Panthers draft strategy may be very different...

[MHS831]

...than many on this board realize. In fairness, we don't have a lot of inside info--even the reporters are in the dark with this staff.

Many are assuming we are going QB because that is the focus of the media. The Panthers do not mind hyping the QBs because it is their best chance to trade . The big picture, however, does not suggest that QB is our biggest need.

Here are some points:

1. Have the Panthers and Steve Smith agreed on a trade after the CBA is done? All indicators suggest it is a real possibility--I think a liklihood based on the actions and comments over the last few months. The latest rumor is that the Panthers are considering AJ Green. The only reason we would do that is if SS was as good as gone. DT? They are deep in the draft.

2. Are the Panthers more interested in continuing to develop their young talent at QB, having drafted 2 last year, and considering a veteran? Hurney, the guy who calls the shots at the draft, still thinks there is something in Clausen. He wants to see what another year will do for him, probably in a backup role. Is drafting a 3rd/4th QB in two drafts the answer? Might he wait to see if Kaepernick or Dalton fall to the #65? There are a lot of directions we can go besides drafting a QB who will not be ready to start.

3. Doesn't the fact that we have a list of 5-7 names a month before the draft send a signal to other teams in the top ten that we would be interested in a trade? To me, if you cannot decide on players 60% into the process, then the player on the bottom of the list of 7 and bonus picks would be more valuable than your pick of the litter.

It just seems to me that our prioorities could be much different. If we do not like either QB at #1, then it makes sense to beef up the WR corps and OL around the QBs you bring in via FA or continue to develop. You see the supply and demand and realize teams want QB and might give you a deal to drop, so you make it look like you covet a QB. The press sees the attention and we read the press.

IF SS is indeed as good as gone and they do not have a ton of confidence in Lafell and Gettis as anything more than complimentary WRs, they COULD try to drop, get a second rounder, and draft AJ Green or Jones. Then in the second, they could get a DT or--Ponder, Dalton, Mallett, or Kaepernick. In the third round, assuming they draft a QB in the second (maybe they won't--who knows) but they could get a DT and CB in the third.

They could even trade up if necessary. Maybe this is a reach, but maybe assuming it will be QB doesn't consider some huge variables.

At any rate, the speculation is making this the most interesting draft I can recall.

[CRA]

The coach and gm have pretty much voiced that QB is THE need

that doesn't meant they will draft it #1 overall but they have identified that as THE weakness. So you gotta assume they will address it by some means

[monstercat]

Also, it's just common sense that they're going to be looking at a number of prospects and that QB is one of the positions they're looking at. That has nothing to do with whether they get a trade offer or not.

[Darth Urious]

bet we don't draft a QB at all... lol... 2 LBs fo'sho though...

[Fiz]

How do you consistently write so much and say so little

[panthers55]

My take is that the Panthers wants Steve Smith on it. Richardson and Smith are close and he is the ultimate decision maker. It really is whether Smith wants to stay. And that will totally hinge on who we bring in at quarterback. If we stay pat with what we have Smith is history. If we bring in Gabbert or newton and secure a vet, then he is likely to stay.

We will not draft Peterson. We don't need another stupid corner on the team, Gamble is enough.

There is no quarterback below the first round who is better than pickles so if we don't go Qb in the first we will likely pass until at least the 4th round when we might find someone better than Pike who is likely gone.

Teams will trade up with the partner who gives them the best deal. If we agree to trade down we won't be getting their first and second and next year's first. That is pure fantasy. If we hold that tough, they will just wait to see what we do and try to negotiate with other teams who will ask less. Honestly without a rookie wage cap or CBA done, I think there is going to be a lot less trading up or down than people think.

if we stay at number 1 we will pick up a Qb or DT in the draft. That seems pretty clear.

[Jackofalltrades]

They've voiced that we have several needs, thus are looking at multiple candidates.

[Jackofalltrades]

Also, we have the same GM so I don't expect much change at all when it comes to strategy or philosophy.

[OneBadassCat]

Steve Smith wants him some Matt Moore.

[Future of the Funchise]

I dont really trust hurney in the second round. I think Kalil may be his best pick there. He does better after the 4th round than any GM I can think of.

[sml1950]

I dont really trust hurney in the second round. I think Kalil may be his best pick there. He does better after the 4th round than any GM I can think of.

Actually, the Kalil pick came from the Jets when we traded down and let them take Revis @15 and we got Beason @25. Our initial 2nd round pick was Jarrett.

[MHS831]

How do you consistently write so much and say so little

When you write you are not saying anything. When you become literate you will realize that.

[MHS831]

How do you consistently write so much and say so little

[i

One day, you will read something called a BOOK. Then you will realize that my posts are not long. Maybe you can then read it to your illiterate friends, you troll. I will give you the cliff noted version: The ham is green.

[MHS831]

How do you consistently write so much and say so little

It seems every time I post you feel the need to make some punk-ass comment. Why is that? Do long posts threaten you? Why can't you just ignore it if you can't read it?

Maybe you could ask Santa for Hooked on Phonics this year and not Madden 2012.