One last FA

[paulSM]

Looking at the current panther roster the holes are obvious.  OT, DB, WR, jump out.  RB and DE could also use depth/an upgrade.  Most of these positions have been addressed in some way through free agency.  OT has been filled through Oher and Martin.  Not exactly a long-term solution, but there isn't any upgrades that will make that position better left floating around in FA.  For wide receiver we've signed a couple guys and have a diversity of potential.  Unfortunately Moore is no longer available, and in my book that leaves Nicks and Jennings as potentials in FA.  However, it seems as if the panthers are comfortable with the depth at the position in the draft.  RB, will probably be addressed in the middle of the draft, and there isn't anything we want left out there.  DE, still has a very interesting crop of players left on the market.  My favorites are Bowers and Spencer, but the reality is they aren't really upgrades over what we have.  Gettleman will probably address that in the first round (if the right guy drops), or not at all.  I'm not too uncomfortable going into the season with what we have. 

 

This leaves DB.  Looking at the draft, I don't see us getting someone who can contribute right away.  The glut of late first round OT talent, and our needs there make that the most likely selection.  The talented RB and DE that could drop to there make those possible as well.  I don't see WR happening unless we're in love will someone like Dorsett.  However, I just don't see a guy who would help us out at DB falling to us in the first.  We aren't desperate in the position, but we could really use an outside Guy to push Bene inside in the nickel.  This is why I felt like it was a gut punch when we didn't get Ball.  Sure, he's not great, but it's the position I don't see us filling in the draft.

 

So who is left to get?  There are two guys left that could help us significantly (Tarell Brown, and Zachary Bowman).  One guy is by far my favorite, and the guy I think would bring our FA class to a close, Zachary Bowman. He's big enough to play on the outside, and has been productive in limited playing time behind two good players with the Giants.  He has Gettleman ties, and also has South Carolina ties (he's from Columbia).  Finally, I like that he went to a military college, those guys are disciplined.  I think he'll be well worth the minimal amount it would take to get him, and I think it fills that final hole that is still fillable in FA.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Don't see us finding someone at corner that can contribute right away? This draft is loaded with talented corners that are all projected to be late first/early second round guys. In fact, we have been meeting with and working out many of them. I'd say corner is pretty high on Gettleman's wish list based on our player meetings thus far.

Byron Jones

Kevin Johnson

Ronald Darby

Trae Waynes

All corners we have met with that could have an immediate impact and be available at 25.

[LinvilleGorge]

Certainly seems like we're done in free agency prior to the draft.  Nothing but crickets recently.  I think Ball was the one cheap vet CB we were interested in and once we missed on him, it was on to the draft and camp cuts.

[O-Ther]

Seriously doubt we don't use at least 1 of our 9 picks on CB. Wouldn't worry if it's not a high one, either, since both Norman and Bene are both 5th rounders, too.

[Nate Dogg]

Crabtree

[Mr. Scot]

Only person I could realistically see us signing before the draft is Greg Jennings.

By this time in the offseason, most teams are concentrating on the draft and not thinking much about free agents.

[LinvilleGorge]

Seriously doubt we don't use at least 1 of our 9 picks on CB. Wouldn't worry if it's not a high one, either, since both Norman and Bene are both 5th rounders, too.

 

I think it's a virtual lock.  Then again, I thought it was a virtual lock that we'd take an OT at some point in last year's draft too.

[h0llywood]

The remaining FAs that I like that can go for cheap and provide Veteran leadership

 

Brandon Meriweather - SS - Good in coverage and good speed for his position and age. 

Barry Cofield - DT - Strong, great at shedding blocks and high IQ.

[LinvilleGorge]

It would be pretty ironic if we signed Meriweather.  That was the draft when we traded down and took Beason.  I wanted either Greg Olsen or Brandon Meriweather with that pick.  Olsen has become a core player for us.  It'd be pretty crazy if we ended up adding Meriweather too.

[Mr. Scot]

I'm not a big fan of Merriweather.  He's a penalty machine.

[Jmac]

I doubt Jennings is signing here. Meeting with the Dolphins today according to chatter on Twitter. I expect you will be hearing soon of his signing. He trolled the Huddle and fanbase real good. Don't care anymore where he goes.

[h0llywood]

I'm not a big fan of Merriweather.  He's a penalty machine.

 

He's been hurt the last 3 seasons but based on looking at his career, he only as 11 total Penalties called against him. Could be wrong though.

[Mol3m4n]

I don't think the secondary is in that bad of shape.

It's an unpopular opinion though.

[Mr. Scot]

He's been hurt the last 3 seasons but based on looking at his career, he only as 11 total Penalties called against him. Could be wrong though.

 

He's got a fair share of fines too, and a rep for being a dirty player.

 

 

I don't think the secondary is in that bad of shape.

It's an unpopular opinion though.

 

It could be argued that adding another safety is a bigger need than corner, but I could see drafting either (or both).