The Panthers and "falling stars"

[Mr. Scot]

The Panthers have a bit of a history of taking chances on "falling stars", i.e. guys who were projected to go high but slipped way down the list on Draft Day.

To be honest, it hasn't gone all that well :unsure:

The list...

Rae Carruth (1st Round, #27, 1997 Draft)

Dwayne Jarrett (2nd Round, #45, 2007 NFL Draft)

Everette Brown (2nd Round, #43, 2009 NFL Draft)

Jimmy Clausen (2nd Round, #48, 2010 NFL Draft)

Fast forward to this year, and another "falling star" may reach us at #14, this one actually bearing the name. Some mocks have Star Lotulelei going as high as #3 to the Raiders, while others have him falling to the Panthers at #14.

One of the big questions with Lotulelei is a heart condition identified during medical checks at The Combine. And while he's been medically cleared to play, the condition is still there.

Does the Panthers history with this kind of player give you pause should this "Star" fall to 14? What about the heart issue? Or are there other "falling stars" you'd like to see (or hope we avoid)?

[Gabeking]

I agree that we haven't had much luck with those types of players but none of those guys were the prospect that star is, IMO.

[CanadianCat]

listened to a mock draft today by Ross Tucker and with Fyold being the only DT taken when it came to us he mocked us picking Richardson over Star..

This draft may put us in a situation when we must have faith in our new GM..

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

Greg Hardy....... Just saying

[thefuzz]

Star does not give me hesitation, not in the least.

Character concerns bother me more than anything except for starts/film. And as far as I know he has no issues off the field.

[Mr. Scot]

I agree that we haven't had much luck with those types of players but none of those guys were the prospect that star is, IMO.

Agree he's great, but what if that heart condition turns out to be worse than expected?

He could be another Dan Morgan, only worse.

listened to a mock draft today by Ross Tucker and with Fyold being the only DT taken when it came to us he mocked us picking Richardson over Star..

I can't fathom Richardson over Lotulelei.

I'd probably pop a blood vessel :(

[Floppin]

Greg Hardy....... Just saying

Frank Alexander fell because of reported heart condition, the same one that Star was reported to have. That's why he fell so far.

[Mr. Scot]

Greg Hardy....... Just saying

Hardy is one that's worked out, though in fairness there was a lot less risk with him since he was a 6th rounder.

All the big mistakes have come within the top 50 picks.

Frank Alexander fell because of reported heart condition, the same one that Star was reported to have. That's why he fell so far.

A factor which would probably make us more willing to take that chance.

[Floppin]

listened to a mock draft today by Ross Tucker and with Fyold being the only DT taken when it came to us he mocked us picking Richardson over Star..

This draft may put us in a situation when we must have faith in our new GM..

Whomever Ross Tucker is, he's an idiot.

[Squirrel]

*cough* Geno *cough* ;)

[Mr. Scot]

*cough* Geno *cough* ;)

Tavon Austin falling to 14 would go against conventional wisdom now as well.

He too could wind up being that "falling star". Lotulelei is not the only possibility.

[SOJA]

the flip side of this argument is taking a "rising unknown prospect"

see Sherrod Martin

[Squirrel]

I cant see Austin getting past the Jets now. The only way is if they take Star at 13. Of the 2 (Austin, Star) I would rather have Star.

[Mr. Scot]

the flip side of this argument is taking a "rising unknown prospect"

see Sherrod Martin

Oy :(

To our credit, I don't think we've ever been fooled by a 'workout warrior" or a "combine star" (like a Mike Mamula)