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Person, Observer Analysis: long term answer needed at LT


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Joe Person and the Observer, like most if the Huddle, doesn't believe that Gettleman should gamble with the LT position anymore, and that we have to do something not necessarily instead of Michael Oher, but at least in addition to Oher, even though Rivera has said that Oher will be returning.

"Position catastrophe: Season-ending injuries to left tackle Michael Oher (concussion), Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil (shoulder) and backup center Gino Gradkowski (knee) and a high ankle sprain for right tackle Daryl Williams forced the Panthers into less-than-ideal contingency plans. Gettleman didn’t do enough last offseason to address the tackle depth, and it cost the entire team. He can’t make the same mistake again."

 

Like I suggested in a thread last week, and some other Huddlers have brought up as well, Person and company believe that Matt Kalil is a realistic, low risk option (perhaps fitting of a prove-it deal). For those that know, Kalil and Luke Joeckel, also mentioned, have displayed varying degrees of talent at the position, but have largely been disappointments for different reasons. Khalil's biggest problem has arguably been injuries, but in any event he and Joeckel might benefit from a change of scenery (as did Michael Other). He also mentions Andrew Whitworth as a one to two-year Band-Aid.

Person's analysis of the position doesn't seem to put too much stock in obtaining acceptable answers in the draft if you look at the title, "...draft offers none," but apparently he believes there are a few options that could work out depending on Gettleman's grades.

He mentions Cam Robinson and Garrett Bolles as possible options, as well as their character issues---which could keep them off our board altogether---and also suggests Ryan Ramczyk's grade and availability as an option may depend upon his medical status.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article125453984.html

 

 

 

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Why are so many people in love with Cam Robinson?

He will not help our position at all against speed rushers. He just won't. He cannot handle any pass rushers with speed looking at his tape.

He is a glorified version of Remmers; clearly not a day one starter.

I agree we need some tackle depth, but we don't need to take one day one. I can't believe you guys don't understand that there's so many good project guys we can snag later on.

Unless you want turnstile 2.0, just don't get a tackle early.

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If your title contains "long term answer" why are you even talking about Whitworth?

Neither Joeckel or Kalil are guaranteed upgrades.  So far they haven't been the answer for their teams.  The question becomes why is that?  was it coaching, injuries, system fit, or are they just not as good as people thought when they were drafted.

Signing either one is a gamble, the big questions is how much are you willing to gamble? 2m for a 1 yr deal? 5m for a 1yr deal? 

 

 

 

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3 minutes ago, AU-panther said:

If your title contains "long term answer" why are you even talking about Whitworth?

Neither Joeckel or Kalil are guaranteed upgrades.  So far they haven't been the answer for their teams.  The question becomes why is that?  was it coaching, injuries, system fit, or are they just not as good as people thought when they were drafted.

Signing either one is a gamble, the big questions is how much are you willing to gamble? 2m for a 1 yr deal? 5m for a 1yr deal? 

 

 

 

Signing either one would be a $2 billion gamble.  The approximate value of the Carolina Panthers.

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We've been needing a long term solution at left tackle since Jordan Gross retired. However, we also need a long term solution at center because I don't trust Kalil can stay on the field for an entire season.

Frankly, I can't see us fixing the line with just one offseason. That said, I also believe that we can improve other areas of the team to compensate. A top end defense would certainly ligthen the load on the offense, for example.

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26 minutes ago, AU-panther said:

If your title contains "long term answer" why are you even talking about Whitworth?

Neither Joeckel or Kalil are guaranteed upgrades.  So far they haven't been the answer for their teams.  The question becomes why is that?  was it coaching, injuries, system fit, or are they just not as good as people thought when they were drafted.

Signing either one is a gamble, the big questions is how much are you willing to gamble? 2m for a 1 yr deal? 5m for a 1yr deal? 

 

 

 

Whitworth was mentioned as a temporary one or two year option, which has to be on the table if any of the other options don't work out, or if after analysis you don't judge them as viable options. That's easily understandable.

As for either Kalil or Joeckel, a couple of mil can hardly really even be considered a gamble, as it's relative peanuts. As such these types of deals lend themselves to a player being cut before the regular season even begins. Yes, sometimes in those types of situations, surprises arise out of the drafts and ranks of the UDFAs which pushes low risk, cheap vets off the roster. In short, it's normal business, not some huge gamble.

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6 minutes ago, RoaringRiot said:

You're only finding a long term solution via trade. There isn't a FA or draft prospect that's going to fit that mold.

The NFL stands for not for long of course. But anything longer than 2 years I'd consider long term at this point.  As far as a guy that may possibly be available for another contract after that, DJ Humphries.  He sucked so bad at RT he was inactive all of his rookie year and was unspeakably bad at RT in 2016.  But when Veldheer got hurt he showed promise at LT.  http://m.azcardinals.com/news-and-events/article-2/Left-Tackle-Jared-Veldheer-or-DJ-Humphries/c805b219-a0f4-42c0-bf03-52fe2e518b79

So, what WILL the Cardinals do?  And what would it take to get Humphries or Veldheer?  The Cardinals in my phone contact list and ours in theirs are firmly in my blender of options if nothing else.

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