Dan Connor Q&A
April 27, 2008
Panthers.com
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Q&A with linebacker Dan Connor, the Panthers third-round draft choice from Penn State.
On if he was surprised at being picked by the Panthers: A little bit. I talked to the coaches down at the Senior Bowl and I think I had a meeting at the combine with them. But I was a little shocked.
On what position he expects to play for Carolina: I'm not sure yet. I expect to talk to them a little bit later today and get more information. I'm able to play a couple of different positions at linebacker, so wherever they would need me I think I could plug in.
On which of the three linebacker spots he plays best: This past year I played middle, but the three years before at Penn State I played weakside. So it all depends. With (Jon) Beason there, I could add depth behind him or at the weakside. It really would be up to the coaches, and I'm open to anything.
On being selected in the third round after being projected to be drafted in the first or second round: I didn't expect it. But I'm still excited to be on the team right now and have mini-camp coming up. I don't think it's the worst thing in the world. I'm more excited about this being the start of a long NFL career.
On if he has talked to Panthers linebacker Tim Shaw, who played with him at Penn State: I haven't talked to Tim in a little while. I've thought about giving him a call and getting the inside information on everything. I got to talk to Jon Beason just a few minutes ago through my agent, and he seems like an unbelievable guy that's willing to help me out. It seems like a really great place, great coaching and great fans. I'm looking forward to getting in there and meeting the guys and getting a shot to play.
On if this was a value pick by Carolina because the team already has depth at linebacker: There's a ton of talent there and it's going to be great to be able to learn under a bunch of great linebackers. There are some guys with a lot of experience. I'm just looking forward to that and taking it all in and learning from these guys who prove themselves every week on Sundays.
On following in the tradition of a number of great linebackers from Penn State: There's a ton of tradition there as a Penn State linebacker. With names like LaVar Arrington, Shane Conlan, Andre Collins and Jack Ham, the list goes on. To get to play with the same jersey under the same coach is unbelievable. You get in that mentality and play blue-collar like they did back in the 1970's and 1960's when Coach Paterno started.
First on the Purify hijack... his agent said they chose to go the try out route because they have a few other offers and didn't want to sign anything yet. I know Dallas was interested. I think he sees the issues with Chad and no Henry, so of course the opportunity is ripe. Then he looks at the Bengals drafting three WRs including one in the 7th while passing on him, so why commit since they didn't? Anyway, they made it sound like the try out was their decision by turning down signing. Interesting approach I haven't heard of today.Back to the IDPs...CC - Just having you around to talk draft and reading all your stuff is always a huge help - Having the Draftguys TV show made me keep close tabs on the UDFAs because I wanted to see where our boys landed - did you see Purify only got a tryout? Did he eat an infant or something?
Flowers is a much more consistent player and tackler than Talib, but Talib might have a higher ceiling, so I can buy him as CB1 and DB2.
I say Lofton is in the middle from day one, Nicholas ends up the top backup at 3 spots.
Beason to WLB, Connor in the middle. Book it.
Rivers has the range to play in the middle, if that's where he lands, i'll put him at IDP3.
What do you think about Wheeler in Indy?
Where did you hear this?Wheeler. I'm hearing WLB in a cover 2.
I wanted the Steelers to take Wheeler instead of your Bruin pass rusher in the 3rd to play inside in our 3-4. Wheeler has great instincts and reactions in coverage, he's just not a quick twitch guy.Man if he lands in the coveted cover 2 WLB in Indy, well, he could be the IDP gem of the class along with Dizon.I wish i was so positive of Connor. I'm hopeful. Wheeler. Big question mark for me. I never saw him in coverage, which is important there and something I would expect them to be seeking. He could be the best LB on that team though. Very interesting situation. Played DE and MLB in college but now I'm hearing WLB in a cover 2. Help. He is explosive. Plays on the offense's side of the LoS, which I love. But the coverage question bugs me here. I half expected him inside in a 3-4.
That would be Marcus Howard. One of the late picks I got exactly right in my 7 rounder! (apologies for self promotion, but I was PSYCHED) Also nailed Brennan to the Skins at 186. Had Gibson to Philly, but 7 picks off, Hillis to Denver but one round off, Forsett to Seattle, but a round off. Had Morelli and Alridge to the right teams in the 7th, instead they were PFAs. ok enough braggage.I was wondering whether or not they might see him as a Robert Mathis type player.
This touches on it. You won't be impressed with his idol though.Where did you hear this?Wheeler. I'm hearing WLB in a cover 2.I was wondering whether or not they might see him as a Robert Mathis type player. The scouting reports I read share your concerns -- I don't think he fits inside or at the Will there, maybe an option on the strong side.
linebacker who can only chase down plays and lack the ability to drop into coverage or take on blocks at the point of attack just arent popular in the NFL.Bloom what happened to Erin Henderson LB???
What means this for Freddie Keiaho?This touches on it. You won't be impressed with his idol though.Where did you hear this?Wheeler. I'm hearing WLB in a cover 2.I was wondering whether or not they might see him as a Robert Mathis type player. The scouting reports I read share your concerns -- I don't think he fits inside or at the Will there, maybe an option on the strong side.
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I believe he signed with Minnesota Vikings as a undrafted player. His bother plays there.linebacker who can only chase down plays and lack the ability to drop into coverage or take on blocks at the point of attack just arent popular in the NFL.Bloom what happened to Erin Henderson LB???
I wouldn't panic. Freddie is still a top LB there, and Wheeler is a mystery. We can't know what this pick will mean for awhile. In a deep dynasty league, depending on your roster needs, I can see snagging Wheeler in the 4th or 5th round of a rookie draft. In my league, I'm pretty sure I can wait for FA and pick him up, and you bet I will make room at least for the preseason. It's a situation to monitor regardless. Wheeler played like a run stuffing ILB with unique pass rushing skills. Bloom reports Wheeler to have fine instincts and reactions in coverage, so that just adds fuel to the flames.What means this for Freddie Keiaho?This touches on it. You won't be impressed with his idol though.Where did you hear this?Wheeler. I'm hearing WLB in a cover 2.I was wondering whether or not they might see him as a Robert Mathis type player. The scouting reports I read share your concerns -- I don't think he fits inside or at the Will there, maybe an option on the strong side.
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thanks rozelle, saw a few comments over at the site from you, hope you entered the ipod touch contest.Rozelle said:Good Stuff BloomBTW ya'll did a real nice job with your Draftguys TV shows, looking forward to next year
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Thanks for the heads up... did it right after I read this.thanks rozelle, saw a few comments over at the site from you, hope you entered the ipod touch contest.Good Stuff BloomBTW ya'll did a real nice job with your Draftguys TV shows, looking forward to next year
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