top dawg

People weren't even necessarily thinking that we would even keep Dickson or Dwan, so that's kind of a stretch to say that they were mid-tier signings. Most were thinking Cole or Edwards, and Dickson is hardly some huge step at TE. We arguably could have done without him as much good as he did in our offense last season. I could name some more intriguing---or at least equal---prospects out there right now, but that would really be a useless argument. Most people were concerned with the receivers, and most of them weren't expecting us to sign Cobb or even Smith. So why even bring them up? Many people thought and still think that Ginn was basically a special teams signing. I guess he will give us the basics as far as a receiver goes, and, sure, I suppose that he fills that basic "need for speed".

Edit--TLDR: You better take what Gettleman says with a grain of salt, and temper your expectations even lower than what you believe that his actual words mean, because what he means and what you think that he means in terms of free agency may not add up to even the slightest bit of satisfaction, but unnecessary frustration. By now, I'm sure that many have heard bits and pieces of what Dave Gettleman has said during interviews here and there at the NFL meeting in Phoenix. Well, suffice it to say to the contentment of some and perhaps chagrin of many---or perhaps those who are somewhere likely sober in between---Gettleman is who we think he is. He is a guy that has supreme confidence in his team building philosophy, and is extremely fiscally conservative when it comes to making even what many might consider to be even the slightest bit of a splash when it comes to free agency. What his definition of a step up in class in free agents, doesn't quite add up to what many were thinking, and like reported in the Sirius interview thread, Gettleman is nearly content with how he has used free agency to set up, or maybe I should say free up, the draft. http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Gettleman-Roster-rounding-into-shape-for-draft/76b4f825-bfb9-4d55-bbdf-85280b02f0e7 Now, of course I have a few thoughts about the matter which have me kind of shaking my head at ol' Dave. He got us all hot and bothered by stepping up in class...to many guys that we are already familiar with. I know that Gettleman didn't necessarily mean to "trick" the fan base, but why do I feel like I've been played? And, no, I didn't play myself, Gettleman led us to believe that we were in for a little excitement---something new. And I am not talking about Michael Oher (although I am hopeful especially after Gettleman said he looked at three years worth of tape) Sure signing Greg Olsen was absolutely great, but after last season I believe that we all expected Olsen to be a long term Panther. Dear Dave, it's not like that was what we thought you meant when you said we would we would "be able to to step up in class a little bit." We expect you to keep guys that are essential to the team and have been doing things the right way. And as far as moving to mid-level deals, in what world is signing still relatively short and cheapish deals to Ed Dickson, Dwan Edwards, and Ted Ginn Jr. actually some marked move up? Don't get me wrong, they were smart signings, but Gman basically held serve. Many people thought that both Dickson and Edwards wouldn't even be here, and not because they were essential to our success, but because they were arguably expendable. And Ginn and Dickson were both Dollar Store Dave signings in the past, so don't try and pass them off as some "mid-level" or mid-tier signings now, even if they had some decidedly marginal success in our system. Again, I think they are smart signings that add good depth, but in Ginn's case, I find it a little bit unsettling that signing Ginn adequately addresses our need for speed at the wide receiver spot, but maybe that's just me. Perhaps i am just being overly cynical. At least we should all know what Ginn brings to the table, and maybe Ginn with Benjamin and Cotchery or a draftee will be much improved over Ginn and Smitty and LaFell. We will see. The good thing is that we are not done in free agency (though it almost sounds like it). To my disappointment, I don't see us adding any more speed (DMo) to our receiving corps the way that Gettleman has been talking, I personally would be excited to add a superb route runner like Greg Jennings in the mix. Perhaps Jennings and Ball won't ultimately feel like low-balled "gypsies" (another Gman term) with Gman's proposed contractual terms. And we always have the draft, which should again be interesting, especially considering that Gman deems the team very close to where it needs to be in order for him to select the BPA in each round. I really look forward to seeing what he will do with nine picks, even if he trades a pick or two which he considers an option. All in all, I think that we can feel good that Gettleman feels good about where the team is in reference to the draft. In theory this should allow him to swing for the fences so to speak during the draft. His signings, though arguably not appreciably moving up in class,did provide the team with safe players familiar with our system that may be able to finish out their careers as Panthers, especially given how well players seem to like the organizational culture and know how Gman operates. As for us fans, the way that Gettleman operates will continue to be a lesson in patience if nothing else.

No. He is explosive off the line and in open space. He will also presumably add a little electricity as a return man. The question will be whether he can handle the more physical NFL corners who may knock him off his routes. I don't want you coming away thinking that I said the dude is "trash" (a term used by today's youth that i actually hate), but after seeing Brandin Cooks get hurt and basically pale in comparison to some of his fellow rookies last season, as well as seeing how Tavon Austin has still failed to reach others' lofty expectations, I just don't see why people are so enamored with these little guys. Perhaps it is still the memory of Smitty---who is built like a little tank and had the ability to jump out of the stadium---that is causing some Panthers fans to be warming up to Dorsett in round 2 (or even 1 in some cases). Thankfully, Gettleman values big men.

That'd be DGB this year, which we will undoubtedly skip. Could be Perriman, whom Greg Cosell compared to Julio Jones with his size and movements, but I kind of doubt it with those drops. If he has a drop free day tomorrow, then I am sure plenty of people will be talking about him.

Dorsett doesn't nearly "have it all". He doesn't have as good of body control in the air as many of the others, his hands are inconsistent, he is not a particularly good blocker, he is small, and he is a limited route runner.

Some people may not know that Perriman has a pedigree also. His father was a pro receiver, most notably with the lions. Another side story that I will be watching on day one and two is whether or not Strong will actually take a tumble and whether Perriman will actually rise above Strong If Perriman doesn't ace his pro day tomorrow, then this will never happen. One or both of these guys is going to come in and give a tam a big lift if they can put it all together. I have always thought that Perriman looked like the more fluid, more explosive receiver, but the level of competition and his hands do make me rise an eyebrow.

I believe that you're trying to simplify the receivers too much. There is definitely a second tier of receivers. Perriman and Agholor are the types of receivers who may come in and outplay some of the first four, or at least put themselves in the conversation. Sure, either of them could become marginalized depending upon the system that they are in, but just watch one if them be in the OROY conversation. Now I am not suggesting that either should be considered at 25 just yet, but what I am saying is that they should be strongly considered in round 2. Personally, I would take DGB in the first. Edit: I just don't believe that receivers like Hardy or Dorsett are in the same class as Perriman or Agholor.

50/50. It just can't be pie without the crust. Without the nice, delicious golden crust it's just goo---glorified soup.

Hopefully the Falcons will lose one

Thanks, PhillyB.

Less so. Hardy could have been talking out of his ass to Josh Norman, but I don't believe that Norman was lying. It's also a fact that Hardy was lobbying the fans to help him to stay. Hardy wasn't stupid. He read the reports just like we did, and he knew the expectations. In any event it's moot because if we are to take this latest report at face value, Richardson wasn't having Hardy here under any circumstances.

I guess that we know which Jerry has the bigger balls. Everything is bigger in Texas, right?

I don't think anyone can deny that Hardy wanted to play here in a bad kind of way. To say he wouldn't have played here on a cheap deal is just speculation because it makes people feel better about Jerry Richardson and the whole situation. News Flash: All of you sensitive, holier than thou types can feel good about the situation anyway.

When an old and powerful curmudgeon starts crying in public and acquiescing to puffed up public pressure---not to mention agreeing to voluntarily throw $13 million out the window---all to the detriment of the team, it may be time to step down.

Why would anyone want J-Rich to die? It's more like how my 80+ year old mama-in-law fussed and fought about whether she should still be driving or not. She eventually came to the realization with a little coaxing here and there---complete with some terrifying moments for some family members on I80--- that it wasn't a good idea anymore.

Do tell! I thought that Gettleman made that decision /end sarcasm.

Yeah I remember plenty of people arguing against Benjamin. The same ones were probably anti-Cam also.

Wait. Was that a fat joke?

To the chagrin of many, Gurley may just be G-man's BPA at 25, if he's there. Pre-injury, Gurley was widely considered a top 10 pick. Even post-injury, he is still widely considered to be in play for the first round. That should tell you something. All of these people aren't saying that Gurley is a first round graded talent for nothing. No one has talked about an RB like Gurley for years.

Well, I wanted Benjamin, as did Gettleman. His rankings are all that count.

Rankings don't really mean poo unless they are on the draft board. A legit franchise QB is the most valuable commodity that a team can find. Newton has the highest upside and ability to impact a game than them all.

Mariotta is a project QB probably with the upside of Alex Smith. He is not the BPA. Teams often draft QBs for need, and that's why QBs drafted so highly end up with a very high bust rate.

From his rocking chair.

Da fuq are you talking about? Cam was most definitely the BPA. I jest, but he was, and still is of that draft.

poo, this is the only Panthers news. Perhaps if G-man would sign some veteran receivers the Ball wouldn't have slipped through our hands.