****The 2019 Carolina Panthers Thread**** We Rhule At Losing (1 Viewer)

[Englishteacher]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

 

[NCCommish]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

 

[stbugs]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

Yeah, but again, how can you talk about the WR squad before the draft? It is pretty silly. If we come out of the draft with this squad, then yes, our offense is in the ####ter this year.

ETA: Especially silly considering this is supposed to be the year with so much talent and depth at the WR position.

 

[Faust]

Alex Hall, ex-CFL standout, signs deal with Panthers

 

[Faust]

Pressure is on Panthers’ Olsen, Williams

 

[The Commish]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

I think his comments make clearer the flow (or lack thereof) of information in the organization. He probably doesn't say a word if the front office sits down with the team and tells them they have a plan and not to worry.

 

[Slapdash]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

It also isn't that big of difference at this point. Everyone could see that the entire unit struggled, the biggest loss is probably Ginn.

 

[NCCommish]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

It also isn't that big of difference at this point. Everyone could see that the entire unit struggled, the biggest loss is probably Ginn.

No the biggest loss is Smith. Underwood can be Ginn. None of these guys can even be the slowed down Smitty.

 

[NCCommish]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

Yeah, but again, how can you talk about the WR squad before the draft? It is pretty silly. If we come out of the draft with this squad, then yes, our offense is in the ####ter this year.

ETA: Especially silly considering this is supposed to be the year with so much talent and depth at the WR position.

We are all supposed to be FF players here right? Then we should all know there are very few wideouts that are all that productive year one. And that there are a fair number of busts taken. You can't count on very many of these guys making the jump to full time starter this year. And everyone we have brought in was a number 3 or 4 on their teams this year.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers Spotlight

 

[stbugs]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

Yeah, but again, how can you talk about the WR squad before the draft? It is pretty silly. If we come out of the draft with this squad, then yes, our offense is in the ####ter this year.

ETA: Especially silly considering this is supposed to be the year with so much talent and depth at the WR position.

We are all supposed to be FF players here right? Then we should all know there are very few wideouts that are all that productive year one. And that there are a fair number of busts taken. You can't count on very many of these guys making the jump to full time starter this year. And everyone we have brought in was a number 3 or 4 on their teams this year.

Correct, but we aren't talking about stud day one. Smith had 64-745-4, LaFell had 49-627-5 and Ginn had 36-556-5.

As I mentioned above, I think they are likely looking at 2014 as a lost year. They don't want to say that, but Newton having that surgery when it seems like he has had it for a long time, i.e. if they weren't in salary cap hell they might have foregone that. I think they are trying to get out of those RB contracts and be in a good position and find some young WRs that in 2015/2016 are solid guys. This is the draft class to do it and guys like Underwood/McNutt/King might show something.

Even with that said, there are a few rookie WRs that I think could easily post Smith's numbers and I don't think it is a stretch to think that Cotchery, Underwood, Avant and the rest could replace LaFell and Ginn. I think in 2014, if they pick the right WR at 1.28, they have a very good shot at having as good as WR corps as they did in 2013 and have a very good shot at having a much better one in 2015/2016.

 

[NCCommish]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

Yeah, but again, how can you talk about the WR squad before the draft? It is pretty silly. If we come out of the draft with this squad, then yes, our offense is in the ####ter this year.

ETA: Especially silly considering this is supposed to be the year with so much talent and depth at the WR position.

We are all supposed to be FF players here right? Then we should all know there are very few wideouts that are all that productive year one. And that there are a fair number of busts taken. You can't count on very many of these guys making the jump to full time starter this year. And everyone we have brought in was a number 3 or 4 on their teams this year.

Correct, but we aren't talking about stud day one. Smith had 64-745-4, LaFell had 49-627-5 and Ginn had 36-556-5.

As I mentioned above, I think they are likely looking at 2014 as a lost year. They don't want to say that, but Newton having that surgery when it seems like he has had it for a long time, i.e. if they weren't in salary cap hell they might have foregone that. I think they are trying to get out of those RB contracts and be in a good position and find some young WRs that in 2015/2016 are solid guys. This is the draft class to do it and guys like Underwood/McNutt/King might show something.

Even with that said, there are a few rookie WRs that I think could easily post Smith's numbers and I don't think it is a stretch to think that Cotchery, Underwood, Avant and the rest could replace LaFell and Ginn. I think in 2014, if they pick the right WR at 1.28, they have a very good shot at having as good as WR corps as they did in 2013 and have a very good shot at having a much better one in 2015/2016.

With you on that.

 

[NCCommish]

Another WR down. We cut RJ Webb. You may remember him as a tryout player that spent the season on IR. We hardly knew him and now he's gone.

 

[stbugs]

Another WR down. We cut RJ Webb. You may remember him as a tryout player that spent the season on IR. We hardly knew him and now he's gone.

LOL, never even heard of him.

 

[NCCommish]

Another WR down. We cut RJ Webb. You may remember him as a tryout player that spent the season on IR. We hardly knew him and now he's gone.

LOL, never even heard of him.

Every once in a while he gets a mention with McNutt and King.

 

[NCCommish]

So our friendly neighborhood ESPN reporter, Mr.Newton, is back at it. After spending all this time telling us how replacing our deficient WR corps with an even more deficient WR corps was a win now he wants to say our TE's should be worried by the lack of receiver talent. I an growing to hate this ###.

 

[stbugs]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

Yeah, but again, how can you talk about the WR squad before the draft? It is pretty silly. If we come out of the draft with this squad, then yes, our offense is in the ####ter this year.

ETA: Especially silly considering this is supposed to be the year with so much talent and depth at the WR position.

We are all supposed to be FF players here right? Then we should all know there are very few wideouts that are all that productive year one. And that there are a fair number of busts taken. You can't count on very many of these guys making the jump to full time starter this year. And everyone we have brought in was a number 3 or 4 on their teams this year.

Correct, but we aren't talking about stud day one. Smith had 64-745-4, LaFell had 49-627-5 and Ginn had 36-556-5.

As I mentioned above, I think they are likely looking at 2014 as a lost year. They don't want to say that, but Newton having that surgery when it seems like he has had it for a long time, i.e. if they weren't in salary cap hell they might have foregone that. I think they are trying to get out of those RB contracts and be in a good position and find some young WRs that in 2015/2016 are solid guys. This is the draft class to do it and guys like Underwood/McNutt/King might show something.

Even with that said, there are a few rookie WRs that I think could easily post Smith's numbers and I don't think it is a stretch to think that Cotchery, Underwood, Avant and the rest could replace LaFell and Ginn. I think in 2014, if they pick the right WR at 1.28, they have a very good shot at having as good as WR corps as they did in 2013 and have a very good shot at having a much better one in 2015/2016.

With you on that.

Have there been any statements (I am assuming not) that have alluded to the fact that they seem to be taking their salary cap medicine this year? Again, not sure they would say it, but their actions speak pretty loudly and I wonder if they have let anything slip.

 

[NCCommish]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

Yeah, but again, how can you talk about the WR squad before the draft? It is pretty silly. If we come out of the draft with this squad, then yes, our offense is in the ####ter this year.

ETA: Especially silly considering this is supposed to be the year with so much talent and depth at the WR position.

We are all supposed to be FF players here right? Then we should all know there are very few wideouts that are all that productive year one. And that there are a fair number of busts taken. You can't count on very many of these guys making the jump to full time starter this year. And everyone we have brought in was a number 3 or 4 on their teams this year.

Correct, but we aren't talking about stud day one. Smith had 64-745-4, LaFell had 49-627-5 and Ginn had 36-556-5.

As I mentioned above, I think they are likely looking at 2014 as a lost year. They don't want to say that, but Newton having that surgery when it seems like he has had it for a long time, i.e. if they weren't in salary cap hell they might have foregone that. I think they are trying to get out of those RB contracts and be in a good position and find some young WRs that in 2015/2016 are solid guys. This is the draft class to do it and guys like Underwood/McNutt/King might show something.

Even with that said, there are a few rookie WRs that I think could easily post Smith's numbers and I don't think it is a stretch to think that Cotchery, Underwood, Avant and the rest could replace LaFell and Ginn. I think in 2014, if they pick the right WR at 1.28, they have a very good shot at having as good as WR corps as they did in 2013 and have a very good shot at having a much better one in 2015/2016.

With you on that.

Have there been any statements (I am assuming not) that have alluded to the fact that they seem to be taking their salary cap medicine this year? Again, not sure they would say it, but their actions speak pretty loudly and I wonder if they have let anything slip.

No and they never will. Jerry is still upset about the grief he got last time he tried to clear all the cap space at once. Apparently being called cheap really gets to him.

 

[The Commish]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

 

[solorca]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

I think people are reading too much into that statement. There are ALWAYS player cuts due to how they mesh with the team. The only people who think this is some kind of dig on Smith are people who are trying to stir something up (ahem - Darin Gantt).

 

[NCCommish]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

Still making excuses. Guy went to his new team and said I know I am not a number 1 receiver. I know I will have a reduced role. The same guy who was begging for a receiver to be drafted or signed that could move him into the slot and reduced role for the last two years. I don't buy the distraction stuff I think he was too honest for them on his radio show personally.

 

[NCCommish]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

I think people are reading too much into that statement. There are ALWAYS player cuts due to how they mesh with the team. The only people who think this is some kind of dig on Smith are people who are trying to stir something up (ahem - Darin Gantt).

This article also says it was a shot at Smitty,

 

[solorca]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

I think people are reading too much into that statement. There are ALWAYS player cuts due to how they mesh with the team. The only people who think this is some kind of dig on Smith are people who are trying to stir something up (ahem - Darin Gantt).

This article also says it was a shot at Smitty,

Right, because it's a writers job to stir up controversy and get people to read their article. Do you think people would car about a Ron Rivera interview about a Pit Crew if they didn't try to add a little drama?

 

[NCCommish]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

I think people are reading too much into that statement. There are ALWAYS player cuts due to how they mesh with the team. The only people who think this is some kind of dig on Smith are people who are trying to stir something up (ahem - Darin Gantt).

This article also says it was a shot at Smitty,

Right, because it's a writers job to stir up controversy and get people to read their article. Do you think people would car about a Ron Rivera interview about a Pit Crew if they didn't try to add a little drama?

I would. Not a big fan of Mr.Newton or his reporting I should say. But everyone who read that story and apparently the person that wrote it took at as a shot at Smitty.

 

[The Commish]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

I think people are reading too much into that statement. There are ALWAYS player cuts due to how they mesh with the team. The only people who think this is some kind of dig on Smith are people who are trying to stir something up (ahem - Darin Gantt).

Not sure I follow....who else on the team left that fits this characterization according to them? I haven't read anything Gantt has said....this came from Newton. Are you suggestion that he could be talking about Ginn, Gross, La Fell etc??

 

[solorca]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

I think people are reading too much into that statement. There are ALWAYS player cuts due to how they mesh with the team. The only people who think this is some kind of dig on Smith are people who are trying to stir something up (ahem - Darin Gantt).

Not sure I follow....who else on the team left that fits this characterization according to them? I haven't read anything Gantt has said....this came from Newton. Are you suggestion that he could be talking about Ginn, Gross, La Fell etc??

It could be anyone. The team cuts players all the time, and for any number of reasons. RJ Webb was just cut the other day, maybe it was about him? As fans, we don't know what goes on behind the scenes...we don't know who does and doesn't mesh with the rest of the guys.

The only reason that people are making a big deal out of this is because Newton (and in turn, Gantt) decided to turn it into a story, reading into it. Maybe it was about Smith...more likely, it was just a generic statement about players in general.\

 

[The Commish]

Not sure what Ron's deal is, but he needs to let it go. He got what he wanted. Smitty's gone. MOVE ON! You're not doing anything but pissing off Panther fans.

“This guy may jack the car up a 10th of a second faster, but he doesn’t work as well together with others,” Rivera said via David Newton of ESPN.com, “while this guy may be a 10th of a second slower, yet he works well with everybody. We’re the same way. It’s about, ‘How does this guy fit in the locker room?’”

I think people are reading too much into that statement. There are ALWAYS player cuts due to how they mesh with the team. The only people who think this is some kind of dig on Smith are people who are trying to stir something up (ahem - Darin Gantt).

Not sure I follow....who else on the team left that fits this characterization according to them? I haven't read anything Gantt has said....this came from Newton. Are you suggestion that he could be talking about Ginn, Gross, La Fell etc??

It could be anyone. The team cuts players all the time, and for any number of reasons. RJ Webb was just cut the other day, maybe it was about him? As fans, we don't know what goes on behind the scenes...we don't know who does and doesn't mesh with the rest of the guys.

The only reason that people are making a big deal out of this is because Newton (and in turn, Gantt) decided to turn it into a story, reading into it. Maybe it was about Smith...more likely, it was just a generic statement about players in general.\

No offense, but this seems to be a significant case of willful ignorance. You have to ignore Smith's history with this team, the recent comments from management and Smith's comments on the radio to believe any/all of this.

 

[Slapdash]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

It also isn't that big of difference at this point. Everyone could see that the entire unit struggled, the biggest loss is probably Ginn.

No the biggest loss is Smith. Underwood can be Ginn. None of these guys can even be the slowed down Smitty.

Hopefully nobody drops as many passes as he did either. He was a shell of himself last year and more memorable for the fights with defenders than big plays.

 

[Faust]

Cam Newton: I have to take ownership of the offense

 

[Faust]

Devin Street fits vast need at WR for Carolina Panthers

By Chase Goodbread

College Football 24/7 writer

Pittsburgh wide receiver Devin Street and the Carolina Panthers could be an ideal match for one another in the NFL draft next month, particularly if the club passes on the wide receiver options they have with their first-round pick at No. 28 overall. NFL Media analyst Charles Davis suggested a four-pick investment in that position by the club might not be too many.

And in a receiver-loaded draft, a player like Street could be of high appeal to a team like Carolina after the elite prospects are gone.

"Because wide receivers are so stacked this year, he might get pushed down in the draft. But I like him a lot. And teams that are wide receiver-needy, if they don't get guys they want early, a Devin Street could really fit for them later," Davis said. "I look at the Carolina Panthers, who probably could pick four receivers in this draft and not get criticism for it as they try and replenish their stock. I think he's ideal for a place like that."

Street was the No. 2 receiving target for Panthers quarterback Tom Savage, another draft prospect who is finding his place among draft prospects outside the elite tier at his position. Savage found Street for 51 receptions for 854 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Street's average of 16.7 yards per catch also led the team. As for the Panthers' thirst for receiving help, a four-receiver draft would represent more than 50 percent of their seven picks.

Carolina is replacing its top three wide receivers from last year -- longtime veteran star Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn.

Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.

 

[Faust]

Cyrus Kouandjio possible target for Panthers in first roundBy Bryan Fischer

College Football 24/7 writer

The conventional wisdom regarding the Carolina Panthers and the 2014 NFL Draft is that the team will spend a number of picks on the wide receiver position. It doesn't take much to see that quarterback Cam Newton needs some weapons to throw to if the team hopes to repeat its improbable run from last season, but that might not automatically translate to drafting a receiver in the first round.

"The left side of the offensive line has been wiped out as well," NFL Media analyst Brian Baldinger said on "Path to the Draft." "I'm a big fan of Cyrus Kouandjio. I know he has some issues with his knee, and I don't know what his medical is. But the value on film, just watching him at Alabama, he dominates the line of scrimmage. I don't care how fast he runs the 40 in. That guy has quick feet, and he'd be perfect at left tackle."

Kouandjio was red-flagged at the NFL Scouting Combine because of the questionable health of his knee, and he has been working hard over the past few weeks to alleviate any concerns teams might have about it. At his pro day workout in early April, he was put through a marathon session that showed off how well he could perform, and he has been holding a number of private workouts with teams.

As for the Panthers, you don't expect a 12-4 team to have as many holes on the depth chart as they do, but that's partially the result of a tumultuous offseason. Left tackle Jordan Gross retired, and their top three receivers -- Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn -- all found new homes. Add in the departures of Captain Munnerlyn and Mike Mitchell in the secondary, and there's a number of spots the team has to address in the draft.

Carolina picks 28th in the first round, and most NFL.com mock drafts have the team grabbing a receiver there. While receivers such as Brandin Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin, Davante Adams and Odell Beckham could be available when it's the club's turn to pick on the first night, the quality of receivers available this year could allow the Panthers to go after that position later in the draft and grab someone like Kouandjio in the first round.

"More and more people are saying you've got to protect Cam Newton," analyst Charles Davis said. "Cyrus Kouandjio, Morgan Moses, a Joel Bitonio if those other guys are gone. I wouldn't be shocked if they went tackle first with the depth of wide receiver in this class."

In addition to those aforementioned players, linebacker Ryan Shazier could also be a possibility late in the first round as the team looks to shore up the weakside linebacker position next to Luke Kuechly.

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes the club could target Rice corner Phillip Gaines and Clemson corner Bashaud Breeland on the second day of the draft to add depth to the secondary as well.

Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter @BryanDFischer.

 

[NCCommish]

DWill's take on the WR situation:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000340457/article/deangelo-williams-pressure-on-panthers-front-office

Just saying the same thing the fans are. You dump them all you better fix it. And frankly replacing a mediocre squad that made ten catches a game last year with a more mediocre squad that caught less than 8 balls a game last year isn't a confidence builder.

It also isn't that big of difference at this point. Everyone could see that the entire unit struggled, the biggest loss is probably Ginn.

No the biggest loss is Smith. Underwood can be Ginn. None of these guys can even be the slowed down Smitty.

Hopefully nobody drops as many passes as he did either. He was a shell of himself last year and more memorable for the fights with defenders than big plays.

Smith dropped 6 passes on 110 targets. That made him 146th for dropped passes going by percentage. Drops weren't really a huge problem for him in comparison to the rest of the NFL.

 

[Faust]

Mel Kiper: Wideout trumps tackle for Panthers in NFL draftJoseph Person

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman's love of big guys has been well established.

The Panthers need a couple of big guys, specifically offensive tackles.

But they also need wide receivers, and that's the direction ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. expects the Panthers to go when they pick 28th overall in next month's draft.

Receiver and tackle are two of the deepest positions in the draft.

But the best tackles -- Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, Taylor Lewan and Zack Martin -- likely will be gone when the Panthers pick in the first round. And Kiper isn't crazy about the second-tier selections, although he had the Panthers taking Virginia's Morgan Moses in his mock draft last week.

"I just don't see a tackle I'm excited about," Kiper said during a conference call with reporters Wednesday. "Morgan Moses from Virginia is a left tackle. I think he plays a little too high. He needs to bend better. He did get some improvement in that area late. I don't see anybody at 28 from an offensive tackle standpoint that would excite me over a wide receiver. And they desperately need that."

The Panthers saw longtime left tackle Jordan Gross retire during the offseason, and they lost their top four receivers. They cut franchise receiver leader Steve Smith and had three others wideouts leave in free agency -- Brandon LaFell, Ted Ginn Jr. and Domenik Hixon.

"They haven't had great wide receiver play, even with Steve Smith. Steve Smith was a heck of a player. Who was the other guy? Brandon LaFell dropped a lot of balls. They never had consistency opposite Smith," Kiper said.

"So it's not like this team had a great receiving corps, or a good receiving corps, anyway. Now they need multiple receivers. They've added some pieces in terms of (Jason) Avant and guys like that, and (Jerricho) Cotchery.

"But I think when you look at Carolina right now, the receiver's going to trump the offensive tackle, unless you're shocked and a Zack Martin (drops). But that's not going to happen. So I would say a wide receiver."

Kiper mentioned three wideouts he believes will be available when the Panthers are on the board -- Indiana's Cody Latimer, Vanderbilt's Jordan Matthews and Fresno State's Davante Adams, who led all major-college receivers with 131 catches last season.

The Panthers have met with Latimer and Matthews, the SEC's all-time receiving leader.

 

[NCCommish]

I don't consider any of those guys first rounders really. And Mel is a hack who pushes players for reasons other than their talent. See the Pickle.

 

[The Commish]

I don't consider any of those guys first rounders really. And Mel is a hack who pushes players for reasons other than their talent. See the Pickle.

I'm sorta wondering if trading down into the second round for picks is the shark move here. One thing's for sure....this will be the first draft I've watched in years. Great feeling

 

[NCCommish]

I don't consider any of those guys first rounders really. And Mel is a hack who pushes players for reasons other than their talent. See the Pickle.

I'm sorta wondering if trading down into the second round for picks is the shark move here. One thing's for sure....this will be the first draft I've watched in years. Great feeling

Lots of talk that the Panthers would like to trade down but only for high picks in the next 2 rounds. With where we are picking and the number of needs we have that doesn't sound like a bad idea really.

 

[pantherclub]

I don't consider any of those guys first rounders really. And Mel is a hack who pushes players for reasons other than their talent. See the Pickle.

I'm sorta wondering if trading down into the second round for picks is the shark move here. One thing's for sure....this will be the first draft I've watched in years. Great feeling

Trading down would be fantastic. Seems like a ton of talent still will be around in the late first through the 2nd. Deep draft with a bunch of CB's, WR's and dlinemen. I think its a little average on olinemen however.

 

[jurb26]

I don't consider any of those guys first rounders really. And Mel is a hack who pushes players for reasons other than their talent. See the Pickle.

I'm sorta wondering if trading down into the second round for picks is the shark move here. One thing's for sure....this will be the first draft I've watched in years. Great feeling

Trading down would be fantastic. Seems like a ton of talent still will be around in the late first through the 2nd. Deep draft with a bunch of CB's, WR's and dlinemen. I think its a little average on olinemen however.

I don't think CB is deep at all. There are 5 guys that look like good prospects and then a major drop IMO. Dline is at very deep, either. It's not bad but not great, just average if you ask me. WR is insanely deep. Trading down would be great for the right price. To me the sweet spot in the draft is late 1st thru the 2nd. Not sure what options there may be but I can see a team wanting to trade I to the Panthers spot if a guy like Hageman is there.

 

[stbugs]

Trading down would be great if they could somehow get a couple 2nds and if their "guy" at WR is no longer there. There are some draft scenarios where they would have to reach for a WR that is a reach and it would only be nice to trade down if they could drop down and maybe pick up an OT and WR that aren't much of a drop down from 1.28.

Also, agree with Jurb, seems to me that WR and OL are where people keep mentioning the great depth in this draft, which fortunately fits what we need the most. I just hope we draft well, because it really could plug the holes and set us up for a really good 2015+. I think 2014 is a wash already, especially with Newton's surgery and their lack of FA moves, which I assume are swallowing the salary cap pill.

 

[NCCommish]

Trading down would be great if they could somehow get a couple 2nds and if their "guy" at WR is no longer there. There are some draft scenarios where they would have to reach for a WR that is a reach and it would only be nice to trade down if they could drop down and maybe pick up an OT and WR that aren't much of a drop down from 1.28.

Also, agree with Jurb, seems to me that WR and OL are where people keep mentioning the great depth in this draft, which fortunately fits what we need the most. I just hope we draft well, because it really could plug the holes and set us up for a really good 2015+. I think 2014 is a wash already, especially with Newton's surgery and their lack of FA moves, which I assume are swallowing the salary cap pill.

Not sure Newtons surgery is a concern. Barring a set back of course. And when you consider that one of the most dynamic players in the NFL has been playing on a bum ankle since college well it seems like the surgery can only be a good thing for this offense. It may even help with those overthrows and not just running. I have heard some folks say the ankle may have been part of the reason for the poor footwork at times and his overthrows are almost always about footwork.

 

[stbugs]

Trading down would be great if they could somehow get a couple 2nds and if their "guy" at WR is no longer there. There are some draft scenarios where they would have to reach for a WR that is a reach and it would only be nice to trade down if they could drop down and maybe pick up an OT and WR that aren't much of a drop down from 1.28.

Also, agree with Jurb, seems to me that WR and OL are where people keep mentioning the great depth in this draft, which fortunately fits what we need the most. I just hope we draft well, because it really could plug the holes and set us up for a really good 2015+. I think 2014 is a wash already, especially with Newton's surgery and their lack of FA moves, which I assume are swallowing the salary cap pill.

Not sure Newtons surgery is a concern. Barring a set back of course. And when you consider that one of the most dynamic players in the NFL has been playing on a bum ankle since college well it seems like the surgery can only be a good thing for this offense. It may even help with those overthrows and not just running. I have heard some folks say the ankle may have been part of the reason for the poor footwork at times and his overthrows are almost always about footwork.

The concern is more that he won't have as much time with a completely new receiving corps. Again, I think they are setting up 2014 as a wash due to the cap issues. I don't think anyone expected the #2 seed in the NFC last year and I think however well they do this year is gravy. I think that they didn't do anything FA wise for WRs mainly because they are using 2014 to groom a couple rookie WRs and guys with potential like Underwood (I guess King and McNutt as well). Rookie OL as well. As a fan, I actually hope that that is their plan, because I would rather them pay the piper with some of the bad contracts (like the RBs) and set themselves up for having a young team on offense and defense that can compete for a title soon. Their D is solid and young. The offense needs some solid young OL and WRs to make it hum and then, I think they have a real good core to contend for a while.

 

[NCCommish]

Trading down would be great if they could somehow get a couple 2nds and if their "guy" at WR is no longer there. There are some draft scenarios where they would have to reach for a WR that is a reach and it would only be nice to trade down if they could drop down and maybe pick up an OT and WR that aren't much of a drop down from 1.28.

Also, agree with Jurb, seems to me that WR and OL are where people keep mentioning the great depth in this draft, which fortunately fits what we need the most. I just hope we draft well, because it really could plug the holes and set us up for a really good 2015+. I think 2014 is a wash already, especially with Newton's surgery and their lack of FA moves, which I assume are swallowing the salary cap pill.

Not sure Newtons surgery is a concern. Barring a set back of course. And when you consider that one of the most dynamic players in the NFL has been playing on a bum ankle since college well it seems like the surgery can only be a good thing for this offense. It may even help with those overthrows and not just running. I have heard some folks say the ankle may have been part of the reason for the poor footwork at times and his overthrows are almost always about footwork.

The concern is more that he won't have as much time with a completely new receiving corps. Again, I think they are setting up 2014 as a wash due to the cap issues. I don't think anyone expected the #2 seed in the NFC last year and I think however well they do this year is gravy. I think that they didn't do anything FA wise for WRs mainly because they are using 2014 to groom a couple rookie WRs and guys with potential like Underwood (I guess King and McNutt as well). Rookie OL as well. As a fan, I actually hope that that is their plan, because I would rather them pay the piper with some of the bad contracts (like the RBs) and set themselves up for having a young team on offense and defense that can compete for a title soon. Their D is solid and young. The offense needs some solid young OL and WRs to make it hum and then, I think they have a real good core to contend for a while.

There are guys at both OL and WR who are going to be able to come in and contribute from day one. There are going to be starters at both until the 3rd round and then you get into more projects. I really think if they do a good job and say hit on at least 4 guys they could be fine. Now I don't think that necessarily means a 12 win season but I think 10 is not out of the question at all.

 

[stbugs]

Trading down would be great if they could somehow get a couple 2nds and if their "guy" at WR is no longer there. There are some draft scenarios where they would have to reach for a WR that is a reach and it would only be nice to trade down if they could drop down and maybe pick up an OT and WR that aren't much of a drop down from 1.28.

Also, agree with Jurb, seems to me that WR and OL are where people keep mentioning the great depth in this draft, which fortunately fits what we need the most. I just hope we draft well, because it really could plug the holes and set us up for a really good 2015+. I think 2014 is a wash already, especially with Newton's surgery and their lack of FA moves, which I assume are swallowing the salary cap pill.

Not sure Newtons surgery is a concern. Barring a set back of course. And when you consider that one of the most dynamic players in the NFL has been playing on a bum ankle since college well it seems like the surgery can only be a good thing for this offense. It may even help with those overthrows and not just running. I have heard some folks say the ankle may have been part of the reason for the poor footwork at times and his overthrows are almost always about footwork.

The concern is more that he won't have as much time with a completely new receiving corps. Again, I think they are setting up 2014 as a wash due to the cap issues. I don't think anyone expected the #2 seed in the NFC last year and I think however well they do this year is gravy. I think that they didn't do anything FA wise for WRs mainly because they are using 2014 to groom a couple rookie WRs and guys with potential like Underwood (I guess King and McNutt as well). Rookie OL as well. As a fan, I actually hope that that is their plan, because I would rather them pay the piper with some of the bad contracts (like the RBs) and set themselves up for having a young team on offense and defense that can compete for a title soon. Their D is solid and young. The offense needs some solid young OL and WRs to make it hum and then, I think they have a real good core to contend for a while.

There are guys at both OL and WR who are going to be able to come in and contribute from day one. There are going to be starters at both until the 3rd round and then you get into more projects. I really think if they do a good job and say hit on at least 4 guys they could be fine. Now I don't think that necessarily means a 12 win season but I think 10 is not out of the question at all.

Agreed. I have posted the same thing earlier. The draft is huge for them. The offense could be really bad if they miss or better than last year if they hit. I normally follow the draft, but this is probably the first year that I am really following it before hand. It is such an important part of this season.

 

[stbugs]

From ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10857420/ron-rivera-coach-carolina-panthers-says-protecting-cam-newton-key):

Coach Ron Rivera says it's more important for the Carolina Panthers to find a player to protect Cam Newton than to give his franchise quarterback another weapon.

That's as close as Rivera or general manager Dave Gettleman came on Tuesday to hinting what the Panthers may do with the 28th pick of next month's NFL draft.

"I think protecting him" is more important, Rivera said. "You have so many opportunities to get playmakers on the field. Other than the quarterback, there are five other guys who can make plays for you. I think right now what we've done is bring in guys who have the ability to make plays for us. I feel very comfortable with that."

But don't read too much into that. Gettleman remained adamant he would take the best player available. Noting the draft is exceptional at wide receiver, he said he wouldn't be "sad'' if a top cornerback fell to No. 28. He also said he wouldn't hesitate to pick up what he called a "blue goose'' pass-rusher or defensive tackle.

"When you have made up your mind you're going to take a position because you need to fill that spot, more often than not you're going to make a mistake,'' Gettleman said.

Pretty sure they will still go BPA, but I do hope they don't go OL. OL is deep, but it seems like 1.28 won't be a sweet spot for BPA at tackle.

 

[pantherclub]

From ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10857420/ron-rivera-coach-carolina-panthers-says-protecting-cam-newton-key):

Coach Ron Rivera says it's more important for the Carolina Panthers to find a player to protect Cam Newton than to give his franchise quarterback another weapon.

That's as close as Rivera or general manager Dave Gettleman came on Tuesday to hinting what the Panthers may do with the 28th pick of next month's NFL draft.

"I think protecting him" is more important, Rivera said. "You have so many opportunities to get playmakers on the field. Other than the quarterback, there are five other guys who can make plays for you. I think right now what we've done is bring in guys who have the ability to make plays for us. I feel very comfortable with that."

But don't read too much into that. Gettleman remained adamant he would take the best player available. Noting the draft is exceptional at wide receiver, he said he wouldn't be "sad'' if a top cornerback fell to No. 28. He also said he wouldn't hesitate to pick up what he called a "blue goose'' pass-rusher or defensive tackle.

"When you have made up your mind you're going to take a position because you need to fill that spot, more often than not you're going to make a mistake,'' Gettleman said.

Pretty sure they will still go BPA, but I do hope they don't go OL. OL is deep, but it seems like 1.28 won't be a sweet spot for BPA at tackle.

wr is even deeper. This draft aligns perfectly for the Panthers.

 

[NCCommish]

From ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10857420/ron-rivera-coach-carolina-panthers-says-protecting-cam-newton-key):

Coach Ron Rivera says it's more important for the Carolina Panthers to find a player to protect Cam Newton than to give his franchise quarterback another weapon.

That's as close as Rivera or general manager Dave Gettleman came on Tuesday to hinting what the Panthers may do with the 28th pick of next month's NFL draft.

"I think protecting him" is more important, Rivera said. "You have so many opportunities to get playmakers on the field. Other than the quarterback, there are five other guys who can make plays for you. I think right now what we've done is bring in guys who have the ability to make plays for us. I feel very comfortable with that."

But don't read too much into that. Gettleman remained adamant he would take the best player available. Noting the draft is exceptional at wide receiver, he said he wouldn't be "sad'' if a top cornerback fell to No. 28. He also said he wouldn't hesitate to pick up what he called a "blue goose'' pass-rusher or defensive tackle.

"When you have made up your mind you're going to take a position because you need to fill that spot, more often than not you're going to make a mistake,'' Gettleman said.

Pretty sure they will still go BPA, but I do hope they don't go OL. OL is deep, but it seems like 1.28 won't be a sweet spot for BPA at tackle.

I don't expect there to be any tackles left with a consensus round 1 grade when we pick at 28. Of course I thought we had no shot at Star so what do I know?

 

[The Commish]

Reading more....I am now getting the feeling that taking one of the OTs or WRs available at 28 will be a reach of sorts.....what about a CB? That's a need also. I think there'll be plenty of OT and WR prospects in R2.

 

[ffgiant]

From ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10857420/ron-rivera-coach-carolina-panthers-says-protecting-cam-newton-key):

Coach Ron Rivera says it's more important for the Carolina Panthers to find a player to protect Cam Newton than to give his franchise quarterback another weapon.

That's as close as Rivera or general manager Dave Gettleman came on Tuesday to hinting what the Panthers may do with the 28th pick of next month's NFL draft.

"I think protecting him" is more important, Rivera said. "You have so many opportunities to get playmakers on the field. Other than the quarterback, there are five other guys who can make plays for you. I think right now what we've done is bring in guys who have the ability to make plays for us. I feel very comfortable with that."

But don't read too much into that. Gettleman remained adamant he would take the best player available. Noting the draft is exceptional at wide receiver, he said he wouldn't be "sad'' if a top cornerback fell to No. 28. He also said he wouldn't hesitate to pick up what he called a "blue goose'' pass-rusher or defensive tackle.

"When you have made up your mind you're going to take a position because you need to fill that spot, more often than not you're going to make a mistake,'' Gettleman said.

Pretty sure they will still go BPA, but I do hope they don't go OL. OL is deep, but it seems like 1.28 won't be a sweet spot for BPA at tackle.

I don't expect there to be any tackles left with a consensus round 1 grade when we pick at 28. Of course I thought we had no shot at Star so what do I know?

I guess it comes down 2 OT or WR for the 28th pick. Both positions are deep which is good for Panthers. I expect they take WR Marqise Lee if he is still available.

 

[NCCommish]

From ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10857420/ron-rivera-coach-carolina-panthers-says-protecting-cam-newton-key):

Coach Ron Rivera says it's more important for the Carolina Panthers to find a player to protect Cam Newton than to give his franchise quarterback another weapon.

That's as close as Rivera or general manager Dave Gettleman came on Tuesday to hinting what the Panthers may do with the 28th pick of next month's NFL draft.

"I think protecting him" is more important, Rivera said. "You have so many opportunities to get playmakers on the field. Other than the quarterback, there are five other guys who can make plays for you. I think right now what we've done is bring in guys who have the ability to make plays for us. I feel very comfortable with that."

But don't read too much into that. Gettleman remained adamant he would take the best player available. Noting the draft is exceptional at wide receiver, he said he wouldn't be "sad'' if a top cornerback fell to No. 28. He also said he wouldn't hesitate to pick up what he called a "blue goose'' pass-rusher or defensive tackle.

"When you have made up your mind you're going to take a position because you need to fill that spot, more often than not you're going to make a mistake,'' Gettleman said.

Pretty sure they will still go BPA, but I do hope they don't go OL. OL is deep, but it seems like 1.28 won't be a sweet spot for BPA at tackle.

I don't expect there to be any tackles left with a consensus round 1 grade when we pick at 28. Of course I thought we had no shot at Star so what do I know?

I guess it comes down 2 OT or WR for the 28th pick. Both positions are deep which is good for Panthers. I expect they take WR Marqise Lee if he is still available.

If Lee is still available I will be almost as ecstatic as I was about Star falling.

 

[NCCommish]

Reading more....I am now getting the feeling that taking one of the OTs or WRs available at 28 will be a reach of sorts.....what about a CB? That's a need also. I think there'll be plenty of OT and WR prospects in R2.

I am beginning to think CB is actually the more likely pick. I just don't see Gettleman reaching and there may well be a couple of first round CBs there.