Sports Networks' Tony Moss on draft

[top dawg]

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/24/1596787/carolina-panthers-2010-nfl-draft.html

2 - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame (6-3, 222); 3 - Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU (6-2, 211); 3 - Armanti Edwards, QB/WR, Appalachian State (5-11, 181); 4 - Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina (6-1, 245); 6 - Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss (6-4, 281); 6 - David Gettis, WR, Baylor (6-3, 217); 6 - Jordan Pugh, CB, Texas A&M (5-10, 190); 6 - Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati (6-6, 223); 7 - R.J. Stanford, CB, Utah (5-10, 185); 7 - Robert McClain, CB, Connecticut (5-9, 194)

Analysis: The Panthers were one of the last teams to be on the clock at No. 48, and certainly reminded the world of their presence by making a splash and taking Clausen. The Notre Dame product has his issues, but he's in a great situation for a well-run organization where he can start right away. The impact receiver that many Panthers fans (and Steve Smith) coveted came off the board in the third round, as the team tabbed the big and promising but somewhat slow- of-foot LaFell. Later, Carolina moved up to get two-time Walter Payton Award Armanti Edwards, who will almost certainly transition to wideout at the next level. Norwood fell to the Panthers late in the fourth, and could develop into a starting OLB if things go well. Hardy was viewed as a Top-10 defensive end by some but dropped mainly due to concerns over his injury history. Gettis has an NFL body, and has a decent chance of getting on the field. Pugh is a marginal prospect who helped himself by running fast at his pro day. Carolina further undermined Matt Moore (and Clausen, for that matter) by taking Pike in the sixth.

Bottom Line: Added some quality players and lots of guys you've heard of, but this team could be in major trouble along the defensive line due to its draft approach.

Grade: B-

Yes, we no longer have Pep, but we have personnel that is capable of getting after the QB, so I just don't believe we will be in "major trouble" like Moss is saying. On paper, today, if you look at the situation you might say that we may be in some trouble, but all the moves have probably not been completed. Even still, I am thinking that with further development and/or playing time, guys like Chuck, Everette and Tank may not be Angus beef, but they surely aren't chopped liver. I am also thinking that my fellow alum, Corvey Irvin, is going to surprise some critics as well, especially with his ability to get after the ball and stuff the run in the backfield and along the edges (that's if Meeks' deems him ready for battle).

Don't get me wrong, I do believe that we will probably make a move along the way, but I believe that the promise that the guys were showing toward the latter half of the season last year impressed the FO enough that they don't believe that the situation is as dire as some analysts are intimating.

I believe that the Big Cat and company have a lo of confidence in what Meeks is doing, and the direction of the defense in general, and the draft reflected those feelings.

[Miaoww]

So he's criticising us for adding depth at a weak position (QB), but then criticising us for not adding depth at a supposed weak position (DE). Riiiiiiiiight.

As for the loss of Peppers - much like Delhomme, I'm happy he's gone. He's a good player, but he's just not he difference maker everyone makes him out to be. With the solid rotation of talented, high motor guys we have we'll easily replace his production.

[Dpantherman]

i disagree. we had next to no offense outside the run. in fact it was non-existent. and im not dogging pep, but hes only 1 man. he didn't do it by himself. his abscense hurts, but my thing is, you dont go into the draft w/ no clue of your weaknesses. We had to go through a full evaluation of the roster. its possible that we will pay for not putting an Bigger emphasis on D-line, but its also possible that our coaching staff and FO are comfortable with who we have. the guys we have are more prepared than any rookie that we could have drafted. and adding UDFA are just as good at this point. the most pressing need this year was offense, which we addressed head on, and imo very well at that.

[panthers55]

If you are going to analyze this draft you have to include Tyler and Louis, both DTs acquired with picks in this draft.

just saying.......................................