Wasn't able to be around yesterday and completely missed this thread. Lived in Charlotte for about 6 years until last September, and still have many, many friends there that follow the team closely, some of whom know players and interact with them. There's a lot of buzz, as I'm sure there is around all the other teams, that doesn't necessarily hit the news - even local radio.
There's been speculation in Charlotte from the coaching staff that DW has lost a step. Maybe not a full step, but that he's not quite the same player he was before. There's also been talk that the team is looking for someone to step up next to him to take a chunk of the rushing load if Stew isn't healthy and ready to go. I've heard the phrase "Tolbert and/or another RB will be a lot more involved than people think." There's even been articles in the Charlotte paper that Tolbert is excited about getting back to running the football, and "broken promises" from Chud when he was signed.
So, I'd pump the brakes on elevating DW too high in drafts until we see the Thursday dress rehearsal, especially if Tolbert suits up.
As for Barner - I'm pretty confident Poole has solidified himself on the depth chart ahead of Barner. He's the darkhorse I'd be keeping an eye on past DW and Tolbert, not Barner.
Finally, whiel Chudzinski is gone, I'd point out that the team elevated Shula to OC in order to "maintain continuity" for the offense. Many, if not most, Carolina fans wanted them to hire Hue Jackson, but Gettleman was basically offering 1-year deals as he's not tieing himself to anyone on this coaching staff. Shula's been criticized in the past as being far too conservative as an OC, and through the first two pre-season games, I've seen little to dissuade that notion. Add to that the fact that the O-line is a complete mess right now (Silatolu has struggled this preseason, Kigbula can't get healthy, and Garry Williams defines replacement level player, not to mention the atricious play of RT Byron Bell. So you've got a weak o-line, an OC lacking creativity, essentially a lame-duck coach in Rivera, and whispers and rumors that DW has lost a step (not to mention the
$8M pay cut he received as part of restructuring his contract) and the team will involve Tolbert and others more than anyone anticipates.
I own Stewart in a dynasty, and I'd love to see him get healthy as there's basically nothing I can do with him right now, but it is what it is. I'm just no so sure DW is the answer some guys seem to think he'll be. Tolbert may be the cheapest insurance policy you can find, and I wouldn't be shocked if he ended up more valuable due to his goalline status (team has said they don't want Cam running as much at the stripe) and his receiving prowess -- he wasn't too bad a runner his last year in SD either.
Just my 2 cents.
