nor did Jarret. Jarret has racked in less than 200 receiving yards over two seasons. Will Jarret grow into a decent Wide out? Yes. Will he be as good as he was expected to be? Defently not.
Mushin Muhammad is a reliable wideout with sure hands. However, he is turning 36 this year and I'm not sure how much longer he will stay in the NFL. It would be nice to a have a reliable wide out opposite of the ball to Steve Smith in the future. Dwayne Jarret was supposed to be that guy but has not lived up to that yet.
Steve Reed of the Gaston Gazette posted, "Wide receiver Jason Carter has re-signed with the Carolina Panthers after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Carter was playing well last summer and appeared to have locked up a roster spot as a fourth receiver and possibly a return man after Ryne Robinson injured his knee earlier in training camp.However, Carter injured his knee on a punt return during the fourth quarter of the team's third exhibition game against the Washington Redskins, one of the few things that went wrong in Carolina's 47-3 win. Carter, who spent the 2007 season on the practice squad, had been a pleasant surprise in the preseason and was having a fine game against the Redskins, averaging 13.3 yards per punt return before the injury."I'm disappointed for our football team, but I'm also disappointed for him," coach John Fox said at the time. "He's a guy that was on our practice squad last year, worked his tail off all off-season and was really having a good camp and had a strong possibility of making our football team. He's a guy that my heart goes out to because I know that's tough. But if he works like (he did this year) he'll be back next year."With Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett and Robinson all ahead of him on the depth chart Carter will be facing an uphill battle again this year to make the roster. However, he has tremendous work ethic and drive and is well respected by his teammates, so don't count him out."
The 2009 NFL Draft would be a great time for the Panthers to get a young Wide out with talent.
Chances of the Panthers using a high draft pick to draft a WR: High
This position is not very deep for the Panthers. The future looked bright with the 2nd round pick on Dwayne Jarret, a highly rated prospect ; and the signings of Mushin Muhammad and DJ Hackett. Hackett was recently released as he did not live up to his potention in Carolina; nor did Jarret. Jarret has racked in less than 200 receiving yards over two seasons. Will Jarret grow into a decent Wide out? Yes. Will he be as good as he was expected to be? Defently not.
Mushin Muhammad is a reliable wideout with sure hands. However, he is turning 36 this year and I'm not sure how much longer he will stay in the NFL. It would be nice to a have a reliable wide out opposite of the ball to Steve Smith in the future. Dwayne Jarret was supposed to be that guy but has not lived up to that yet.
Steve Reed of the Gaston Gazette posted, "Wide receiver Jason Carter has re-signed with the Carolina Panthers after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Carter was playing well last summer and appeared to have locked up a roster spot as a fourth receiver and possibly a return man after Ryne Robinson injured his knee earlier in training camp.However, Carter injured his knee on a punt return during the fourth quarter of the team's third exhibition game against the Washington Redskins, one of the few things that went wrong in Carolina's 47-3 win. Carter, who spent the 2007 season on the practice squad, had been a pleasant surprise in the preseason and was having a fine game against the Redskins, averaging 13.3 yards per punt return before the injury."I'm disappointed for our football team, but I'm also disappointed for him," coach John Fox said at the time. "He's a guy that was on our practice squad last year, worked his tail off all off-season and was really having a good camp and had a strong possibility of making our football team. He's a guy that my heart goes out to because I know that's tough. But if he works like (he did this year) he'll be back next year."With Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett and Robinson all ahead of him on the depth chart Carter will be facing an uphill battle again this year to make the roster. However, he has tremendous work ethic and drive and is well respected by his teammates, so don't count him out."
The 2009 NFL Draft would be a great time for the Panthers to get a young Wide out with talent.
Chances of the Panthers using a high draft pick to draft a WR: High
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Running Back Breakdown.....
One of the Panthers top strengths is their running game. Their 152.3 yards per/game average was 3rd in the NFL thanks to contributions from Deangelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart. Of course you have to give some of the credit to the powerful offensive line and the other upfield blocking. Both Deangelo (27) and Johnathan (22) are young and are the key to the Panthers offense. Fox loves running the ball. Wether it is 3rd & short or 3rd & long, Fox always prefers to keep the ball on the ground.
Establishing the running game early is a big deal to Fox. We haven't had very many problems doing that this season becuase we have a two-headed monster lining up behind center. Deangelo Williams is an illusive back, getting his breakout season last year... and Jonathan Stewart is a tough 235 lb. striker. We have a good mix in the running game.
Who can forget the man who has been a loyal and a dedicated Panther, the fullback, Brad Hoover. WHO?? HOOOOOOOVER. Spending all 10 seasons with the Panthers, Hoover has been a key to the running game as he is a spectacular lead blocker. Keep it up Hoover.
After realsing Nick Goings, we have turned to DeCori Birmingham. Member of the practice squad in 2008, keep an eye on him in the preseason, or if something were to happen where we need his ability in a regular season game. I like this guy. Only 26 years old, coming out of Arkansas, he looks like a bright player with potential in the future.
Chance the Panthers use a high draft pick on a RB: Very Low
Establishing the running game early is a big deal to Fox. We haven't had very many problems doing that this season becuase we have a two-headed monster lining up behind center. Deangelo Williams is an illusive back, getting his breakout season last year... and Jonathan Stewart is a tough 235 lb. striker. We have a good mix in the running game.
Who can forget the man who has been a loyal and a dedicated Panther, the fullback, Brad Hoover. WHO?? HOOOOOOOVER. Spending all 10 seasons with the Panthers, Hoover has been a key to the running game as he is a spectacular lead blocker. Keep it up Hoover.
After realsing Nick Goings, we have turned to DeCori Birmingham. Member of the practice squad in 2008, keep an eye on him in the preseason, or if something were to happen where we need his ability in a regular season game. I like this guy. Only 26 years old, coming out of Arkansas, he looks like a bright player with potential in the future.
Chance the Panthers use a high draft pick on a RB: Very Low
Quarterback Breakdown...
Are we going to use a high draft pick on a Quarterback in the 2009 NFL Draft? NO.
Are we going to attack FA and look for a Quarterback to fill Delhomme's shoes in the offseason? NO.
This is probably the most debated position on the field by Panthers Fans. The Panthers orginization has made it clear that Jake is our QB. On Thursday, they proved it, giving Delhomme a five-year, $42.5 million extension that keeps the 34-year-old under contract through the 2014 season. Matt Moore and Josh McCown are backing up Delhomme. Carolina are content with their Quarterbacks however there was a rumor that the Panthers were interestered in Bills Quarterback JP Losman. This would be to backup Delhomme solely. Delhomme is a proven starter in the NFL and is an emotional leader to the team. Don't expect him to go anywhere until his age brings him off the team.
Chance we use a high draft pick on a QB: Medium-Low
Are we going to attack FA and look for a Quarterback to fill Delhomme's shoes in the offseason? NO.
This is probably the most debated position on the field by Panthers Fans. The Panthers orginization has made it clear that Jake is our QB. On Thursday, they proved it, giving Delhomme a five-year, $42.5 million extension that keeps the 34-year-old under contract through the 2014 season. Matt Moore and Josh McCown are backing up Delhomme. Carolina are content with their Quarterbacks however there was a rumor that the Panthers were interestered in Bills Quarterback JP Losman. This would be to backup Delhomme solely. Delhomme is a proven starter in the NFL and is an emotional leader to the team. Don't expect him to go anywhere until his age brings him off the team.
Chance we use a high draft pick on a QB: Medium-Low
2009 NFL SEASON OUTLOOK
The 2008-2009 Carolina Season was a successful one although it ended with a crushing loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Finishing with a 12-4 record and winning our second NFC South Championship. The Panthers and John Fox have a lot to look forward next year, returning with 21 of last year's 22 starters (losing only CB Ken Lucas to FA) ..
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