Post Combine First Round Prospects at 9

[Pejorative Miscreant]

Now that the workouts have concluded, I want to take stock of a few of the mockj draft selections that seemed to be popular over the past couple of months.

1. Michael Brockers: Was the pick du jour entering the combine but I think he could be classified as a reach and no longer a top ten pick based on the pedestrian performance.

2. Devon Still: Most on this board had already written him off and pushed him down on the list of prospects. Nothing has changed.

3. Dre Kirkpatrick: I think Dre was pretty solid at the combine and given the poor performance turned in by Brockers, he may find his way albeit reluctantly, back in peoples draft conversations.

4. Blackmon/Claiborne: Sorry. Still don't see the math on how either one will fall to 9.

5. Coples: Same story as Kirkpatrick. I think he comes back into conversations.

6. Ingram: Provides immediate help for the defense. Not a terrible combine.

7. Reiff: Stiff and Tight. Dont think he is on the radar.

8. Trade: Draftopia. Almost everyone's wish and will be a what if until draft night.

By process of elimination I see the pick being Kirkpatrick Coples or Ingram. Things can change but if we had to pick today I think it would be one of those guys.

[Jesse]

I think Coples will be the option if he's on the board; Brockers if he's not.

[MHS831]

I think Coples will be the option if he's on the board; Brockers if he's not.

Do not rule out Luke Kuechly, MLB BC. Connors is gone and we have 2 LBs who will probably not return at full speed. Achilles is a serious injury. So is the 3 ACL tears. Who knows if or when either will return to form. Maybe they want to move Beason because they anticipate a loss of range. Lotta ifs that we do not know, but should be considered.

[scarface]

[rayzor]

people pay too much attention to the combine. it's really only beneficial to small school guys helping them get noticed or for guys who are fringe players to help them line up meetings with teams.

for players that have already lined up meetings with teams it really isn't all that important.

there shouldn't be much changed after combine as far as rankings. brockers and others had already lined up private workouts with early teams and those teams more than likely aren't going to care about those 40 times and such.

consider it a cover letter to a resume for people without connections.

[CarolinaNCSU]

Do not rule out Luke Kuechly, MLB BC. Connors is gone and we have 2 LBs who will probably not return at full speed. Achilles is a serious injury. So is the 3 ACL tears. Who knows if or when either will return to form. Maybe they want to move Beason because they anticipate a loss of range. Lotta ifs that we do not know, but should be considered.

I wouldn't mind Kuechly, Poe, Cox, Dre, or whoever is there after a trade back.

[nickzz]

i'd like to trade back and get kuechly, dre, or ingram

[CatMan72]

I have a gut feeling it will be Coples... not saying that's the guy I want, but I have a feeling it will be him.

[Marguide]

IMO, Fletcher Cox should be in consideration as well.

Similar (actually a bit better) stat line as Brockers, both in the SEC. Performed much better at the combine. Has played both DE and DT and can rush the passer. Can easily add 20 lbs without losing much athleticism. Relentless, high-motor guy.

People want to talk about Brockers and Poe, but this guy very well may outperform them both at the next level.

[pantherclaw]

There isn't a defensive end, or MLB in this draft that is worth our 1st round pick. IMO.

[panthers55]

I think it will come down to whether we need an impact player this year or want a potential gamechanger who we are willing to develop over the next 2 years. Both Brockers and Poe have huge upsides and are both underclassmen. Both need experience and better technique which they will get. But neither will knock it out of the park in 2012. Poe did much more than Brockers to help himself and has been compared potential wise to Ngata or Kris Jenkins. Brockers has the frame but ran slow and put up 17 reps in the benchpress which some huddlers could likely match.

Another guy who positioned himself well was Cox who was fast at 298 lbs and ran a 4.67 which is linebacker speed, and has good game film.

Ingram and Perry are both in the picture as well as far as DEs go.

And Luke Kuechley was everything people said he wasn't before the combine. Fast at 4.58 and strong with 27 reps of 225. Great vertical leap, great tackler and on and on.

I honestly could be happy with multiple guys but I think I want a DT this year either Cox or Poe. Cox if we want someone for 2012 or Poe if we want a beast in 2013.

If we don't go that direction I would be very happy with Kuechley to replace Connor who will be leaving. As for DE, Ingram would be my choice. Brockers and Coples have to be in the conversation as well.

And of course corner has to be a consideration. Both Kirpatrick and Claiborne would be great choices although this draft is so deep that we could pick a great corner in the second or lower.

[Riverboat Ron]

I have a gut feeling it will be Coples... not saying that's the guy I want, but I have a feeling it will be him.

To be honest, if Coples is there we should pick him. The three money positions in football are QB/OT/DE, and if the best DE is still on the board I wouldn't hesitate. I trust Hurney to evaluate all possible options, and make the best choice at 9 or if we trade down.

[MadHatter]

To be honest, if Coples is there we should pick him. The three money positions in football are QB/OT/DE, and if the best DE is still on the board I wouldn't hesitate. I trust Hurney to evaluate all possible options, and make the best choice at 9 or if we trade down.

yep.

My hope is for either Coples or Cox.

But then again, I would have picked Gabbert over Cam....so what the hell do I know.

[Peppers90 NC]

It's February, nobody knows poo