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Amini Silatolu a Carolina Panther
Apr 28 2012 07:23 AM | Zod in Carolina Panthers
Amini Silatolu Carolina Panthers NFL Draft
Casual Carolina Panthers fans are waking up this morning and yet again having a hard time pronouncing the name of the newest Carolina Panther. Amini Silatolu? Chances are you have not heard that name on sports center. Last season, if you are being honest, the Panthers offensive line was not one of the strengths of the Panthers. Their talented running backs helped to hide this fact by masking sub par offensive line blocking with positive runs. Since then the Panthers have lost their most talented guard in Tavelle Wharton, leaving the line even less likely to open up gaping holes for Deangelo Williams to sprint through.
With their second round selection the Panthers addressed the loss of Travelle Wharton by replacing him with who some consider to have first round talent - Amini Silatolu. Don Banks of Sports Illustrated had San Fran taking Amini with the 30th pick of the first round.
Silatolu has an important trait that some could say the Panthers Offensive Line could use an injection of... nastiness. Amini caught the eyes of the Panthers front office with his ability to finish off defenders. Granted, these defenders were from smaller schools, but at six foot three and three hundred and eleven pounds, the Panthers are confident his transition to the pro game will be a smooth one.
While at Midwestern State, Amini was remarkable. At left tackkle, he had an overall blocking grade of 94.7 percent, the only offensive lineman in the draft with over 90 percent for his college career. He also posted 97 knockdowns.
“The one thing that stands out is his nasty temperament. When you’re playing at a certain level like that you should dominate — and he did dominate the competition. So you feel like going to the next level he’s going to be very, very competitive.” - Ron Rivera
“When you put on the tape of him he puts a lot of people on the ground. You see the athleticism and the physical play.” - Marty Hurney
It isn't a flashy pick. Offensive Guard is not a pick that will stir up the fan base. However, you can bet your sweet ass Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart toasted this pick Friday evening.
Here is to hoping Amini has plenty of ire in his belly for the 2012 season. Maybe now the Panthers will actually run the ball on 3rd and 1.
83 Comments
Seems like everyone these days is a psychic expert on player analysis.
Yes, he needs to learn but there is plenty of time for that. You don't have to be especially smart to play G. As long as he can learn his assignments, he'll be okay.
Better a guy who knows his weaknesses than someone like Coples who thought he had the Jet's playbook down pat after 1 day of work.
7 false starts and 3 holding penalties over the last 3 years.
In the last four seasons here are the stats for Clady, Long and Gross
Clady - 16 penalties, 25 sacks allowed.
Long - 20 penalties, 19 sacks allowed
Gross - 18 penalties, 19 sacks allowed
BUT...... this guy is a flat out beast. i was really hoping that he would be around in the 4th or even in the 3rd and that we could trade up for him. the closer it got to the draft it was becoming more apparent that teams were loving this guy. they started watching more tape and he was doing well in meetings and tryouts that he was in legit conversation by quite a few teams in the first round.
it's not a sexy pick and it sure wasn't a household name and that is probably why there were so many "wtf"s after the pick. people who were really following the discussions going on all across the board leading to the draft were probably quite familiar with him but people just casually looking at draft reports and focusing in on just a few positions and hyped up players probably just didn't know anything about this guy.
he's good. really good. he was picked about as early as a OG should be picked. he's the kind of guy that is going to be a stud anchor on that line for years. he's about as impact a player as you can have on the oline, imo. he's mean. he's fierce. he's strong. and he's going to be sitting quite a few guys on their butts.
it's not the direction i was wanting to go at that point, but i really like the player and i think he's probably going to work out better than a 2nd rounder has for us for years.
Whatever gave you that impression?
Ah, reading the thread?
Didn't need a defensive tackle and needed a guard, pretty simple pick if you ask me.
Not according to the coach.
I appreciate the post and can't wait to see what this kid can do on the field!
Cause Worthy and Still were considered to be JAG's while Silatolu has just as much upside as any guard in this draft and has pro bowl potential.
If they we're going to go OL early, I would of hoped for OT. Especially with the prospects in this class. Wanted Mike Adams from Ohio State who was picked a couple selections after Amini.
Oh well. Bitching will do nothing now so we have no choice but to pull for him.
Your opinion is quite irrelevant, you are a fan the head coach of our team doesn't view the position as a need I will take his expertise over your youtube scouting department.
haha...gamble went to ohio state --- football players make a 2.0 for walking and chewing gum at the same time!!!!!
Never said mine mattered.
Just pointed out that you are no NFL scout, your just a kid who thinks he knows something about NFL football because he plays HS ball.