Coach: Protecting Cam top priority

[Thal]

It better be.

[MHS831]

This does not mean T is the #1 pick, but I am happy they said it.

[carolina-chuck]

(1) Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California

(2) Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada

(3) Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida

(4) Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State

(5) Chris Watt, OG, Notre Dame

[WOW!!]

best hope offense is bpa then. Lol

With all the talent at needed position I don't see why it shouldn't be.

[FootballMaestro]

Just because RR made this statement, it doesn't mean that an OL will be drafted first, or as top priority (over others) by the Panthers. 

 

This sounds more like a team/coaching desire (and answer to a question of course), which makes perfect sense, regardless of how they draft. 

 

Plus, both good receivers and lineman, can protect Cam in the extended definition. 

[Growl]

From on outsiders perspective I get the impression Rivera doesn't value players on the perimeter as much as Gettleman does (or as much as he should.)

When you add in absolutely everything, from Rivera reportedly pushing for Kugbila last year with Gettleman against the pick, to Gettleman's comments last year on offensive line units needing time to develop rather than names, to Gettleman's draft history/philosophy, to Rivera's and Gettleman's slight "opposing" comments here, and so on and so on, that's just the impression I get.

In other words, the contingent that thinks they're being wise by saying OL/BPA at every opportunity may have to pick a side because it doesn't look as if the team feels the two coincide (as if thats news)

[hepcat]

How in gods name do you confuse Avant with Cason

 

Antonie Avant, Jason Cason

[Hammerin'Cameron34]

Antonie Avant, Jason Cason

 

Seems legit

[Snake]

This is just the egg or the chicken debate. As long as they fix one of the position.

No, its really not.

[Snake]

If this is true, under those conditions wouldn't it make more sense to take the OL early (i.e. less of a dropoff waiting on receivers)?

If one of the 5 drop then sure but call me pessimistic but I don't see someone dropping all the way to 28th. I would not be supprised to see us pick CB or TE at 28th because of a fall but scoring a starting OT there would be unreal.

[JerrichoScores]

WR's that can separate also offer protection

 

They can if they get open quickly.  You have a point, but I do think thye can easily have both.  My approach would be to get the OL very early and get a player that can help right away and Protect Cam.

 

Then, you tap the depth of the draft and go after multiple receivers.  The strength of this draft is in its numbers.  Play it that way.

 

We can use three picks on receivers and use less pick value than taking one in the first round.  Use our 3rd, 4th and 5th rounders to load up the roster.

 

3rd - Paul Richardson or Bruce Ellington or Kevin Norwood or BAP at WR

4th - Quincy Enunwa or BAP

5th - L'Damian Washington oe BAP

 

Do that, and our receivers improve significantly and for the long haul.  Not to mention, you did not commit big resources.  This year's draft allows this approach and we have the roster to fill up. 

[gettlemanjack]

Rant Sports:

"To put it bluntly, (Byron) Bell is not an able or skilled offensive lineman....Protecting Cam Newton is something that Carolina really needs to be focused on, and that is not something Bell can reliably provide. He was responsible for a good number of the sacks allowed last year (at RT)

...

Now, despite his faults, the Panthers are moving

him to left tackle...A left tackle, besides a quarterback, is perhaps the most valuable position on a football team. Left tackles anchor the line, and allow the offense to run through them. If Bell struggled as a right tackle, there is almost no doubt that he’s going to struggle as a LT.

...

(the Panthers) are in need of an adequate replacement (for both OT spots: Bell and the retired Jordan Gross). (These replacements) should realistically come in the NFL Draft , which has a good number of tackles available...the Panthers’ future (at both OT spots) relies on the draft, not a struggling right tackle (Bell) who leaves much to be desired."

[gettlemanjack]

Scouts, Inc./ESPN.com:

"The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. ... Success as an offensive football team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage.

...

The single greatest advantage the offensive line has over the defense is that they know when the ball will be snapped and where the play is going. You want your offensive line to explode out together -- like a well-oiled machine."

[gettlemanjack]

Rotoworld 4 days ago:

"Panthers LG Silatolu struggled as a pass protector while making 15 starts as a rookie in 2012 (grading out as a bottom-five guard in Pro Football Focus' ratings). Then he blew out his knee three games into the 2013 season and was lost for the rest of the year. He'll be a question mark for 2014 along with potential left tackle Byron Bell, right tackle Garry Williams and Chris Scott/Nate Chandler at right guard. The Panthers arguably have the worst offensive line in the NFL right now."