Worth considering (Re: The Draft)

[Mr. Scot]

Conventional wisdom is that the Panthers will likely use one of their first three picks on a defensive tackle or defensive end.

It's a logical idea based on the departures of three out of four of last year's starters, including freak of nature Julius Peppers.

But will they?

Consider for a moment that the Panthers go into this season with both third round and second round (technically first round, when you think about it) picks set to figure into the rotation. They also have two guys who, although not direct picks of the Panthers themselves, were obtained with late round draft picks. And top it all off, a third round pick from a few years back who many feel is set to come into his own.

With all that, plus a vet signing they like, it's not a given that they use a high pick on the D Line. Throw in the possibility (aluded to by Chris Mortensen) of the Panthers working a trade for disgruntled Giants DE Osi Umenyiora, and who knows? The team may just decide those picks can be used to address other areas of need.

When you take the focus off of who's gone, and put it instead on who's still here, I think it's at least a possibility.

But would it be wise?

(now that's where the debate comes in)

[Wither]

Wait, what was the question?

[Mr. Scot]

Wait, what was the question?

Derned if I know.

[Baschski]

If we are serious about getting someone experienced like Umenyiora in FA then I'd be fine with waiting until the later rounds to look at D-Line. Johnson, Brown, Brayton and Umenyiora rotating is a pretty good unit.

[ed bell]

Yes....and yes.

[Mr. Scot]

If we are serious about getting someone experienced like Umenyiora in FA then I'd be fine with waiting until the later rounds to look at D-Line. Johnson, Brown, Brayton and Umenyiora rotating is a pretty good unit.

Wonder what this place would look like if they didn't take one at all :eek:

I honestly do think it's a reasonable possibility that none of the first three Panther picks wind up used on D-Linemen.

Not about to predict it, mind you, but I do allow for it.

And honestly, when you look at what they have, and factor in that teams like the Giants have had some success with the "committee" approach (post-Strahan), there is some actual logic to it.

[ed bell]

The possibility of the Panthers avoiding any DL picks in their first three available draft choices is pretty slim, IMO.

[Mr. Scot]

Not really predicting it will happen, but I do give it more than a slim chance.

Hey, who knows? Maybe we'll finally even get that tight end analysts have been predicting for years

(or not)

[panther4life]

In essence they have already used 3 picks out of this draft on the defensive line. This years first for Brown and this years 5th for Tyler and a anohter late pick on Louis Leonard. Couple that with the fact that the d-line is hard to draft an immediate impact player. I would say 100% percent that they do draft a reciever with one of their top 3 picks and I fell theres a 51% chance that they trade up for a reciever as well

[ncbobcat]

What besides WR would you take with those picks? QB and another WR? Obviously BPA, but I doubt...no, we WON'T go into our 6th round selections without adding at least one D-lineman. You can take that to the bank.

[rayzor]

i wouldn't have a problem with two of our first three picks being WR. considering how hard it is to find one and the size of the need that is there, it would make a lot of sense. if you really want someone on the other side of smith then you need to put more resources into it.

i would still also consider bringing in a >30 year old vet to help out post draft depending on what is found in the draft.

in the draft i want a deep threat and a big solid possession receiver. the sooner we get them, the better.

other than WR...you would have to look at DT and depth at OL, SLB, and SS. beyond that there isn't a whole lot of need.

[bleys]

If anyone thinks a 3rd round pick is going to step in and make up for Pep leaving or be the guy to finally replace Jenkins and make an immediate contribution, you're f**king kidding yourself.

i wouldn't have a problem with two of our first three picks being WR. considering how hard it is to find one and the size of the need that is there, it would make a lot of sense. if you really want someone on the other side of smith then you need to put more resources into it.

i would still also consider bringing in a >30 year old vet to help out post draft depending on what is found in the draft.

in the draft i want a deep threat and a big solid possession receiver. the sooner we get them, the better.

other than WR...you would have to look at DT and depth at OL, SLB, and SS. beyond that there isn't a whole lot of need.

agree 100%... considering that position has been neglected for so long, it's time to build some real depth and hopefully get 1 solid receiver to pull coverage away from Smitty (if we are lucky)

[coxc63]

what is a pick in this draft going to do to help us this year on the DLine? We aren't drafting 1st day talent and with that position taking time to develop necessary skills at the NFL level, I don't see it as a huge need like everyone thinks.. that will take a good 2 - 3 years...

If anyone thinks a 3rd round pick is going to step in and make up for Pep leaving or be the guy to finally replace Jenkins, you're f**king kidding yourself.

honestly, as crazy as it may sound to draft 2 WRs with our 2nd and 3rd pick... it's even more crazy to expect us to get it right with just one pick at that position..

not just that, but we've neglected that position for so long that it's hard for us to realize other teams have more than 1 receiver, but finding depth at position 2-4 would greatly help in our future... so taking a WR with our 2 first picks would make a lot of sense...

The way this offseason is going youth movement, rebuilding, etc. shows that this isn't going to be a "WIN NOW" type season. We are rebuilding and expect to be good in a few years to come, so why not take a DT (Alualu) with our first pick and let him progress for a couple of years and maybe be the replacement for Jenkins. Id like to go WR, DL, WR but Id rather take the BPA at either position in the second. Reaching for a wideout would not be a good idea.

[mmmbeans]

i wouldn't have a problem with two of our first three picks being WR. considering how hard it is to find one and the size of the need that is there, it would make a lot of sense. if you really want someone on the other side of smith then you need to put more resources into it.

i would still also consider bringing in a >30 year old vet to help out post draft depending on what is found in the draft.

in the draft i want a deep threat and a big solid possession receiver. the sooner we get them, the better.

other than WR...you would have to look at DT and depth at OL, SLB, and SS. beyond that there isn't a whole lot of need.

there's a very real possibility that marshall leaves next year, we need CB depth more than safety.