New Espn Insider Article

[Pablo_Escobar]

Hey guys, just saw this article today in ESPN Insider about the most intriguing teams heading into the draft this Thursday, one of which is our own Carolina Panthers.

Here's the writeup:

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are in a real good spot at No. 9 and also could be a prime candidate to move back a few spots and still acquire a high-end talent at a need position. But if DT Fletcher Cox is still available at No. 9, the Panthers should run their card up to the podium to ensure Cox is coming to Carolina. Although it doesn't fill as great of a need as defensive tackle, adding a top-flight wide receiver prospect like Floyd to line up opposite Steve Smith and eventually take over for Smith as Cam Newton's top option also is quite attractive. But the way I see the Panthers, I am very fond of what they have on offense -- led by Newton, Smith and what could be an elite rushing attack.

The defense is another story. The Panthers are getting Jon Beason back from injury as well as a few other defensive players who should be serious contributors, but this defense really could use a difference-maker at defensive tackle -- such as Cox -- and one more high-end defensive back. A wideout such as Floyd would be a bonus prize for sure -- and one who might be too good to pass up -- but going in such a direction would really leave Newton in a situation where he would have to outshoot nearly every opponent on a weekly basis.

If Floyd is the pick in Round 1, a defensive tackle such as Devon Still, Jerel Worthy, Kendall Reyes or Brandon Thompson in the second round -- maybe via trading up -- wouldn't be such a terrible consolation prize. Another player who could factor in is Dontari Poe. Many look at Poe as a pure 3-4 nose tackle because of his sheer mass, but Poe is a really a better fit for a scheme like Carolina's in which he can use his athletic ability to be disruptive. I would be very happy with Poe if I were a Panthers fan.

The Panthers also could use help at defensive end and cornerback. Maybe the Panthers grab Stephon Gilmore or Quinton Coples, both of whom played their college ball in the Carolinas, with the ninth pick or in a trade-down situation. With all these options, trading down a few spots could really make sense.

All of this is what makes this team so intriguing on draft day. Carolina also picks early in the second round. Maybe the Panthers jump on a bigger wideout, such as Rueben Randle, Mohamed Sanu or Alshon Jeffery, if they go defense in the first round. There also could be several attractive cornerbacks on the board for the Panthers' second-round selection. Carolina could make out very well in this draft and shouldn't be in a position to reach for need, which is a draft recipe for success.

[KittyLover]

Man, Lafell and Gettis get no respect

[MadHatter]

Man, Lafell and Gettis get no respect

Don't believe that either Lafell or Gettis are legitimate #1 WR's. They are good #2 and #3 guys.....but would not be happy with either slotted at #1.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Don't like any of those wide outs mentioned at all.

[teeray]

Man, Lafell and Gettis get no respect

Have they earned it?? If they had I imagine Hurney and Rivera wouldn't be interviewing 7 different WRs in this draft and bringing 5 in for a visit. And they have more insight than any of us.

I think it is a position that can be upgraded and you can never have too many weapons. May not be our most pressing need like DE or CB but it is a spot where we need to start looking for a future #1 because Smitty only has a few years left in him.

[CRA]

Man, Lafell and Gettis get no respect

In fairness, Gettis hasn't done anything to be getting respect from the national scene. LaFell might of earned a tad more than he is getting. We look at both through Carolina glasses in a world in which we haven't seen truely good WR play from someone not named Steve Smith since 2004.

[SevenSixes]

I for one am not throwing Gettis under the bus just yet. In his first year he had two QB's who couldn't throw the ball. Then he blows the ACL that will most likely take 2-3 years to recover from, IF he recovers. Drafting a wide out play maker is obviously in the cards. The only question is do we take one at the top of a draft with a deep WR class? I guess it depends on how it all shakes down for us on Thrusday night..

[Louie]

This will be the year where LaFell and Gettis will have an opportunity. I think LaFell did great with his limited chances last season. Still, I don't see them as a #1 WR and Smitty won't be here forever, so I can see where the national media sees that position as a need, but I think it could wait one more year with CB, DT, DE, LB, and Safety being more of a need.

[KittyLover]

My thoughts were Gettis showed some signs when having NO QB. Lafell showed some life last year. I really don't see a standout receiver I would take in the first round this year.

[jtnc]

Did we even bring Alshon in for a visit? Kinda odd if we didn't.

[GotSwag?]

I dont like getting WR in the first round. Dont get me wrong, if we end up with Blackmon or Floyd, Ill be excited...but we could get a guy like Joe Adams in the 4th round who has a chance to be special.

[MadHatter]

I dont like getting WR in the first round. Dont get me wrong, if we end up with Blackmon or Floyd, Ill be excited...but we could get a guy like Joe Adams in the 4th round who has a chance to be special.

Not as a WR. He could be special as a returner....but he is not highly rated as a WR prospect.

[KittyLover]

Not as a WR. He could be special as a returner....but he is not highly rated as a WR prospect.

I think returner is as big a need as any...

[jayflip]

People actually pay for insider access? That guy literally named every draft prospect as a possibility to us, and perhaps a trade down. That is all stuff I can read for free on the huddle. There was zero "insider" information from that excerpt.