Looks like we landed at least 4 starting caliber players from the 2014 draft class

[t96]

Benjamin is starting material, as well as Benwikere from the relatively small work that we've seen.  The other draft picks may not even start on most teams.

 

 

As for the UDFAs, Brown may be a nice role player, but I really don't think that he should start.  He is also small and seems to be injury prone. 

 

Edit: That's right, Norwell wasn't a UDFA, but an FA.

 

 

You're right except Norwell isn't included in the draft class. He was a free agent pickup. Just like when a team cuts a player and we sign him.

 

Norwell was a UDFA. 

 

http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Andrew-Norwell/e0b5473e-b25f-41ec-a258-96cea54b2161

 

 

Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by Carolina (5/16/14).

[Carolina Cajun]

We also have to look at it from the perspective of the situation the players being drafted are put into. We're not a very deep team, so any guy who comes in off the street is going to have a chance to play, not all lower round picks, and UDFAs, have that luxury.

Then, if they play even at a mediocre level, it looks like an immense upgrade. I don't like the idea of going into the next Draft saying, yeah, we had those UDFAs that played well, let's go with them... When there's a clear upgrade available.

 

This is happened with White.  I still like Melvin and he provides solid depth, but man, it was so nice to see Norman and Bene flying around the field yesterday wrecking havoc.  While some of these young guys are good, there is no reason that potential upgrades can't be had.  I like what we're getting with some of these young guys, but theres no doubt that we can improve at a lot of positions.

[ThPantherFan]

We still have salary cap issues to deal with.

[KillerKat]

Norwell was a UDFA. 

 

http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Andrew-Norwell/e0b5473e-b25f-41ec-a258-96cea54b2161

Just saying UDFA and FA is basically the samething. He wasn't drafted, so he automatically becomes a free agent just like anyone else that is cut. Can't be in a draft class when you're not drafted into that class.

[Stroupe-a-loop]

Benjamin and Bene look like talented contributors, but I haven't seen enough consistent play from Norwell and Turner to call them long term starters. As people have said, we have more undrafted players getting playing time because of all the talent that left due to retirement and free agency this season.

[Jeremy Igo]

Just saying UDFA and FA is basically the samething.

 

Uh...... no

 

 

UDFAs come into the league typically under much different circumstances, with tons of teams lobbying to sign them as soon as the draft is over. They are more like draft picks than typical NFL free agents.

[B.BERSIN]

Fire Gman?

[DaveThePanther2008]

Well, I guess that optimism is warranted after a blowout win.

Keep in mind that neither Norwell or Philly Brown were drafted. It's not a stretch to say that at 4-8-1 that we missed out on some talent this year. It's not all candy and roses. G-man needs to draft better in 2015, otherwise we will be fuged next year.

Out of all his picks how many has he missed on? Free a Agents is OK but the draft has damn near been stellar.

[Happy Panther]

Yeah he arguably has 3 misses in 2 years. 8 of 11 picks playing at some level.

 

Pretty good.

[Happy Panther]

How is AJ Klein doing? I see his name called but don't follow him specifically.

[Floppin]

How is AJ Klein doing? I see his name called but don't follow him specifically.

He hasn't played much as we've played almost exclusively in the nickel all season.

He had a decent amount snaps yesterday as TD played nickel and he played well. No major mistakes anyhow.

[Ricky Spanish]

How is AJ Klein doing? I see his name called but don't follow him specifically.

 

He seems slightly better than your average mid round LBer. He's been decent. Not world beating by any means, but serviceable, and would be a very solid luxury backup. 

 

I wouldn't bet the farm on him, but I'm content with him starting along side Davis and Luke

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

fire gettleman

[Jeremy Igo]

Klein had a key tackle on special teams yesterday, could have possibly gone for a TD.