Jeremy Igo

With the NFL Draft just a few weeks away, the Panthers are finalizing their draft board and preparing for their own first set of internal mock drafts. In round one, I feel the Panthers will be targeting offensive players. Yes, yes, I know, right now you are screaming "Best Player Available". That is a platitude that gets spread around far to often. Ever notice how over the last three Dave Gettleman drafts, the round 1 selection was also in an area of great need? Funny how that works. Gettleman has said in the past that first round picks need to contribute their first year. This doesn't exactly make sense if the "BPA" mantra is true. What if the BPA is a quarterback? Or a middle linebacker? Or one of many positions on the team that a rookie has no chance of real playing time. In 2016, the Carolina Panthers first round selection has a much higher chance of contributing on offense rather than defense. Yes, the Panthers do need another pass rushing defensive end, but when was the last time a rookie defensive end not taken in the top 15 had a great rookie season? In a draft full of solid defensive ends, I don't see the Panthers selecting one first. Two positions on offense, however, stand out to me as opportunities for a young guy to step in and immediately start making plays... Tight End and Running Back. Last season the Panthers kept two rookie running backs, Cameron Artis-Payne and Brandon Wegher. Clearly they know an eventual Jonathan Stewart replacement is needed. Cameron Artis-Payne did see some playing time, but he had a tendency to put the ball on the ground. That fact alone could cause Dave Gettleman to seriously consider spending a first round pick on a running back. Oh look, RB Derrick Henry could possibly be available at 30, and he is the big running back that would compliment a shiftier Artis-Payne or Wegher. Derrick Henry has also visited with the Panthers, who are only one of three teams to bring him in. Now, about tight end. Yes, Greg Olsen is an amazing player and his importance in the offense cannot be overstated. But opposite Olsen is Ed Dickson. While Dickson is a serviceable vet, he could very well lose his playing time to an outstanding rookie tight end. Enter Hunter Henry, the most complete tight end in the draft and some say in years. Equally as skilled in catching and blocking, Hunter Henry could not fill the tight end position opposite Olsen more perfectly. In mock drafts, Hunter Henry is a late first round to early second round pick... and smack dab in the middle of that range are the Carolina Panthers. Bingo. In short, I like Hunter Henry or Derrick Henry in the first round, depending which is available. If both are... watch out. A trade up and double dip of Henry boys could happen, which would make Cam Newton especially happy. But just in case I have not convinced you yet that the Panthers will be going on the offense in round one, take a look at Dave Gettleman's draft pick history... 2013 - Defense 2014 - Offense 2015 - Defense 2016 - Do I see a pattern here.... ? View full article

"I'm loving the sun out here" is not a nod to LA. It is a nod to the Raiders, who are interested in him.

Sounds perfectly in line with my OP.

There has been some chatter about a possible Josh Norman holdout this year. As someone who has spent a good amount of time speaking with Josh over the past year, I thought I would chime in with my two cents. Josh has not signed his tender, does that mean he is holding out? No, it means he has not signed his tender. He has until July 15 to sign. Why would he not sign his tender? Signing the tender would all but erase any leverage he currently has in negotiations for a long term contract. Will Josh miss Offseason Team Activities (OTAs) Very possible, although the first weeks of OTAs are not mandatory to begin with. The Panthers have had 100% full voluntary participation for several seasons now (except for rookies finishing school who were not permitted to attend). Josh could very well end that streak. If he misses OTA's, isn't that a holdout? Technically, no. As Josh has not signed his tender he is not under contract. You cannot holdout from a contract that does not exist. OK, so when will we know if Josh is holding out? You will know at the start of training camp. Long time Panthers fans remember the panic surrounding Jon Beason and his brief holdout. It happens. But hasn't Josh promised not to hold out? I have heard this said, but I have seen no quotations on him saying it. It looks like it all stems from this good Jonathan Jones piece in the observer. Jones says... but there is no Josh Norman quotation given from what I could find. So language becomes a big factor here. Did Josh Norman say he had no plans on holding out? Well, plans change. That is not a promise. Did Norman simply say "a holdout would do nothing for my contract situation or my team"? Well, thats not a promise either. That is a really nice PC answer that would not create more tension in contract negotiations between parties. OK, Igo, enough with the talk. Do you feel Josh will holdout? Yes, it could happen. Best case scenario is Josh and the Panthers come to a long term agreement. This is unlikely as they have been worlds apart on numbers starting last season. Worst case scenerio? No deal is reached, Norman holds out into the season. Again, unlikely as this will hurt both parties involved. So, what we have here is an old fashioned staring contest, Gettleman vs Norman. You know how competitive and "win at all cost" Josh Norman is on the field, well, that applies to every aspect of his life as well. Therefore, some sort of holdout into training camp is a definite possibility. I have spoken in depth with Josh over what this next contract means to him. You cannot overstate how important he feels it is, and I can see where he is coming from. I honestly would not blame him for doing anything he can possibly do to land an acceptable long term deal. This is why the business side of football is not televised... it isn't enjoyable to watch. View full article

Didn't say it would cost only our third rounder. Possibly more.

This season with so few holes to fill in creating a Superbowl contending team, Dave Gettleman can concentrate no truly grabbing the best players available for the Panthers scheme. Without further ado, my Carolina Panthers mock draft rounds 1 - 3. Round 1 Hunter Henry TE - Arkansas - 6'5 250 Henry is by far the best tight end in the draft, and he is projected to be selected from the late first round to the early second round. Henry is a complete tight end. What makes Henry too much of a bargain for Gettleman to pass up is his blocking ability. Henry is a monster when it comes to run blocking, something desperately needed at the tight end position. In two tight end sets playing opposite Greg Olsen, suddenly the Panthers have twice as many play choices at their disposal. This is not to say run blocking is his only skill, Henry had 51 catches in 2015 with zero drops. He can run every route on the field, too big for linebackers to cover and too shifty for defensive ends. Grabbing this kid now to learn behind Greg Olsen, especially when it comes to work ethic and what it means to be a professional, it is a win - win - win. Sign him up, Dave. Round 2 Shaq Lawson DE - Clemson - 6'3 - 269 What? Shaq Lawson in the second round? Yep. But not in the late second round. Dave Gettleman will once again trade up, costing the Panthers their third round pick (surprise!). Lawson is the 4th highest rated DE in the draft, and fellow Clemson DE Kevin Dodd will be a first rounder. Lawson will last into the first few selections of round two and Gettleman won't be able to resist. Just like in 2015, he will trade up to grab a player he feels is a first round talent. Many places are saying Lawson will go to a 3-4 team to play outside linebacker, but they underestimate the creativity of Ron Rivera in placing "hard to define" players in positions to succeed (see Shaq Thompson). Lawson will allow the Panthers to sneak in and disguise some of those 3-4 looks that they are so fond of doing from time to time. Lawson isn't a huge defensive end, but he is bigger than Charles Johnson as a rookie. In fact, if you read some of the scouting reports positives and negatives, it seems like you could be reading Johnson's bio. BTW, since Lawson won't be able to be called Shaq on the defense (name is taken), I already have a nice nickname for him. Law Dog View full article

Many people said that in the Shaq Thompson topic last year. I think it is a given that any player could be gone at any pick. It really doesn't need to be said in every single draft thread.

Every year around this time I begin to spotlight players I think may fit the mold of a Dave Gettleman draft pick. Last season my first spotlight was Shaq Thompson. Lets see if lightning strikes twice. Up first... Kevin Dodd - Defensive End - Clemson Clemson actually has a couple of defensive end prospects coming out in the draft this year. Only one fits the Dave Gettleman profile. When looking at anyone on the line, I look for size. Dodd is listed at 6'5 and 275 pounds. This is the physical prototype for a rookie 4-3 defensive end. As good ole Dave says, it takes big men to win games. Dodd finished the season last year with a sack in the final 5 games of the year. He also put up 3 sacks against Alabama. That tells me he rises to the occasion, an intangible that should not be overlooked. Dodd is currently projected as a late first round to early second round pick right where the Panthers could grab him. He would not only be the best player available, but fill a huge need as well. Charles Johnson was nearly invisible this past season, and now his status as a Carolina Panther is up in the air. We have yet to see if the Panthers will keep him around or release him. His large 2016 cap number tells us something will be done with him. Addison, Horton, Delaire, all backups at best. The Panthers need a full time starter opposite rising star Kony Ealy. The biggest downside to Dodd is his lack of experience, which may be why he drops to the Panthers position in the draft. History tells us that Gettleman won't hesitate to choose a player high on ability but low on experience. You only need to look as far as Kony Ealy to validate that statement. View full article

You read the first line and stopped, huh

After a Superbowl MVP type performance, there is a major buzz around Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy. I thought it might be helpful to take a look at the early career stats of the Panthers last two marquee defensive ends, Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson. Greg Hardy 2010 - 30 tackles, 3 sacks 2011 - 50 tackles, 4 sacks 2012 - 61 tackles, 11 sacks Charles Johnson 2007 - 2 tackles, 0 sacks 2008 - 25 tackles, 6 sacks 2009 - 25 tackles, 4 sacks 2010 - 62 tackles, 11.5 sacks Now lets compare with what Kony Ealy has accomplished. Kony Ealy 2014 - 12 tackles, 4 sacks 2015 - 32 tackles, 5 sacks It appears Konly Ealy had a nearly identical season, stats wise, as Charles Johnson's second and third seasons. Greg Hardy has more tackles, which is not a shock considering how well Hardy played against the run, lining up at defensive tackle much more frequently than Ealy. Hardy's defensive tackles were Fua and McClain. Ealy's are Star and Kawann. Not exactly the same neighborhood... or universe. Looking at the big picture, Kony Ealy's early career performance lands somewhere between Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy, which is not a bad thing to say the least. Conclusion: Ealy could indeed be set for a breakout season in 2016 with double digit sacks if past trends of Panthers defensive ends continue. View full article

It is nice, isn't it. Just think, the rest of the NFC South has been in this mode for over a month.

Here are a few key dates to keep an eye on this offseason as the Carolina Panthers prepare for the 2016 season. February 22 - Franchise or transition player tags can be designated. Josh Norman relevance here February 23-29 - NFL Draft Combine. NFL prospects rise and fall depending on their performance. March 7 - NFL Free agency begins. Starting at noon, teams can contact and enter into contracts with NFL free agents. Don't look for the Panthers to be active on this day, but rather a couple of weeks later. April 18 - Offseason workouts can begin for the Panthers April 28-30 - NFL Draft in Chicago May 6-9 - Rookie Camp. First look at the new guys and many others trying to get a camp invitation May - June - OTAs. Panthers meet and engage in "no contact" practices. Our first look at the new squad. Exact dates TBD. Late July - Training camp begins. (exact dates and schedule TBD) View full article

That is what I was saying. I think the strong relationship they have is the reason he may get an offer for a cap friendly deal. If not for that relationship, he would be axed immediately.

Everything I have heard from sources indicate they won't.

Now that the Carolina Panthers offseason has begun, it is time to look ahead to the team's priorities. 1. Josh Norman will receive the franchise tag paying him 14 million. Dave Gettleman won't sign Norman long term, although it could be easily argued Norman has earned it. Instead, he will be franchised for at least one more season. This is not ideal for either party, Norman or the team itself. But, this is sometimes a necessary evil in today's NFL. Yes, Josh Norman gets a nice pay check for a year. The problem for him is he is coming up on 28 years of age and could risk being injured this season. That would mean an unlikely top paying long term contract in 2017. There is a risk here for Norman to lose tens of millions of dollars overall in his career. Keep an eye on this. It is possible Norman could demand a sign and trade to a team that can afford his services long term, like the Oakland Raiders for instance. 2. Shore up the pass rush. Dave Gettleman told us this in so many words at his press conference yesterday. Kony Ealy showed tremendous promise in the Superbowl with a performance on par with the Superbowl MVP Von Miller. Ealy is just now coming into his own, and like Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy, could break out in his third year in the league. Charles Johnson will either be released or will be extended at a very cap friendly deal. Normally I would say Johnson would be released for sure, but his relationship with Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has me second guessing it. There isn't a stronger mutual player/owner respect in the league. Look for the Panthers to make a strong push in free agency for an up and coming player or spend one of their top 2 draft picks on a defensive end. Remember, free agency sets up the draft. 3. Find your future runner. Gettleman told us one of his three pillars of a winning philosophy is running the ball. Jonathan Stewart will likely be retained for one more season, but after that the Panthers currently do not know who their future feature back is. Cameron Artis-Payne saw mixed results during the season, showing an issue holding on to the ball. Brandon Wegher they like, but the fact that he was only active for one game tells me they see him as a long term backup. Does this mean that both have no shot at being a feature back? Of course not, but it does mean that the Panthers will look to minimize the possibility of not having a true feature back in 2017 and even 2016 if Stewart is injured. I can easily see the Panthers signing a quality free agent runner or spending a top 3 pick on a running back. View full article

Wow, what a season. This final Along the Sidelines is brought to you in Black and White. Mainly because I feel like it fits the tone of what Panthers Nation is feeling right now. The inevitable Carolina Panthers Superbowl Victory will be brought to you in brilliant color. Without Further Ado.... Along the Sidelines - Superbowl 50 View full article

I am not so sure. A good number every year pull for the "cool team". Right now that is the Panthers hands down.

I like Colorado, in the summer anyways. Fantastic state to visit if you enjoy the outdoors.

Here is some of my favorite moments from the Panthers media day from social media. Atta Boy, Bene! Josh Norman gladly wears a Mexican wrestling mask that a reporter gave to him. Kid tells Cam Newton he dabs just like him. Cam gives him good advice. Solid quote from Josh Norman Luke still sounds like Luke in the locker room after a preseason game. The kid is just as steady as they get . Broncos kicker gets attention.... and finally, the greatest selfie ever taken. View full article

Each week I bring to you what fans of the opposition are saying about the game. This week, Denver Bronco fans discuss the Carolina Panthers. On why the Broncos will win... Six reasons here, not one of them has to do with football. The past, emotion, destiny, etc. If you do your best to come up with six reasons to win and none of them have to do with the skill of the players or the efficiency of scoring points... it won't be a good time for you. On Josh Norman Josh Norman has shut down receivers twice as good as anyone on the Denver roster all season long. I am not sure he is someone you want to throw shade at. He tends to get a bit worked up. On the Panthers run game... Denver has not played a running QB all season, unless you count Andrew Luck. In addition, the Panthers have better rushing games against 3-4 defenses as they have a power run game. Fewer really large men on defense is to the benefit of the Panthers. Denver should be very, very worried about the run game. If the Panthers can run the ball, the game is all but over. Not battle tested? This is the third straight year the Panthers are in the playoffs. Also, they had to defeat two teams that are better than the Broncos to get to this point in the postseason. Yeah, you do that. Rodgers is a pretty athletic guy and runs well to buy time, but Cam will gash you for 30 yards up the middle if you just try to contain the edges. Here is the bottom line, and all you really need to know. The Denver defense is built to defeat the New England Patriots, and it worked. They have a lot of speed to keep up with the Tom Brady passing attack. The problem is, they are not at all built to play against a big, physical team. The Panthers offense isn't the highest scoring offense in the league due to finesse. They put a helmet on a helmet and physically punish you methodically. Basically the opposite of New England's arena ball offense. This won't be a close game, folks. View full article

The Carolina Panthers practice today included a few things of note. First and foremost, the Panthers stretched and got lose to 2Pac and Dre Dre's "California Love" Clearly the guys are looking forward to Santa Clara next week. Ron Rivera broke down the huddle. This week has seen increased focus by the team and coaching staff. Thomas Davis participated in a few light drills and was then carted off. It was a good sign to at least see Davis get in a bit of activity, however limited. Jared Allen saw plenty of action. It does appear he is a go for the Superbowl. Overall is was a sharp practice. Here are a few more photos for your viewing pleasure. View full article

There have been a great number of music videos sent to us this season, mostly rap or hip hop tunes with a Carolina Panthers flavor. I came across this unique song this morning, and really thought it was well done. The artist, Patrick Carroll, took the Sweet Carolina victory anthem of the Carolina Panthers and put it through an "Adam Sandleresque" filter. "Except Atlanta" had me laughing Nicely done Patrick! You can follow Patrick on twitter or on his YouTube View full article

To say the least. Press box and such is pretty easy. Being on the field.... a whole different animal.

Still not sure I going. Hopefully it works out.

Each week I bring to you the best of what my camera lens finds. This week, the Carolina Panthers defeat the Arizona Cardinals in convincing fashion to move on to the Superbowl. This is the largest "Along the Sidelines" I have posted. Stick with it, there is plenty of photography goodness from beginning to end. Without further ado... Along the Sidelines - NFC Championship Game View full article