Draft Speak 101

[panthers55]

I agree with the above posts. I don't necessarily think we know what we are going to do yet. I don't necessarily think everyone is in agreement not only about our draft choices but about some players on the team like Clausen for example. So contingencies are being made for several options. As noted, we are 7 weeks away and it likely that we are still doing our due diligence. We haven't had anyone in for visits yet nor have most players had their pro days.

There is also the CBA or lack of one which will factor into our decision as well. If there is no resolution by the draft, it could have a significant impact on what we do given that we will have no time to explore free agency. We may have to draft a player or two at a position we had hoped to fill in free agency to hedge our bets.

I think we are not actively sowing disinformation as much as we are keeping our options open and getting a feel for the landscape. Unlike some teams perpetually in the top 5 of the draft, this is our first foray since 2002. For most everyone this is relatively uncharted ground. I would rather we go slowly and deliberately versus throwing caution to the wind and just picking a guy.

[Snake]

As of now I think our first pick is between Newton or Gabbert. While they more then likely will listen to a trade its not going to be cheap for the other team. With the signing of JS tells me two things.

#1 BPA may have been a Fox thing.

#2 We are going to address our weakness.

Something to not ignore is that DT FA is deep this year.

Also QB FA is shallow.

[Mr. Scot]

Hurney trained under Bobby Beathard. I don't think the BPA thing left with Fox.

[teeray]

Hurney trained under Bobby Beathard. I don't think the BPA thing left with Fox.

But he might adjust it when you have the number one overall pick and there isn't a clear BPA.

I think almost literally everyone has a different guy number 1 right now.

[Delhommey]

Deceptively Fast: White

High Motor: White

Coach's Son: White

Off the Charts Measurables: Black

[vorbis]

FYI: There is actually another player about whom I find the Panthers actions intriguing, though for different reasons. At this point, very few are talking about it, except to take things at face value (which might be a mistake).

Wondering if anyone else will figure out who I mean.

it would behoove the Panthers to avoid talking about Fairley in the case that he's 4th or 5th on their board and they decide to trade down to #9 or #10 or something.

[vorbis]

I don't know how much Hurney is in to smoke and mirrors - every time I've heard him speak about the draft he's refused to discuss our interest in any of the specific prospects. The most recent example was on the debut of his radio show, they actually brought in another guy to discuss the draft prospects and what we might do because Hurney wouldn't talk about it.

it is my impression that Hurney is as much about smoke and mirrors, whatever that ultimately means, as any other GM/jerryjones of the league. he's not the talkative type for sure but he will be as vague and as noncommittal as he can get away with when speaking to the press of team needs and strategy. either he and John Fox have that in common, or he learned it from Fox, but I think they operate really similarly when discussing the team to the press on the record.

to that end I think it's definitely in the realm of possibility that Hurney is thinking about a trade and scheming how to get his guy at the lowest pick feasible. in his playbook, at least.