Observer/person: Pick Is Blackmon Or Defense

[UNCrules2187]

http://www.charlotte...r-panthers.html

Couple of interesting nuggets in here:

This year their first-round focus is on defense – unless Oklahoma State wideout Justin Blackmon falls into their laps. If that happens, the Panthers will add another weapon to quarterback Cam Newton’s arsenal.

Most draft experts don’t see Blackmon sliding past St. Louis at No. 6. But if Blackmon were to slip to 9, where the Panthers pick after losing a coin flip to Miami, look for general manager Marty Hurney to grab him and worry about the defense in subsequent rounds.

...Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the nation’s top tackler the past two seasons...could be the pick if Coples is off the board or the Panthers decide against him.

Claiborne is expected to be gone when the Panthers pick ninth. They met with South Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore, the second-rated corner, but don’t view him as a top-10 pick, according to league sources.

[CarolinaNCSU]

Wonder where Cox fits in to this? RR happy with the DT's or we don't think he's falling? Seems that it's:

1. Blackmon

2a. Coples

2b. Kuechly

Doesn't seem like trading back will happen either.

[Marguide]

Blackmon is the one guy I have really wanted since the beginning of this process, but the odds of him being there are slim.

All signs seem to point to Coples. Let's hope Ron can get the best out of him.

[CardiacCats]

Oh thank God we don't like Gilmore

[Ruff]

Seems like

1. Blackmon

1a. Coples

2. Kuechly

2a. Gilmore

[CPF4LIFE]

Oh thank God we don't like Gilmore

LOL

[Ruff]

Or, us not liking Gilmore is an absolute smokescreen.

[CardiacCats]

I don't want Coples anymore either, just too lazy to change my icon. Gonna do that now

[SOJA]

Do the Panthers really think that poorly of Cox

[Ruff]

Do the Panthers really think that poorly of Cox

Probably just assume he's going to be long gone.

[The Special One]

Quote

...Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the nation’s top tackler the past two seasons...could be the pick if Coples is off the board or the Panthers decide against him.

wow some real great insight there Joe!

[The Special One]

Do the Panthers really think that poorly of Cox

Recall that a couple of months ago everyone was saying there weren't any DT worthy of top 10 selection this year. That was before all these personal workout and combine crap. If you go purely on game tape, that might still be the case.

[BeerMe]

I think we go Blackmon or Floyd at 9 at this point. Cosell referenced making one side of the ball unbelievable and then starting work on the other side, ala what Polian did with the Colts & Peyton.

[Marguide]

Do the Panthers really think that poorly of Cox

Their reasoning probably revolves around DE being a more valuable position (greater impact) than DT. There is no doubt Coples would be better at DE than Cox (should they envision using him there occasionally) and Coples may be close to Cox on the occasions he moves inside.

No matter what, we are likely going to be a bit thin at either DE or 3 technique post-draft and may need to add someone after June 1st.