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March 18, 2010
Brayton lends experience to young DL
The Carolina Panthers bought themselves some experience by re-signing DE Tyler Brayton Wednesday.
Of course, the 30-year-old's biggest benefit here might be driving the minivan to practices and bringing snacks and juice boxes for the kids.
Prior to his re-signing, the average age of the Panthers projected starting defensive line was 23.8. DEs Charles Johnson (23) and Everette Brown (22) would have been flanking 25-year-old DTs Louis Leonard and Tank Tyler. Only one other defensive lineman on the roster was over 26 (29-year-old journeyman Eric Moore, who was on the practice squad last year).
The others are: DTs Ed Johnson (26), Derek Landri (26), Nick Hayden (24) and Corvey Irvin (24) and DE Hilee Taylor (23).
Figure they'll bring in some more 21 or 22-year-olds during and after the draft, and it's going to be a very young group even if they add another veteran to the mix.
In many ways, bringing Brayton back was similar to the track record of the recently released Damione Lewis, who came here on the cheap, got a second contract and provided valuable leadership to a young line — though it wasn’t nearly as young as this one.
— Darin Gantt
Posted by Observer Sports on March 18, 2010 at 12:32 PM | Permalink
Comments
"Groin Pains," starring Tyler Brayton.
Posted by: dogear | Mar 18, 2010 1:16:26 PM
Brayton, Leonard, Tank and E. Brown is still a good line. Dominant? No. But they all fit the scheme that Meeks runs. As long as Leonard and Tank can man the middle, Beason can roam free and T.D. be the clean up man on the weak side. Connor will tackle everything comes his way strong side, so there's the run support (especially if Gamble and Marshall keep up the good tackling on the RBs that bounce the ball out wide).
The DLine will probably be the weakest unit on the D, but that's purely attributed to lack of playing time. I anticipate a similar growth in Defense continuity just like last season. As the scheme becomes more and more 2nd nature and God forbid the injury bug strikes again...we are going to be a good team. Lookin at the schedule coupled with our young team, I still see at least 10-6.
The only teams with outstanding running games (that could expose our DL) on our schedule is Atlanta, Baltimore and San Fran. The only away games that could be daunting are Seattle (12th man) and Pittsburgh (depending on the month and the Big Ben situation).
Posted by: Styles | Mar 18, 2010 1:33:05 PM
New DE Starting Lineup:
Charles Johnson and Tyler Brayton
Reserve and (passing situations)
Everette Brown
Is what it is folks!
Posted by: John Fox | Mar 18, 2010 1:43:15 PM
Unless they have a serious acquisition in their sights, I'd bring Lewis back for a one year adventure teaching the DTs.
Posted by: PantherFancier | Mar 18, 2010 1:50:52 PM
Everything sounds better on paper than in reality. I don't understand getting rid of Lewis. He was the rock in the middle last year. It looks like the Panthers are hoping to fill their needs in the draft. Next year is going to be interesting. Looks like the immediate needs are WR and DE. We have got to give Moore a thumb's up at QB based on last year's performance.
Posted by: Mike | Mar 18, 2010 1:57:56 PM
I cant believe Charles Johnson is only 23. And Everette gained some good experience last year. I have no doubt these two will thrive with Brayton on the other side and vice versa. Bring on the season!
Posted by: DickVitale | Mar 18, 2010 1:59:09 PM
Hollis Thomas should return - for depth and the DT rotation.
Of course this wont happen but it would be a cost efficent addition that could help that young defensive line,while the "Hamburgler" only has to offer another one year cotract.Something he is very fond of this season.
Posted by: GhostOfSparta | Mar 18, 2010 2:32:57 PM
Bringing Lewis back is not out of the question. If he doesn't catch on with another team I can see the Panthers signing him a to a one year deal at the vet minimum.
Same thing with Moose. He may be willing to accept a one year deal as a backup rather than retire. Think Ricky Proehl. Moose would benefit from not playing every down.
Posted by: Jimcat | Mar 18, 2010 2:54:20 PM
except Moose is no Ricky Proehl...
Posted by: darealpanther | Mar 18, 2010 3:28:05 PM
I'd love to see Hollis back, too, but that will not happen, at least until injuries take a toll. But I think the Panthers (Richardson) are engaged in a chess match with some of the players. Cut'em, let'em test the free agent waters and if they'll come back for way less money, so much the better. It worked with Brayton, right? Remember it sounds good that he got a 3 year contract, but probably nothing is guaranteed, at least not after the first year.
Posted by: Ron | Mar 19, 2010 12:10:26 AM
It wouldn't hurt to have H.Thomas as a backup. He did some good work in '09, and we can get him for the vet minimum.
Posted by: nasty704 | Mar 21, 2010 10:40:22 AM
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