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July 25, 2008
Otah deal done; Stewart pending
The Panthers have reached a contract agreement with offensive tackle Jeff Otah, according to team officials, but they haven't yet completed negotiations with their other first-round pick, running back Jonathan Stewart.
The Panthers picked Stewart with the 13th overall pick of the NFL draft and made a trade to aquire Otah with the 19th selection.
Otah's contract terms weren't immediately available. He's scheduled to be in Spartanburg in time for practices tomorrow (Saturday).
Stay tuned for more. We'll update as warranted.
-- Charles Chandler
Posted by Observer Sports on July 25, 2008 at 07:24 PM | Permalink
Comments
When was the last time we had everyone signed at the start of camp? Thats a good sign...
Posted by: southeastduck | Jul 25, 2008 7:52:12 PM
Getting Otah in at the start is good for the Offensive line specifically, and the offense overall. Having all the O-line's projected starters in place from the first practice session has to be a major positive factor in the gelling of the running game. Now, if Stewart signs and turns out to be the power stud we all hope he is, the running game could be awesome this year. As the running game goes, so go the Panthers in '09.
Posted by: Frank Bertaud | Jul 25, 2008 8:23:47 PM
Another site has it that Stewarts' contract is in the final stages so it looks like we'll get both signed tonight if nothing goes wrong...hopefully. I agree Frank, Otah being in on time is very important but I think just as much so for Stewart as well given that he missed all the mini camps & OTA's.
Posted by: JT | Jul 25, 2008 8:29:21 PM
Umm, two years ago, sed. I know it's tough to think back so far, but try. For me?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jul 25, 2008 9:06:03 PM
IMOA, I feel it is more important for Otah to get into camp. O-linemen need more time and reps to get things going in the right direction. RB's tend to pick things up a lot easier. Plus Stewart was a pretty good blocker in college and that is usually the hardest part for a rookie RB coming into the NFL. It will be great to get Stewart signed before camp but not as important as Otah. Either way this is very encouraging.
Posted by: Grim Reaper | Jul 25, 2008 9:15:00 PM
Getting Otah in at the start is good for the Offensive line specifically, and the offense overall. Having all the O-line's projected starters in place from the first practice session has to be a major positive factor in the gelling of the running game. Now, if Stewart signs and turns out to be the power stud we all hope he is, the running game could be awesome this year. As the running game goes, so go the Panthers in '09.
Posted by: Frank Bertaud | Jul 25, 2008 9:17:47 PM
Hey proct quit being an ass. The guy is trying to make a point not quote stats.
Posted by: BDUB | Jul 25, 2008 10:59:08 PM
Why does it seem like the panthers wait until the last second to sign their picks? They've only had three months to get a deal worked out! Is it penny pinching or just plain procrastination? They should have been signed weeks ago.
Posted by: candysguy | Jul 26, 2008 1:46:57 AM
Im Sorry,but I have to just stop one comment that just keeps getting posted Over & over, and it's the comment about the Offensive line Gelling.
This Offensive line has never "Gelled" or been on the same page since the 2003 season,with Mitchell,Stuessie,Gross,Donalley and James,but every year no matter the Offensive line additions all the Fans (We) keep hearing is just need time to "Gell" and once we "Gell,in this new system "or "Gell with these new additions on the line" then watch out we should be a power house etc. etc. etc.
I for one am getting tired about HEARING about the Offensive line coming together with them never actually getting that goal accomplished.
I do think its a great thing Otah is signed before Stewart out of the 2,but not because of "Gelling", more because of his role and position he will need to adapt to at this level,Kinda sucks he wont have anyone that is a top notch De to practice against since he is playing the Rt spot,It sure did Help Gross's development practicing against Pepp.
Sorry for the Mini-Rant,but until Foxy gets a better O-Line coach or Davidson(Hopefully) shows these guys some unity,and how to work in one fluid,Rapid,Succession,The beef,Size,Talent,Etc. wont translate into anything......
G.o.S
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | Jul 26, 2008 2:50:30 AM
Sparta, I believe Maser is no longer with the team. Del Rio cut Maser after bringing the Panther's OL coach with him to Jacksonville. Ironically, Fox picked Mike Maser up as the replacement in Charlotte. I never like the idea myself.
To be fair to Maser, the linemen from the 2003 team also left about that same season for different reasons. So the declining preformance may not have been Maser's fault alone. Let's not overlook the injury bug that kept hitting the offensive lines those following years as well.
That being said, I've got my fingers crossed that you are right. Hopefully, a new OL coach coupled with some stability (or gelling, if you prefer) will change all of that. It sure seems like the talent (excluding Gross' looming contract negotiations and less than superstar performances he previously had at LT) is now in place. We shall see.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Jul 26, 2008 5:30:12 AM
Eye Yam WE Todd Dead
Posted by: BDUB | Jul 26, 2008 8:00:10 AM
That line from '03 was also built by Seifert and had been playing together for some time.At least 2-3 years I believe.
Im just getting tired of hearing about the line "Gelling" etc etc etc,blah , blah, blah, and they never do.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | Jul 26, 2008 10:57:54 AM
His point was wrong, bdub.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Jul 26, 2008 11:32:29 AM
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