uscgamecocks

Yep, gotta be medical

Looks great moving there. I think the combine threw a lot of media off on Funchess. Sounds like he was dealing with a toe injury during the season and at the combine. His SPARQ score was actually quite high - he's not a lumbering TE. I'm buying the pro day times.

There are tiers within the first round in the vertical board. So Humphries and Shaq were the two highest guys left and were in their own tier when we picked. Sounds like there was another (lower) tier of first round grades - five of them. And they started going early in the second round. Likely the Smiths and Funchess were in that tier.

I think the fact that another 27 picks passed before a WR came off the board is pretty strong evidence that the NFL collectivet felt there was a talent gap between Smith/DGB/Funchess and the next tier. I highly doubt Funchess would have made it to 57 - we have multiple guys on staff who are paid a lot of money specifically gather Intel on what other teams are thinking. Sounds like Gettleman thought the Saints were going to take Funchess. I'm glad they didn't have the opportunity (but I still wanted Fisher more, oh well).

Forget Clemmings. Draft La'el Collins at the end of the third and tell him he doesn't get a contract or a jersey until he 100% clears his name. If he's guilty oh well - he's a wasted pick but he was never a Panther. If he's innocent (and he probably is) there's your tackle. I know this will never happen. I just badly want a left tackle.

i could see all of the starting caliber LTs being gone by 25. But there are some intriguing RTs that could be of interest in the middle rounds - Daryl Williams, Havenstein, Gibson. He's not going to reach but I just think it's more likely than not that at some point an OT is BPA with nine picks. Even if it's just a backup to Remmers (don't make me watch Chandler "block" again).

I'd be surprised to see us go back to back years without drafting an OT with such an obvious need for young talent to develop at the position (and nine picks in the draft). It might not be early but I've got to think we will draft a tackle at some point. That being said, no issues with the picks you put out there. I too am not a huge fans of Collins so I'm hoping he goes before our pick. But I'd understand if we do draft him.

I would love this. Trade that fifth rounder away and pick up an instant starter for the next two years on a cheap contract. He brings instant attitude to the defense and would be a marked improvement over Harper. Also would give us more freedom to go OT, DE, or WR even if Collins is there in the first (not a huge Collins fan personally but I understand the appeal).

I would love it. Smith would be a coup in the second. I think he's a candidate for our first round pick as well. Wouldn't be shocked to see us trade up a bit to get him if he starts falling in the second.

Very interesting. Do you think the Panthers have warmed up to DJ Humphries as the process has evolved? Or is he still viewed as a 2nd round talent but he might be the pick based on need and lack of other options? Seems like the consensus is there are only around 15-20 first round grades on most team boards. My dream scenario would be walking away with Peat, Preston Smith, and Devin Smith (packaging 3rd and 4th round picks for a late second rounder to get both Smiths). Would address our 3 biggest needs with true BPA talents.