Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft Discussion (1 Viewer)

[BassNBrew]

Carolina Rd Sel# Player Pos. Ht. Wt. School 1 25 Beason, Jon OLB 6-0 236 Miami (Fla.) 2 45 Jarrett, Dwayne WR 6-5 213 Southern California 2 59 Kalil, Ryan C 6-3 291 Southern California 3 83 Johnson, Charles DE 6-2 272 Georgia Just for comparision, Bloom had these guys predicted at...

Beason 14 middle 1st

Jarrett 33 borderline 1st

Kalil 29 late 1st

Johnson 39 early 2nd

Well first of all let me begin with an I told you so...NO TE. Maybe Colin will listen to me next year for a change. For those of you in deep dynasty leagues, take a hard look at Jeff King.

Many are down on Beason, but he's a perfect fit for the attrociously slow LB core. His statue isn't an issue with the hosses we have upfront. Remember last year when the opposition ran the ball....stuffed for nothing or ran free once they got through the DL. Teams also feasted on RB screens and TE dumps versus the Cats. Hopefully this pick will fix this.

Jarrett was a freaking steal. Great redzone target for Jake. I'm drooling over a four wide formation with SS/Carter/Key/Jarrett. I actually had Jarrett projected in the mid-first. For those who forget...11-205-2 in the Rose Bowl. PAC10 = Speed. Maybe we can finally cut Tay Biddle or that waste of carbon called Colbert. David Carr could be a very nice sleeper in this year's fantasy drafts.

Not sure what the plan for Kalil is, but I'm thrilled with the Cats taking the BPA. I guess someone will move to guard.

Johnson was another value pick. The DL was already looking good, but starting to age. With the two big guys in the middle, a speed rusher across from Peppers could make an impact.

I keep hearing 21 of 22 starters returning in 2007. If that's the case then we should be thrilled with adding talent like this to the ranks. Based on what I've seen so far, I trust that the brass has a plan for the safety position.

Tipping them back tonite to one of the best drafts of the day.

 

[BassNBrew]

If the scouting report on Jon Beason, the newest member of the Carolina Panthers, sounds very familiar, it's only because you've heard it before.He's a hard-hitting, sideline-to-sideline linebacker out of the University of Miami. That's precisely the same description that was used on Dan Morgan when he entered the NFL in the 2001 draft.That's why it wasn't that big of a surprise when the Panthers used a first-round pick (after trading down from No. 14 to No. 25) to draft a Morgan clone. The results from Morgan have been very good, when he's been on the field. But a series of injuries have prevented Morgan from ever playing a full season.In Beason, the Panthers are hoping for the best of both worlds: A linebacker who plays like Morgan and can stay healthy. In a perfect world, Morgan would stay in the middle and Beason would work on the weak side, where he could bolt ahead of Na'il Diggs and James Anderson on the depth chart. But there is no guarantee of a perfect world as Morgan comes back from missing most of last season with concussion problems and Beason has played both inside and outside linebacker in college."I'm going to come in and say, `Dan, just tell me what I have to do,' '' Beason said. "If he tells me to run through a brick wall, I'll do it. I'm sure he's going to put me on his schedule and I'm just going to follow him.''Recruited to play safety or fullback at Miami, Beason ended up as the starting middle linebacker in 2004, before moving outside in 2005."I think position flexibility is the key,'' coach John Fox said. "He's got the ability to play inside and outside and we'll evaluate that as we move forward.''Beason was very much on Carolina's radar when the day began, but the Panthers were optimistic he'd still be available at No. 25. That's why they agreed to swap picks with the New York Jets while picking up a second-rounder. They also traded their sixth-round pick for the Jets' fifth-round choice."It's something we talked a lot about for the last week or so,'' Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "Coming in, we had a scenario where we thought it was a likelihood that we would try to trade back and try to get an extra pick on the first day.''With Mississippi's Patrick Willis going to San Francisco at No. 11 and potential targets at other positions gone, the Panthers were comfortable moving down. Although Beason had been projected as a second-round choice after the NFL Scouting Combine, he has been climbing up draft boards in recent weeks.Beason ran the 40-yard dash in a somewhat disappointing 4.77 seconds at the combine."I think the No. 1 thing when you evaluate is sometimes you get caught up in underwear time speed versus how they carry their pads in playing speed,'' Fox said. "Jon plays very fast and that's the key.''Beason said he wasn't completely healthy at the combine, after tweaking a previous medial collateral ligament in his knee. But Beason was healthy and brought his stock up after being clocked at 4.62 and 4.64 at his Pro Day in Miami on April 5. That's when Beason said he first got a sense the Panthers were interested and he spent about 45 minutes after the workout meeting with members of Carolina's coaching staff."I know at Carolina they're big on character and they want great people, second to great football players. That's really why I dreamed of playing with Carolina.''
From the local fishwrap.

 

[BassNBrew]

Former Southern California standout Keyshawn Johnson, now the prototype of the big, physical receiver with the Carolina Panthers, could not hide his delight. His team had just drafted former Southern California standout Dwayne Jarrett, possibly the Panthers' Keyshawn of the future."It's a great pick," Johnson bubbled on ESPN, where he is analyzing the draft. "And the reason it's a great pick is because we need another wide receiver; we need that third guy. I know we've got Drew Carter and Keary Colbert there, but this guy's much like me."He can gain a little bit of weight, but he plays exactly like me. One of the things that John Fox, the Carolina Panthers coach, told me was that at some point we've got to find a guy like Keyshawn, a bigger physical receiver because we obviously have Steve Smith for a number of years."Johnson thinks Jarrett, the first of Carolina's two second-round picks, will be that guy at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds.As the network showed Jarrett highlights, Johnson couldn't resist saying things like, "He's using his size, much like me. Look at that right there. There's a fade route; this is a thing they do a lot with me in the red zone at Carolina."Johnson pointed out that he had called Jarrett when the latter was slipping in the draft, saying, "I told him to just be patient, you're going to be great in this league. Don't worry about the money."Later, on a conference call, Jarrett said he appreciated Johnson's support. He was also asked about Carolina's receiving corps evolving into a Southern Cal reunion; Colbert was also a Trojan."It's going to be a family reunion, the USC receivers united together," Jarrett said. "It's going to be a great thing out there."Jarrett came out a year early, something Johnson had advised him not to do. But neither seemed bothered by that Saturday.Asked what Jarrett needs to do to play at an NFL level, Johnson said, "The only thing that he needs to work on is getting off the line of scrimmage, because they're going to pressure; they're going to come up in your face. And until you become violent, you're going to have some problems."

More from the local hamster cage liner.

 

[BassNBrew]

Center wasn't a "need" position for the Carolina Panthers heading into Saturday's NFL draft, but team officials decided the chance to take the best center available late in the second round was too good to pass up.The Panthers chose Southern Cal All-American Ryan Kalil with the 59th pick, which was obtained in a trade earlier in the day from the New York Jets.Carolina might have opted to take a defensive end -- a clear need -- at that spot, but a run on the position thinned out the available candidates. Other teams chose defensive ends with four of the five picks preceding Carolina's selection.Kalil was clearly the best player at any position available, so the Panthers chose him and thus strengthened their offensive line. The move could mean center Justin Hartwig, signed to a lucrative free agent contract last year, could be moved to guard. Kalil also showed at the Senior Bowl he's capable of playing guard.ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. lauded Carolina's selection and predicted Kalil would become an elite center.Most mock drafts had Kalil getting drafted much sooner than 59th, with some predicting he'd be selected late in the first round.Coach John Fox said the Panthers had a first-round grade on Kalil and that the team would try him first at the center position.Kalil said he told Fox he wasn't disappointed and that "if dropping to the second round is the worst thing that ever happens in my life, I think I'll be all right."Kalil also could provide an unusual element as the Panthers' offensive line tries to develop harmony: He's a huge fan of singer Frank Sinatra and used to croon Sinatra tunes in Southern Cal huddles.Kalil said he was thrilled to be joining the Panthers."I can't wait to come in and help contribute to a Super Bowl," he said.Kalil's father, Frank, played center in the USFL and the younger Kalil said he grew up hoping to follow in his dad's footsteps.Asked if he'd ever envisioned playing another position, Kalil said he used to throw passes as a youngster "but when those balls started hitting the ground, those dreams were over with."Now, he'll have a chance to be the man who snaps the ball to the Panthers' quarterbacks.

Credit to the Observer again. Looks like Hartwig will make the move.

 

[BassNBrew]

NOTABLE PROPOSAL FROM CLEVELANDPanthers had pick of tradesBefore deciding on deal with Jets, Carolina considered several offersSTAN OLSONsolson@charlotteobserver.com The Carolina Panthers had thought about trading down in the first round of Saturday's NFL Draft all week.Saturday, they did just that, giving the New York Jets their No. 14 slot and a sixth-round pick (191 overall) in exchange for the Jets' 25th first-round spot, a second-round selection (59) and a fifth-round choice (164)."Really coming in we had a scenario where we thought it was a likelihood that we would do what we did; trade back and try to get an extra pick on the first day," said Carolina general manager Marty Hurney.The trade came at the last minute, with the Panthers already on the clock at 14. They had waited in hopes that a player they liked might fall to them, perhaps linebacker Patrick Willis, wide receiver/kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. or defensive end Jamaal Anderson.All were taken, so the Panthers pulled the trigger with the Jets."Certainly if there are guys who fall or are there who you don't think will be there you might do something differently," Hurney said."(Because of that) we decided to wait until today and we got closer to our pick."There were other offers, most notably from Cleveland. The Browns eventually swapped Dallas a second-round pick (36 overall) and their first-round selection in 2008 in order to move up to 22nd and take quarterback Brady Quinn.The Browns' offer to Carolina was "a similar trade to the one they finally did," said Panthers coach John Fox.Carolina, though, needed help at a number of positions."When it got to be our pick, we got a couple calls but the Jets were the most attractive one and so we made the move," Hurney said. "We had talked to them several times (during the week), and it was an easy decision."Making it easy was the fact that the Panthers believed their draft board would still be crowded with value players at No. 25. Carolina used the pick on Miami linebacker Jon Beason, but it was a tough call."We felt there were a lot of players that would be in that area and could help us," Hurney said. "Like anything, you prioritize; you put in order where you want to take guys. Obviously Jon was a guy we thought was the best fit in that spot."I think this draft was an attractive one to do what we did. Really by the time we got to our pick, there was still a large group that we would have been happy to have."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some insight on the trade.

 

[H.K.]

Kalil seems like the best value, but we never know how draft classes will pan out - most NFL teams don't either -but I like what the Panthers did.

They took a group of guys who are football players, not combine heroes. Hopefully they can contribute right away, of course, Beason may have to...

.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Based on what I've seen so far, I trust that the brass has a plan for the safety position.

Agree, draft full of values. Really like Johnson as Rucker's long term replacement. Interested to see how many second day picks they make at safety. I'm not convinced of the plan yet. Couple good ones left to be had though.

 

[simey]

i think the cats did really well yesterday. i'd like to see them draft gattis from wake forest today if he falls to them. he is a very good safety. i'm sure there are some other good safeties left as well, also some could be released from teams in the next month or two. the panthers have a 4th round pick, two 5th round picks, and a 7th left. hopefully they will find some jewels in those rounds. i'm not that concernced with the TE position. right now the panthers have gaines, seidman, and king (who they drafted last year). there are also TE's they could get via free agency such as Doug Jolley, and also some could be released from teams. also the new offensive coordinator is suppose to be very good with TE's, and he has said he wants the TE to get more involved in the passing game this year, so i assume they have some options in mind for what they have now, and for what they could possibly get.

 

[Jayrok]

I was skeptical on the Beason pick, but I like his comments about always wanting to be a Panther since he heard their philosophy on player character. I also think Jarrett was too good to pass up at that point in the 2nd.

The best selection may turn out to be Kalil in the long run, but maybe the other guys will pan out nicely to help the cats get back to the SB. I wasn't happy at first, but now think the Panthers did pretty well yesterday. Hopefully today they address the other defensive issues, and maybe find a decent TE later on.

 

[beto]

great draft. thanks for the reading material

 

[Wheelhouse]

Interviews with each pick

OLB Jon Beason 25th overall

WR Dwayne Jarrett 45th overall

C Ryan Kalil 59th overall

DE Charles Johnson 83rd overall

Highlights from the interviews...

Jon Beason: On when he first got the sense the Panthers were interested: We have Pro Day at the University of Miami, and their coach came in and wanted to do a quick interview, and it ended up being a 45-minute interview. We were talking football. They told me that they're big on character, and they just want great people. That was the sense I got and that's why I developed a dream of playing for Carolina.

Dwayne Jarrett: On what he knows about the Panthers: I definitely watch them, especially with Keyshawn (Johnson) and Steve Smith being there. That's two outstanding receivers. The offense you run is definitely balanced. I just can't wait to get out there.

Ryan Kalil: On what he was told when he got the call that he was being picked: They told me they never imagined I would drop that far. They were really happy when their pick came and I was still there. I was just really excited to find out where the next part of my life was going to be, and I couldn't be happier that I'm going to Charlotte.

Charles Johnson: On what he knows about the Panthers: I know a couple of things because of Thomas Davis and I have a couple of teammates at Georgia who are from Charlotte.

 

[simey]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

 

[BassNBrew]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Still like Colbert???Wow Jake will have some speed on the field this year. We'll need it to catch up with only one safety on the field.

 

[simey]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Still like Colbert???Wow Jake will have some speed on the field this year. We'll need it to catch up with only one safety on the field.

I don't dislike Colbert. Do you still think the Panthers OC hire was an atrocious one?Anyway, the Panthers still can draft a good S. Gattis is still available. One can be released too from another team.

 

[Wheelhouse]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

 

[NCCommish]

I am mixed on this draft. I know we have supposedly made out on value and that's cool. But I feel like we had some real chances to add a true impact player and didn't. I guess I am still hung up on the need for a productive pass catching TE and I am really concerned about Safety.

So far I would say Kalil is our best value pick, surprised he was there myself, and he could be an instant starter. I know LT is supposed to be the golden spot on the line but a great center means as much IMO and I think Kalil could be very good if not great.

Well I guess we'll see in the next couple of rounds.

 

[Jene Bramel]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

Gattis would be lovely in Carolina.

 

[Yenrub]

I really like what the Panthers have done. I would like to see them grab a saftey as a replacement for Minter.

I am a Giants fan but live in NC, so I like to see them do well (except when they play the G-men of course)

 

[NCCommish]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

Gattis seems likek a smart kid but isn't he more likely a special teams guy and backup at the NFL level? I don't see him as a starting Safety per se. Of course I guess it comes down to how coachable he truly is.

 

[Jene Bramel]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

Gattis seems likek a smart kid but isn't he more likely a special teams guy and backup at the NFL level? I don't see him as a starting Safety per se. Of course I guess it comes down to how coachable he truly is.

Not great in coverage but could be a Gibril Wilson type player. Decent in the box with some ability in coverage. Michael Johnson and Melvin Bullitt might be nice...Kevin Payne, John Wendling (maybe). This team needs at least two and possible four safeties rostered before 2008, though, so let the dart throwing begin....

 

[Wheelhouse]

Carolina has two 5th round picks now? Did they make a trade, because I don't recall them having pick 18 in the 5th round as well as pick 27?

 

[NCCommish]

Carolina has two 5th round picks now? Did they make a trade, because I don't recall them having pick 18 in the 5th round as well as pick 27?

I think it was part of the trade down deal.

 

[simey]

Carolina has two 5th round picks now? Did they make a trade, because I don't recall them having pick 18 in the 5th round as well as pick 27?

the panthers already had pick 18th in the 5th round, and pick 27 came from the Jets trade. the panthers gave the jets their 6th round pick, and the jets gave that pick to Green Bay.

 

[BassNBrew]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

Gattis seems likek a smart kid but isn't he more likely a special teams guy and backup at the NFL level? I don't see him as a starting Safety per se. Of course I guess it comes down to how coachable he truly is.

Not great in coverage but could be a Gibril Wilson type player. Decent in the box with some ability in coverage. Michael Johnson and Melvin Bullitt might be nice...Kevin Payne, John Wendling (maybe). This team needs at least two and possible four safeties rostered before 2008, though, so let the dart throwing begin....

I'd like them rostered in 2007 otherwise it will be a long year.

 

[Wheelhouse]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

Gattis seems likek a smart kid but isn't he more likely a special teams guy and backup at the NFL level? I don't see him as a starting Safety per se. Of course I guess it comes down to how coachable he truly is.

Well, it's pretty clear we need a safety. If not local boy Gattis, then who else projects as a good player down the road - maybe not now, but with experience can be good - type of safety?

 

[BassNBrew]

I am mixed on this draft. I know we have supposedly made out on value and that's cool. But I feel like we had some real chances to add a true impact player and didn't. I guess I am still hung up on the need for a productive pass catching TE and I am really concerned about Safety. So far I would say Kalil is our best value pick, surprised he was there myself, and he could be an instant starter. I know LT is supposed to be the golden spot on the line but a great center means as much IMO and I think Kalil could be very good if not great.Well I guess we'll see in the next couple of rounds.

Who's the impact player you wanted? Olsen can't/hasn't blocked. With SS/Key/Carter/Jarrett Delhomme has plenty of targets. What we need is a run game to bring the safeties up. A non-blocking TE doesn't help this team.

 

[NCCommish]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

Gattis seems likek a smart kid but isn't he more likely a special teams guy and backup at the NFL level? I don't see him as a starting Safety per se. Of course I guess it comes down to how coachable he truly is.

Well, it's pretty clear we need a safety. If not local boy Gattis, then who else projects as a good player down the road - maybe not now, but with experience can be good - type of safety?

To be honest I think the Panthers think they will grab a player after June 1st for this spot. I don't see any other way to explain them not pulling the trigger earlier. At this point all the safeties left have some weaknesses that make them less than ideal starters IMO. Of course I may be wrong there may well be a diamond in the rough here. Like I said Gattis seems like a smart kid and supposedly has a good work ethic but he isn't a top end guy.Still pining for a TE and Patrick is still available.

 

[Wheelhouse]

How about John Wendling, Safety Wyoming? - ESPN Insder profile

John Wendling

S | (6'1", 222, 4.48) | WYOMING

Strengths: Possesses an outstanding combination of size and straight-line speed. He is thickly built and fills hard versus the run. Shows good closing burst when coming forward. Also can make up some ground when the ball is in the air. He diagnoses plays quickly and shows above average ball skills. A natural playmaker that also seems to come up with clutch plays in crucial situations. Very good starting experience. Has shown good durability throughout his career. He has developed into a leader on and off the field.

Weaknesses: Comes from the mid-major level of competition. Is somewhat stiff in the hips and lacks ideal athletic ability. Shows great speed on a straight-line, but struggles to change directions fluidly in space. He's big but he doesn't play as big as his size would indicate. He is not an explosive striker. He will take some poor angles in run support, which leads to him lunging and missing tackles in space. He also needs to improve his technique as a tackler. He lowers his head too often and seems to be a concussion waiting to happen.

Overall: Wendling was redshirted in 2002 before playing in all 12 games (one start) in 2003 and registering 17 total tackles, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and two blocked kicks. In 2004, he started all 12 games and finished the season with 89 total tackles, three interceptions, six pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. Wendling started all 11 games in 2005, recording 75 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, three interceptions, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He started all 12 games in 2006, registering 78 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries returning one for a touchdown. Wendling also rushed six fake punts for 119 yards and returned 11 kicks for 202 yards, helping him earn first team All-Mountain West accolades as a senior.

Wendling's combination of size and straight-line speed are outstanding. He also impresses with his instincts and leadership. However, he is a bit of an enigma because he doesn't play as physical as his "measurables" would indicate. While Wendling is a good athlete for his size, he's only a decent athlete for the type of "finesse" game he plays by NFL standards. He does not show the explosive power or toughness to make a successful transition to outside linebacker and he has just decent fluidity for a true safety. His lack of experience in man-to-man coverage is also concerning. Overall, while his upside is intriguing, we're not convinced Wendling is worth drafting before Day 2.

 

[NCCommish]

I am mixed on this draft. I know we have supposedly made out on value and that's cool. But I feel like we had some real chances to add a true impact player and didn't. I guess I am still hung up on the need for a productive pass catching TE and I am really concerned about Safety. So far I would say Kalil is our best value pick, surprised he was there myself, and he could be an instant starter. I know LT is supposed to be the golden spot on the line but a great center means as much IMO and I think Kalil could be very good if not great.Well I guess we'll see in the next couple of rounds.

Who's the impact player you wanted? Olsen can't/hasn't blocked. With SS/Key/Carter/Jarrett Delhomme has plenty of targets. What we need is a run game to bring the safeties up. A non-blocking TE doesn't help this team.

I think you can teach blocking. I think we could have definitely had an impact safety if we wanted one. I don't know though. I just haven't seen the pick makes me excited as a fan.

 

[Jene Bramel]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Ryne Robinson had 7 TD's on kick/punt returns in college. He's a Terrence Wilkins type of guy. Not a bad pick at all, IMO. Here's hoping Josh Gattis is available for round 5.

Gattis seems likek a smart kid but isn't he more likely a special teams guy and backup at the NFL level? I don't see him as a starting Safety per se. Of course I guess it comes down to how coachable he truly is.

Not great in coverage but could be a Gibril Wilson type player. Decent in the box with some ability in coverage. Michael Johnson and Melvin Bullitt might be nice...Kevin Payne, John Wendling (maybe). This team needs at least two and possible four safeties rostered before 2008, though, so let the dart throwing begin....

I'd like them rostered in 2007 otherwise it will be a long year.

No question. Cooper/Minter is ugly.

 

[NCCommish]

How about John Wendling, Safety Wyoming? - ESPN Insder profile

John Wendling

S | (6'1", 222, 4.48) | WYOMING

Strengths: Possesses an outstanding combination of size and straight-line speed. He is thickly built and fills hard versus the run. Shows good closing burst when coming forward. Also can make up some ground when the ball is in the air. He diagnoses plays quickly and shows above average ball skills. A natural playmaker that also seems to come up with clutch plays in crucial situations. Very good starting experience. Has shown good durability throughout his career. He has developed into a leader on and off the field.

Weaknesses: Comes from the mid-major level of competition. Is somewhat stiff in the hips and lacks ideal athletic ability. Shows great speed on a straight-line, but struggles to change directions fluidly in space. He's big but he doesn't play as big as his size would indicate. He is not an explosive striker. He will take some poor angles in run support, which leads to him lunging and missing tackles in space. He also needs to improve his technique as a tackler. He lowers his head too often and seems to be a concussion waiting to happen.

Overall: Wendling was redshirted in 2002 before playing in all 12 games (one start) in 2003 and registering 17 total tackles, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and two blocked kicks. In 2004, he started all 12 games and finished the season with 89 total tackles, three interceptions, six pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. Wendling started all 11 games in 2005, recording 75 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, three interceptions, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He started all 12 games in 2006, registering 78 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries returning one for a touchdown. Wendling also rushed six fake punts for 119 yards and returned 11 kicks for 202 yards, helping him earn first team All-Mountain West accolades as a senior.

Wendling's combination of size and straight-line speed are outstanding. He also impresses with his instincts and leadership. However, he is a bit of an enigma because he doesn't play as physical as his "measurables" would indicate. While Wendling is a good athlete for his size, he's only a decent athlete for the type of "finesse" game he plays by NFL standards. He does not show the explosive power or toughness to make a successful transition to outside linebacker and he has just decent fluidity for a true safety. His lack of experience in man-to-man coverage is also concerning. Overall, while his upside is intriguing, we're not convinced Wendling is worth drafting before Day 2.

Like Gattis a guy you hope is coachable but more likely a starter at safety I guess.

 

[BassNBrew]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Still like Colbert???Wow Jake will have some speed on the field this year. We'll need it to catch up with only one safety on the field.

Do you still think the Panthers OC hire was an atrocious one?

Yup, the mistake from the lake...I've heard more rumbles that Henning was just the scape goat. Fox had the reigns on that conservative playbook. I can't recall anything coming out of Clevland that didn't have a stench on it.

 

[NCCommish]

in the 4th they picked up Ryne Robinson (WR) from Miami (OH). this is good for the panthers special teams, since he is very good at punt returning. i think the panthers were interested in Ginn for this very reason, and they missed out on him, but still managed to get a very good returner, and he is a good WR too.

Still like Colbert???Wow Jake will have some speed on the field this year. We'll need it to catch up with only one safety on the field.

Do you still think the Panthers OC hire was an atrocious one?

Yup, the mistake from the lake...I've heard more rumbles that Henning was just the scape goat. Fox had the reigns on that conservative playbook. I can't recall anything coming out of Clevland that didn't have a stench on it.

Yeah Henning took the blame for stuff that wasn't his fault.

 

[Wheelhouse]

Del Rio just took Gattis. So much for that guy

 

[Wheelhouse]

Carolina must be looking at FA for a safety, because they still didn't go there...

Per ESPN Insider...

Dante Rosario

FB/TE | (6'3", 244, 4.78) | OREGON

Scouts Grade: 51

Strengths: Possesses good athletic ability, shows good burst coming out of cuts and has the potential to develop into a crisp short-to-intermediate route-runner. Shows good focus while the ball is in the air, has good body control and rarely drops passes that should catch. Is tall enough to compete for jump balls and can use frame to shield defenders from the ball so is capable of developing into a productive red zone target. Takes adequate angles to blocks, plays under control in space and can adjust to the moving target at the second level. Shows good balance and flashes the ability to sustain blocks once in position. Has experience lining up at fullback and is versatile. Recruited to play linebacker, can cover kicks and should make an early impact on special teams.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size for an in-line blocker and will need to sign with a team that utilizes H-Backs to be truly effective. Doesn't have the lower body strength to drive defenders off the ball and isn't big enough to engulf them at the point of attack. Doesn't show a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and isn't going to stretch defenses or go the distance when gets a seam.

Overall: Rosario began his career at fullback where as a true freshman in 2003 he carried 17 times for 55 yards (3.2 average), ran for one touchdown, and also caught 12 passes for 131 yards (10.9 average) and two receiving touchdowns. In 2004, he again lined up at fullback, carrying 10 times for 29 yards with one touchdown, and making 25 receptions for 278 yards (11.1 average) and six touchdowns. Rosario was switched to a tight end / H-Back role in 2005, when he played in all 12 games and caught 15 passes for 168 yards (11.2 average), and one touchdown. In 2006, he played in all 13 games, making 11 starts, and caught 42 passes for 426 yards (10.1 average) and one touchdown while earning All-PAC-10 honorable mention accolades.

Rosario isn't big enough to hold his own as an in-line blocker and his lack of speed limits his potential but he has the athletic ability and hands to develop into a quality NFL reserve. His versatility as an H-back that can fill in at tight end and fullback, while also contributing on special teams, gives Rosario value in the late rounds.

 

[BassNBrew]

When was Lhucks hired into our scouting department???

 

[NCCommish]

So they finally take a TE and it's this guy?

 

[NCCommish]

Argh!

 

[BassNBrew]

Dante Rosario

FB/TE | (6'3", 244, 4.78) | OREGON

Scouts Grade: 51

About the only impact I see this guy making is my son using him on 2 pt conversions after Smith scores another TD on his Madden game.

 

[BassNBrew]

So they finally take a TE and it's this guy?

6'3", 225 lb....do the Cats have open tryouts cause I could give him a run for the money after a couple of big meals.

 

[NCCommish]

Dante Rosario

FB/TE | (6'3", 244, 4.78) | OREGON

Scouts Grade: 51

About the only impact I see this guy making is my son using him on 2 pt conversions after Smith scores another TD on his Madden game.

Oh. Well then not a totally wasted pick.

 

[NCCommish]

So they finally take a TE and it's this guy?

6'3", 225 lb....do the Cats have open tryouts cause I could give him a run for the money after a couple of big meals.

I know someone that officiates at camp most years I'll see if I can get you in.

 

[BassNBrew]

Argh!

There you go Simey...Davidson's first impact and he almost sent our gb NCC to the hospital.

 

[NCCommish]

Argh!

There you go Simey...Davidson's first impact and he almost sent our gb NCC to the hospital.

 

[Bruno2]

Living in Eugene, I've seen alot of Rosario, and I'm surprised he went this high. I thought he'd get some looks as an undrafted free agent like Oregon's starting TE last year, Tim Day, who I thought was a better player than Dante. The thing about Rosario is, he's a great athlete, but is very raw and needs alot of coaching and development on the next level. In his time at U of O he never distinguished himself as a reliable target in Gary Crowton's spread offense, its hard to say if he was under-utilized or if he simply isn't that great of a TE. To his credit, he seems to be a good kid and should work hard for the Panthers, couple that with his athletic ability hopefully he'll make the squad, I'll be rooting for him.

 

[Colin Dowling]

B+ draft so far....taking Olsen in Round 1 would have been beter.

(THey're having a very solid draft)

 

[Wheelhouse]

Living in Eugene, I've seen alot of Rosario, and I'm surprised he went this high. I thought he'd get some looks as an undrafted free agent like Oregon's starting TE last year, Tim Day, who I thought was a better player than Dante. The thing about Rosario is, he's a great athlete, but is very raw and needs alot of coaching and development on the next level. In his time at U of O he never distinguished himself as a reliable target in Gary Crowton's spread offense, its hard to say if he was under-utilized or if he simply isn't that great of a TE. To his credit, he seems to be a good kid and should work hard for the Panthers, couple that with his athletic ability hopefully he'll make the squad, I'll be rooting for him.

good post. I think it's safe to say Rosario won't be a pass-catching TE, but more of a blocking TE that can also play the FB role. Is it a bad pick? Meh. It's an extra pick that they didn't have going into the draft, but I would've rather seen them grab a guy like this late. We'll see what happens.

 

[NCCommish]

B+ draft so far....taking Olsen in Round 1 would have been beter. (THey're having a very solid draft)

Seems like a fair grade to me. The last pick dragged it down from an A-

 

[NCCommish]

Living in Eugene, I've seen alot of Rosario, and I'm surprised he went this high. I thought he'd get some looks as an undrafted free agent like Oregon's starting TE last year, Tim Day, who I thought was a better player than Dante. The thing about Rosario is, he's a great athlete, but is very raw and needs alot of coaching and development on the next level. In his time at U of O he never distinguished himself as a reliable target in Gary Crowton's spread offense, its hard to say if he was under-utilized or if he simply isn't that great of a TE. To his credit, he seems to be a good kid and should work hard for the Panthers, couple that with his athletic ability hopefully he'll make the squad, I'll be rooting for him.

good post. I think it's safe to say Rosario won't be a pass-catching TE, but more of a blocking TE that can also play the FB role. Is it a bad pick? Meh. It's an extra pick that they didn't have going into the draft, but I would've rather seen them grab a guy like this late. We'll see what happens.

Unless he bulks up I don't see him as much of a blocker.

 

[simey]

Yup, the mistake from the lake...I've heard more rumbles that Henning was just the scape goat. Fox had the reigns on that conservative playbook. I can't recall anything coming out of Clevland that didn't have a stench on it.

I don't think it's fair to judge him based on his stint at Cleveland. He was put in a bad situation with a bad team. He did very well with the Patriots as offensive line and TE's coach. He learned under Charlie Weis, who was a excellent OC. I look forward to seeing the changes he will make with the offense.