TD - Working on extension and mentoring Gurley

[London Loves Luke]

http://blackandbluereview.com/six-pack-thomas-davis-after-winning-man-of-the-year/

 

This a great piece by Voth on TD this off-season, covering everything from his MOTY award speech, working on a contract extension and who he thinks we'll be targeting in the draft. 

 

Some little bits that stood out: 

 

This off-season compared to last year: 

“It’s a lot different than last offseason. I’m excited that we’ve got a lot of our guys back, and with the additions that we’ve made, I definitely feel we’re a better team.”

“We can’t come in, start slow, and think that we’re going to coast our way through this division again and try to win it the end because the teams around us are getting better,” Davis said.

 

 

Contract Extension: 

The 32-year-old is still playing at a high level, and an extension would help lower his nearly $10 million cap hit, so the two sides are fully expected to come to an agreement. They’re talking. It just hasn’t happened yet.

“We’re trying to get something worked out. It’s a process, but I’m not stressing over it one bit,” Davis said, before repeating his promise to play for just one team. “Really and truly, I just want to be here. I want to play football here. If I’m not playing here, I’m not playing football.”

 

 

 

On Todd Gurley: 

 

 

By the time draft night rolls around, it wouldn’t be surprising if Davis is hoping the Panthers take running back Todd Gurley. Not only did they each star at Georgia, but they’ve also been able to swap injury stories.

After Gurley tore his ACL last November, he found a mentor in Davis.

“He’s working on his quad strength right now, and I told him how important that is. He’s been listening, so he’s getting stronger,” Davis said. “He’s one of the best players in this draft. He’s a really good kid. He’s eager. He’s determined, and I think he’s going to set the league on fire as a rookie.”

 

Some more interesting stuff on Shaq Thompson and last year's first round pick but great to hear he's working on an extension, and could his relationship with Gurley/Thompson influence our Number 1 pick at all?

 

[UpstatePanther]

Voth doing Voth things. always appreciated. as for Davis and Gurley... i have warmed up to taking Gurley. i recognize his talent, but that knee better be perfect when he gets it checked. the kid is certainly worth the 25th pick. we have had enough RBs riding bikes the past few years. 

 

truthfully though... if i am going to pick between Gurley and Thompson, it would be a hard choice. im glad i dont have the responsibility of making that choice. Gurley is a once-in-a-decade talent but he wont be able to take over for Thomas Davis when he retires. There are and will be other runningbacks that are capable of posting amazing numbers. but we need our safety position shored up right now, and we will need an eventual replacement for Thomas Davis. Thompson has the potential and the talent to meet both needs. 

[Jeremy Igo]

The Panthers like Gurley a whole lot. He could very well be the pick at 25 if he is there. I don't think it has much to do with TD's input. 

[jumpman910]

Great article. In before the Gurley hate continues

[L-TownCat]

Im all in on the Gurley train!!!

[Snake]

The Panthers like Gurley a whole lot. He could very well be the pick at 25 if he is there. I don't think it has much to do with TD's input.

I would not be sad with Gurley, I just don't think he will be there.

[RealBitsOfPanther]

I like Gurley, but I don't think he'll be there. If he gets by SD, then there is a chance. 

[Bartin]

I really like Gurley as a player but I am anti 1st round RB and he has durability concerns outside of the ACL. That scares me tremendously.

[cbarrier90]

I really like Gurley as a player but I am anti 1st round RB and he has durability concerns outside of the ACL. That scares me tremendously.

On the other hand if not for those durability concerns we wouldn't have a chance of getting him at all.

It was Star's heart issue (and the Raiders being the Raiders) that allowed him to fall in our lap at 14.

[jumpman910]

On the other hand if not for those durability concerns we wouldn't have a chance of getting him at all.

It was Star's heart issue (and the Raiders being the Raiders) that allowed him to fall in our lap at 14.

Hmmm, would you look at that.

[Bartin]

On the other hand if not for those durability concerns we wouldn't have a chance of getting him at all.

It was Star's heart issue (and the Raiders being the Raiders) that allowed him to fall in our lap at 14.

 

Star's heart issue was later determined to be a non issue and he was given a clean bill of health. Gurley actually tore his ACL and had minor injuries that also kept him off the field for a few games in college. Totally different situations.

[RelaxImaPro]

I love Gurley as a player, I'm just scared to death we'll end up with another injury prone RB if we pick him, and we really can't afford using a 1st round pick on someone who could potentially be missing tons of time.

 

A backfield consisting of Stewart and Gurley... is likely to be a very empty backfield throughout the year.

[RelaxImaPro]

Oh yeah, and hell yeah TD.  I love you man.

[davos]

I've been under the assumption Gurley is taken top-20.  If not, he'd still have to slip past AZ.  Wouldn't be mad if we got him though.