For those in the crowd who want us to draft a kicker: pump the brakes

[Ricky Spanish]

I'll admit, I want some competition brought in for Gano, but some dude on reddit did some research on drafted kickers v. undrafted kickers found here. (@KB_fan will love this. Statistics!)

He basically determined that kickers are more likely to be successful if they are UDFA and NOT drafted. Which is kind of funny when you think about it.

So before you go and waste a 2nd round pick on a kicker (Bucs) just realize you can get a good one and not spend a draft pick on the guy. 

[Nails]

GMan called 8 picks between the late 2nd and early 3rd "gold".  HUGE difference between a 2nd Round pick and any pick on day 3.  Even GMan has "wasted" multiple day 3 picks on multiple offensive and defensive positions at this point.  The Patriots drafted Gostkowski in the 4th and the Packers drafted Crosby in the 5th.  A chance should not be taken.  We need to ensure we get our man on day 3.

[csx]

More importantly, are there any good kickers to draft?

[Nails]

6 minutes ago, csx said:

More importantly, are there any good kickers to draft?

When the college football career leader in FGs headlines the class, the answer is yes.

[La Pantera]

Fug Gano! Tired of holding my breath when that sob kicks, trying to body bend his poo in for him. Only competition I want to see him in, is with a marching band.

[Doyle]

As long as Gano makes his field goals on kickoffs we're good.  

[KB_fan]

1 hour ago, Cracka McNasty said:

I'll admit, I want some competition brought in for Gano, but some dude on reddit did some research on drafted kickers v. undrafted kickers found here. (@KB_fan will love this. Statistics!)

He basically determined that kickers are more likely to be successful if they are UDFA and NOT drafted. Which is kind of funny when you think about it.

So before you go and waste a 2nd round pick on a kicker (Bucs) just realize you can get a good one and not spend a draft pick on the guy. 

Yup saw that!  Interesting stats.   Personally I'm probably ok using a 6th or 7th round pick for a kicker as we don't seem to have much track recent record of finding a player who makes a meaningful contribution in those rounds.  So, Day 3 or UDFA, doesn't make much difference in my book.  It really depends on how the draft shakes out and the depth at different positions.  If that kicker from Arizona State that folks seem to like is available at one of our picks on Day 3 and seems like BPA, I'll be fine with it if our other depth needs are fairly well covered.

[Untouchable]

I like the idea of an UDFA more.  Less money and still solid competition.

One I'd expect the Panthers to know a good bit about is Matt Davis. A local kid hidden at D2 UNC-Pembroke that will go undrafted. 84.1% career accuracy (D2 record). Long of 58 (6/7 from 50+ last year).

[Nails]

10 minutes ago, Untouchable said:

I like the idea of an UDFA more.  Less money and still solid competition.

One I'd expect the Panthers to know a good bit about is Matt Davis. A local kid hidden at D2 UNC-Pembroke that will go undrafted. 84.1% career accuracy (D2 record). Long of 58 (6/7 from 50+ last year).

It's not less money.  Daryl Williams was a 4th Round pick in a prior year to Jeremy Cash and is only counting $200 K more against the cap.  Plus a draft pick gives an extra year with the contract.

[UpstatePanther]

1 hour ago, csx said:

More importantly, are there any good kickers to draft?

48 minutes ago, Untouchable said:

I like the idea of an UDFA more.  Less money and still solid competition.

One I'd expect the Panthers to know a good bit about is Matt Davis. A local kid hidden at D2 UNC-Pembroke that will go undrafted. 84.1% career accuracy (D2 record). Long of 58 (6/7 from 50+ last year).

Nod to @Nails, but Zane Gonzalez seems to be best kicker prospect to come along in a while. Havent heard much about Davis @Untouchable, but if we could get him UFDA i would be happy with it

[LinvilleGorge]

I'd just like to take advantage of this golden opportunity to post this

 

[bobsfoodbasics]

gimme zane gonzalez in the 6th.

locked up for 4 years on a cheap contract. 

[Untouchable]

3 hours ago, Nails said:

It's not less money.  Daryl Williams was a 4th Round pick in a prior year to Jeremy Cash and is only counting $200 K more against the cap.  Plus a draft pick gives an extra year with the contract.

That's assuming he wins the competition.  If Williams didn't make the team for example the Panthers still owed him about $557,000, where as Cash would only be owed $20,000.  And with restricted free agency UDFAs essentially get that 4th year too if you had trouble negotiating a contract.

[Nails]

1 hour ago, Untouchable said:

That's assuming he wins the competition.  If Williams didn't make the team for example the Panthers still owed him about $557,000, where as Cash would only be owed $20,000.  And with restricted free agency UDFAs essentially get that 4th year too if you had trouble negotiating a contract.

Who would beat him or her(?) in the competition?  It damn sure won't be GaNO.  Nothing against him personally, but his performance in big moments has created a cancer of doubt that must be removed so this team and fan base can move forward.  In the unlikely event that an UDFA or another vet beats out our drafted kicker then that means we're getting even better performance and value than anticipated.  I can live with that.