"Shop Intelligently," as Gettleman puts it: One guy we could make happen. One we should make happen.

[top dawg]

I started to say that it's the time of year when I play armchair football exec and focus on making the Panthers better, but honestly my mind is constantly thinking of ways to improve the Panthers---all times of year---particularly in a way that fits in with GM Dave Gettleman's philosophy. I suppose that's a cross to bear of a pro football fanatic who probably spends way too much time and energy supporting things Panthers without getting paid for it. But the Panthers are in my blood, which is probably electric blue or Panther blue---whatever you want to call it---so what am I gonna do? Go Panthers! Anyway...

I was perusing a few articles, including re-reading Bryan Strickland's article on Gettleman's presser after our highly disappointing season.  Even though Gettleman praised his coaching staff as being an excellent staff, he advised that the status quo was unacceptable and that that he and others would have to be "brutally honest" with themselves as to what went wrong and needs improvement. That basically told us right there that no big changes would necessarily be coming in the coaching ranks from firings (not that anyone wouldn't be fired). Now of course we've had some significant personnel changes via promotion---whether via another team or our own---and a resignation that didn't have anything to do with poor job performance (despite tinfoil hat theories). Being that the coaches are relatively safe, that means that they are going to have to change some of the ways they are doing things. And quite logically, that means the only other significant changes will come among players, who in turn command a certain amount of money.

For all the excitement that fans have about Getleman's ability to spend a marked amount of more money this offseason, Dollar Store Dave has basically told us in so many words, that he isn't going on some big time shopping spree.  Experience has taught us that he is not going to overpay for free agents, whether their home is in Charlotte or elsewhere. 
 

Quote

 

Gettleman said he will be "intentional and thoughtful" in his approach, steering clear of panicked decisions that could cause negative "ripple effects." 

"You're competing dollar-wise with 31 other teams for players, and you've got to be in a position where you get yourself in a spot where you've got a player you want to keep and you can't do it. That's the way it is. And I'm going to sit down and shop intelligently."

 

Don't fool yourselves. The last two quotes are not only referring to acquiring players that will upgrade the team and fit in what we want to do, but they are also talking about value, and keeping yourself in a position where you can pay the players, especially the core players, that you've developed. 

All that being said, I wouldn't get too hopeful about any big name signings this free agency, despite having a little more money (unless they're a good value). Of course I have seen Gettleman pass over players over his years here that I thought would provide good value, so much so that I had a couple of WTF moments when I heard what the players had actually signed for, but I am digressing. Two players that I absolutely think that he should consider this offseason are Jeremy Kerley and Kyle Juszczyk.

I've mentioned Kerley before. He should be relatively cheap, and would probably be an upgrade to a couple of guys, if not most of our receiving corps (not that our receiving corps is all-world). He's a journeyman slot guy with high character and a good work ethic. Plus he can return punts.  Now he's not necessarily going to wow you with anything but he's solid and smart.  Not saying that he would ever rise to the level that Justin Forsett did a couple of years ago, but Kerley kind of reminds me of the Justin Forsett of wide receivers. He's always been underappreciated, but always has solid production when called upon. Plus, Kerley is only 28, not an RB getting ready to hit a wall.  

When talking about slot receivers and separation---a thing we sorely need---Pro Football Focus rated Kerley the 4th best in the NFL this past season

Quote

 

4) Jeremy Kerley, San Francisco 49ers (3.15 separation at target)
Slot separation: 3.13 (94 percent of targets)
Out wide separation: 3.47 (six percent of targets)
Air yards per target: 9.6 (from Gabbert and Kaepernick)

Considering that the 49ers plucked Jeremy Kerley from the crowded Lions in a preseason trade after they lost offseason standout Bruce Ellington to injured reserve, they got a nice return on investment.Kerley led the team with 115 targets and 667 yards, reminding us once again just how much volume Chip Kelly funnels to the interior members of his passing game. The veteran slot receiver was more productive with the more traditional approach of Blaine Gabbert, averaging 19.2 fewer yards per game with Colin Kaepnerick under center. Among all the players on this list, Kerley is the most limited in terms of his usage, as he took 91 percent of his snaps from the slot and saw just seven targets overall on the outside. He did prove to be a useful player in a wide receiver rotation however, averaging 3.13 yards of separation on his slot targets with a rather high, for a receiver with his role, 9.6 air yards per target. Kerley is set to be a free agent this offseason and the talent-deprived 49ers should consider offering him an extension.

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000776994/article/jamison-crowder-leads-top10-slot-receiver-separation

With the 49ers basically in turmoil and transitioning to a new administration, Kerley isn't going to be high on their list of things to do. Gettleman should give him a look.

One player that I'd absolutely love to see us give a look is Kyle Juszczyk. Unlike Kerley, who doesn't have to be a slam dunk fit considering how we (mis)use receivers, Juszczyk is a perfect fit for the power running game that we want to execute here. He can block and he can catch,and he is a Harvard educated football player. He is the epitome of what you want in an H-back. 

Pro Football Focus put out their Top 10 Under-The-Radar Players About To Hit Free Agency, and Juszczyk was on the list (right behind Mario Addison).

Quote

 

5. Kyle Juszczyk, FB, Ravens (87.9)
A mostly dead position in the NFL, true fullbacks rarely see the field in today’s pro game. Kyle Juszczyk is bucking that trend, as he totaled 465 snaps in 2016, which would have ranked him 27th among all HBs. The former Harvard bruiser brings a dynamic element to the position, as he is the best all-around blocking back, and pairs that with good usage as a receiver and runner. Juszczyk won’t be coveted by many teams because of his position, but his ability as a receiver can extend drives and change games.

 

This signing makes too much sense, and I will be sorely disappointed if Gettleman doesn't make it happen, especially if Juice ends up anywhere but B-More.  If landing Juszczyk without breaking the bank isn't shopping "intelligently," I just don't know what is.

 

[jumpman910]

You are dead on the money with  Kyle Juszczyk.  He'd be an instant upgrade to Tolbert and he's the type of fullback you want in your team.  IMO getting him and drafting a guy like Jamaal Williams would be ideal.

 

[Guest Lasus83]

All for it. Good post.

Can you expand a bit further into safety, OT, DE and other positions with this analysis?

Sent from my SM-G930P using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

[4Corners]

Trash

[Khyber53]

Good post and good reasoning -- both seem like Gettleman guys. Slot receivers and fullbacks are the lunchpail guys on offense. Seem like two good ones.

 

[top dawg]

5 minutes ago, Lasus83 said:

All for it. Good post.

Can you expand a bit further into safety, OT, DE and other positions with this analysis?

Sent from my SM-G930P using CarolinaHuddle mobile app
 

I just don't see any other what I'll refer to as "slam-dunkish" fits at the other positions. Now I have had other posts that talk about players that may increase their production with a change of scenery, most notably Jabaal Sheard, who may come here and excel in a true 4-3 scheme. I think he'd do well here.

Tackle is a disaster, and we'd really have to get some strong coaching (which Matsko is), and a positive effort and attitude, but of course Ryan Kalil should be on our radar, as well as Riley Reiff.  Kalil had a flash of good play (during his second year, I believe) before injuries just wrecked his career. Coming and playing with his brother might be ideal to get him on track.

Another player that I think that we should give a look at the safety position--not so much to start necessarily, but certainly for depth---is Michael Thomas. The Dolphins defensive back has been a true standout special teamer (honorable mention to the Pro-Bowl this year) for a few years now, and he has played fairly well in spot duty.  I believe he'd certainly be an upgrade to everyone not named Coleman.

That's all I got...for now.

[KillerKat]

Sebastian Vollmer please

[vorbis]

Panthers met with Juszczyk several times leading up to the draft, and were repeatedly named as an interested team. I'm sure they're all over him, but he'll get a competitive offer from the Ravens, I'd wager.

[MHS831]

59 minutes ago, top dawg said:

I just don't see any other what I'll refer to as "slam-dunkish" fits at the other positions. Now I have had other posts that talk about players that may increase their production with a change of scenery, most notably Jabaal Sheard, who may come here and excel in a true 4-3 scheme. I think he'd do well here.

Tackle is a disaster, and we'd really have to get some strong coaching (which Matsko is), and a positive effort and attitude, but of course Ryan Kalil should be on our radar, as well as Riley Reiff.  Kalil had a flash of good play (during his second year, I believe) before injuries just wrecked his career. Coming and playing with his brother might be ideal to get him on track.

Another player that I think that we should give a look at the safety position--not so much to start necessarily, but certainly for depth---is Michael Thomas. The Dolphins defensive back has been a true standout special teamer (honorable mention to the Pro-Bowl this year) for a few years now, and he has played fairly well in spot duty.  I believe he'd certainly be an upgrade to everyone not named Coleman.

That's all I got...for now.

Thomas is one I have not considered. Check out Buffalo and Cardinals free agent Safeties.  I am guessing that we bring in Micah Hyde from GB.

[Soul Rebel]

I do like Jusczcyk at FB and if we can't sign him, there's also James Develin up in New England that I really like. 

I don't like Vollmer because I think he's more of a RT than a LT. Throw in an entire year on IR for a hip injury and I'm more scared. Sucks, because he is a top RT when healthy, but bad hips on an OL isn't a good thing. 

Riley Reiff is the only OL in the FA class that I would kick the tires on... good mention top dawg.  Reiff, a former R1 pick, came in as a LT and graciously moved over to RT recently, and excelled.  Carolina loves flexibility in its' players, so Reiff (only 28 years old) could solve a problem.  Pref him at LT and give Williams a shot at RT, but wherever he can play at his best along with our nasty interior 3 guys, I'm good with. 

[top dawg]

"DisreGuard" LOL!

I guess Kevin Zietler can't play OT.

[pantherphan96]

Would really like Juszczyk in a H-back type position allowing us to replace Tolbert/Dickson with one player.

[Camp Fodder]

But we have a pro bowl full back.  

[MV%doe]

This combined with the Scott coach piece, will be better than anything coming for either the observer or ESPN this off-season.

Thanks for the effort top dawg.