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March 13, 2007
Panthers mock draft:
On what easily is the most beautiful day of the year so far, time to give a gift to those chained to their computers. We’re still a long way from the draft. But since free agency is quiet and there wasn’t a lot else to think about as I took my kayak out on Lake Wylie for the first time this year this morning, here’s my first round-by-round mock draft for the Panthers:
FIRST ROUND
LaRon Landry, Safety, LSU
Think about it: Safety is, by far, the biggest need. The Panthers need one and maybe even two new starters at safety. Maybe they can squeeze a little more out of Mike Minter, who very well might be entering the last season of his career. There’s not another decent safety on the roster, and this position will come up again shortly.
SECOND ROUND
Anthony Spencer, Defensive End, Purdue
The logic here is pretty similar to the first pick. Mike Rucker also is near the end of his career. It’s not quite as urgent that the Panthers get an immediate starter, but they need a third in for the rotation after releasing veteran Al Wallace. Spencer, who looks a lot like a young Rucker, could fill that role for a year and take over as a starter in 2008.
THIRD ROUND
Josh Gattis, Safety, Wake Forest.
This guy is a true playmaker, and when is the last time the Panthers had a play-making safety? Chad Cota and Pat Terrell are about as close to playmakers at that position as this franchise has ever had.
FOURTH ROUND
Johnnie Lee Higgins, Wide Receiver, UTEP.
Higgins has great speed and the Panthers can afford to groom him for a year or two as a receiver. But he could get on the field right away as a kickoff returner.
FIFTH ROUND
Cody Boyd, Tight End Washington State.
A lot of the mock drafts have the Panthers taking a tight end in the first round. But, do you really see John Fox using a first-round pick on a tight end? The position might be more involved in the passing game this year, but it’s not like the Panthers are suddenly going to be looking for someone to play like Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez. Boyd’s a project, but he’s a shade over 6-foot-7, which makes him a huge target.
SIXTH ROUND
H.B. Blades, Middle Linebacker, Pittsburgh.
It’s possible the Panthers take Patrick Willis in the first round. But the bet here is that they find an alternative to Morgan in free agency, because they don’t want a rookie starting between the inexperienced Thomas Davis and James Anderson. If that happens, Blades makes still makes sense here because he could be another option. At very least, he could fill the Vinny Ciurciu role on special teams.
SEVENTH ROUND
BranDon Snow, Fullback, Penn State.
There was strong temptation here to throw in Chris Leak and play the local-kid angle. But let’s be honest: Fullback is a much bigger need. Brad Hoover’s been taking a pounding for years, and it’s time to start grooming an alternative. Besides, the Panthers haven’t had a winning season since Brandon Short, their last player from Penn State left the team (Yes, I’m a Penn State fan and it pained me not to take Levi Brown or Paul Posluszny in the first round).
Posted by Observer Sports on March 13, 2007 at 05:54 PM | Permalink
Comments
I'd love to see the Panthers take LaRon Landry, but the chances of him being available at pick #14 are slim. I think we're probably looking at Patrick Willis or Reggie Nelson. An interesting third option might be Greg Olsen--I know the Panthers under John Fox haven't put too much value in the TE position, but Olsen's speed and catching ability make you at least have to think about him. There will still be quality S like Eric Weddle available in Round 2 who can step in and contribute if not start.
Posted by: Brian | Mar 13, 2007 6:17:06 PM
No mention of O-lineman, I guess your saying you feel comfortable after 3 of our starters were out last year, and Gross will have some contract issues next year. If you don't take either Pat Willis or Adam Curriker in the first round, not smart. The talent and depth this year in the defensive backfield is incredible, and to waste a chance to get a big man up front, I hope is not going to happen. We need to go O-line at pick # 2 (45). Joe Staley, Toney Ugoh, Sears or Blalock. One of those should be available. If we don't pick up a safety during FA, then I suggest we go Safety in the 3rd round. Aaron Rouse, Eric Frampton, or Eric Weddle could be availabe. If not I would say go TE and draft Chandler or Patrick. Chances are one of those 5 will be available at pick 83. If we over-reach and try to pick up a safety in the first couple of rounds, big mistake in my opinion considering the fact this is a deep class for the defensive backfield. Why not address another need knowing that at some time during the draft you will fill your need at Safety.
Posted by: Javery | Mar 13, 2007 6:45:46 PM
...and fullback in the 7th round? What about Eric Shelton? I'm sorry but your mock draft is not good. In fact, it sucks!
Posted by: Javery | Mar 13, 2007 7:28:06 PM
God bless the Panthers to get future all pro players and i thank God for this in Jesus name.
Posted by: Jackson | Mar 13, 2007 7:28:51 PM
Jackson: I love you!
Posted by: Javery | Mar 13, 2007 7:35:41 PM
turn travvel warton in to a receving tightend and save the pick
Posted by: coxfan | Mar 13, 2007 9:50:16 PM
With 21 of 22 starters returning I vote for the Panthers trading down once or twice in the first round to load up on cheaper but decent talent in the second round. Also I think they should not spend much money in free agency to have cap space to sign core players turning free agent next year.
Posted by: CurtisK | Mar 13, 2007 10:06:29 PM
Dude... no way in hell will you get Landry in the first round. Serious question... did you watch the combine?
Posted by: Mogamedogz | Mar 13, 2007 10:23:16 PM
What the...? Landry will NOT be there at 14. Blades will be long gone by the time the Panthers pick in Round 6. No offensive linemen? Was there beer in that kayak by chance?
Posted by: Jabbo | Mar 13, 2007 10:30:20 PM
I think if we get a MLB such as Kawika Mitchell, and draft DE Adam Curriker, then we can dump Rucker's contract after 07, which is huge. That is preparing for tomarrow! Rucker has been great and I know he has that Kid Center with Minter, but the game must go on brother! I'm not at all impressed with his mock draft. If we draft like that I'm doing something else other than breaking my TV! And suggesting that we could use a late round pick on hometown boy Chris Leak, I question that one, although it's tempting only at round 7 though!
Posted by: Javery | Mar 13, 2007 10:45:04 PM
i dont care how good landry is i would never take a saftey in the first round....besides the panthers do well late in the draft for positions like that. its the first two rounds they screw up....please dont take an o-lineman or d-lineman!!!! get some help on offense.....look at the last few drafts ...have the offensive players they selected produced anything?......no...look an there offensive numbers horrible ..third down conversion horrible...
Posted by: cw | Mar 14, 2007 3:06:28 AM
through the first 11 games last season the panthers scored 15 points or less six times...lets go get some more d-linemen....
the big story in the papper last year during training camp was that the panthers had so many good d-linemen it is a shame the have to cut some. they draft 2 to 3 o- linmen every year at point you have to get some play makers...it seems like it is a never ending thing with linemen
Posted by: cw | Mar 14, 2007 3:22:35 AM
Landry will be off the board long before we draft. Safety is what we need but Landry nor Nelson is the best pick for us. Michael Griffin from Texas won the Jim Thorpe award last year for a reason guys. He also has extensive experience starting at both safety spots. This is clearly the best draft choice at safety, if just for that reason alone. Minter will be gone soon, and Griffin can fill either role once he's gone.
Posted by: Jason | Mar 14, 2007 7:21:09 AM
Get Willis, LB in the first round and a Defensive End in the second round, a safety in the third, get a offensive lineman in the fourth round, fifth round get a cornerback, sixth round get another linebacker and in the final round get a quarterback. The Panthers need alot of prayer for being so slow in free agency and the staff as usual,not being on top of their game. Again, why is Keary Colbert still on the team? Let him go and find a punt return speacialist or let Nick Goings return punts. Finally, How many of you think that Fox will give Davidson, the new Offensive Coach free reign to get the offense in gear or will his hands be tied behind his back(By the Coach)? We really need to pray on this one. What is the next move for the Panthers? I say start looking for a new Defensive Coordinator that will get results. Is there another Gruden, Dungy, Smith or Belichek out there in the Panthers future?
Posted by: SEW Jr. | Mar 14, 2007 7:22:00 AM
oops my mistake, Griffin wasnt the Thorpe winner, but he is still the Safety we need to take.
Posted by: Jason | Mar 14, 2007 9:33:55 AM
NFL Network reported that Doug Jolley is visiting the Panthers today. Hopefully we sign him. He's no Pro Bowler, but he's a fill in. Everyone says John Fox is looking to throw to the tight end more this year, but that probably translates to only 2 or 3 catches a game, so we don't need a big time playmaker. If we sign him, and he stays healthy and can block, and the o-line stays healthy, our offense will be much better.
If we do sign him, we will definitely pick a safety in the first round, and it won't be Landry - he'll be gone by then. We'll probably get Nelson because he's the most talked about player at safety.
We need to cut Shelton. Being big doesn't mean he can block. At his size, if he can't hit the hole hard and fast, he probably can't block at all.
I don't think anyone we pick after the fourth round matters because they won't get on the field. Maybe we should draft a Qb in the 6th and hope to get lucky that he's a decent third stringer.
Posted by: charlson | Mar 14, 2007 9:46:27 AM
Landry won't be there at pick 14 although that would be a good choice. I don't see the Panthers being able to pass on Patrick Willis even though they may be getting him a few picks too high. MLB is a sore point for the Panthers now and needs to be addressed.
Posted by: David | Mar 14, 2007 9:53:16 AM
Carolina Panthers
MOCK DRAFT
1. Pat Willis, LB, Ole Miss
2. Eric Weddle, S, Utah
3. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech
4. Martrez Milner, TE, Georgia
5. Mario Henderson, OT, Florida State
6. Jeff Rowe, QB, Nevada
7. Tony Hunt, FB, Penn State
Free Agent Signings:
Chris Leak, QB, Florida
Ronnie McGill, FB, North Carolina
Posted by: Michael83 | Mar 14, 2007 10:02:42 AM
I like Michael83's mock draft. I hope we add a couple LBs and DBs in FA, even if it's after the draft, just to compete and provide depth. Doug Jolley would be a good signing, but he's no Antonio Gates. I don't know how well he blocks, either.
Posted by: charlson | Mar 14, 2007 12:19:14 PM
First Round they should look at a Laron Landry, Patrick Willis, Dwayne Jarret, or pick up Greg Olsen.
I say the Panthers should seriously consider giving up their 3rd or 4th round pick to Baltimore and audition Kyle Boller. For some reason, I sense he'll do what Delhomne did when he left New Orleans. Except more potential. I would take Boller at this point in his career than 90% of the QB's in this years draft. He's in the final year of his contract. Quick release(hitch plays to steve smith) Mobility, and ROCKET ARM (deep balls to our WR's)...I am telling you...and in no way am i comparing him to favre...but the the falcons traded brett favre to the packers....this deal for Boller has that potential... Carolina please make this happen !...Don't go for Carr cause he'll cost too much...Remember Boller is an audition that will only benefit the panthers. If he works out this year (which I am sure will) give him his new contract. Most of all it sounds like he's very coachable.
Posted by: tp | Mar 14, 2007 3:28:18 PM
Carolina Panthers Mock Draft:
1: Adam Curriker, DE
2: Joe Staley or Toney Ugoh, OT
3. Scott Chandler, TE
4: Buster Davis or Jon Abbate, ILB
5. Sabby Piscitelli or Daren Stone, SS
6. Mike Jones, OG or Brandon Harrison, SS
7. Yamon Figurs, WR/PR runs a 4.3
Then look hard during the free agent signings...
Fullback - Derek Schouman
Center - Kyle Young
Posted by: Javery | Mar 14, 2007 3:46:21 PM
TP, you hit it big time with that call! I was listening to Randy Cross on the Opening Drive and he said almost the exact thing about Boller. And Pat Kerwan eluded to the fact that most QB's in the league lack decision-making ability and a "Quick Release", which go hand and hand. I agree totally about Carr, way to over-paid and not very good as he has done absolutely nothing in this league. Look at Boller, he has shown signs of brilliancy, yet he has gone through many Offensive Coordinators. He never really has been given a chance to develope. I am all about that move! If a 4th round draft choice is all that it takes to get him to Carolina, bring it!
Posted by: Javery | Mar 14, 2007 4:10:34 PM
Where have any of you guys heard that Boller could be had for a 3rd, much less a 4th?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Mar 14, 2007 6:09:10 PM
this is my mock draft and ONLY God and his Son Jesus christ how big and how true this could happen and i dont want any doubter talking about this if you can't be postive then pray to God that you will so become one.here my list of name we might have to make some or alot of trade but with God antthing is possilbe if you believe me say amen if you dont well i hope you get saved. so here my list
TED GLENN JR
REGGIE NELSON
PATRICK WILLAS
MARSHALL LYNCH
DUSTIN FRY
MICHEL BUSH
ZACH MILLER
BRADON SILER
ARRON SEARS
TONY UGOH
ROY HALL
CHRIS LEAK
ERIC WRIGHT
WARRICK JOHNSON
Now it not in perfect order but I PRAY TO God everynight to answer this pray so if you are a doubter please keep your comment to your selve for your not going to block this blessing GOD and his son JESUS got for the CAROLINA PANTHERS GOD BLESS AND HAVE A BLESS DAY IN JESUS NAME.
Posted by: Jackson | Mar 14, 2007 6:37:06 PM
Jackson,
At least you have faith brother!
Posted by: Javery | Mar 14, 2007 9:00:13 PM
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