Ja'Wuan James at 28?

[micnificent28]

He will be closer to our 60th pick.

[L-TownCat]

For you because you asked the question. Anyway, I could see James being a "tweener" in the sense that he could probably be legitimately drafted somewhere between late first and early second round without too many people who know football raising an eye. He was already considered by some to be a better prospect than Tiny Richardson, and I don't think anyone would flip if someone would call his name before a guy with a surgically repaired knee like Kouandjio. He's not necessarily a first round guy in this relatively deep draft class, especially when scouts get happy over the "potential" of the top guys, but James is definitely rated somewhere between 6 and 10, and probably has mindset to go along with his bulk and strength to develop into a solid lineman for years to come, and reportedly even LT.

Guys like Moses (who is massive), James, Mewhort, Turner and Bitonio are kind of in that tier 2 range. I only see tough decisions coming into play if all the top guys are gone. People may not admit it, but if it comes down to those guys at tackle, and guys like Matthews, Robinson and Adams at WR, then G-man's decision at 28 just isn't that cut and dried. He will have to choose who he thinks will be the best fit---the BPA. I know he likes players that can make an impact right away, and if he deems that James can do that better than the rest then who knows?

Now see, that was well thought out and well said. I see your points as I have many of the same feelings towards the Panthers selection. My biggest question regarding taking a tackle at 28 is if 4, 5, or 6 tackles have been taken before 28, would it be best to take the 5th, 6th, or 7th ranked Tackle vs another position? I would be nervous taking one of those if say the number 1 or 2 CB or even OLB is there. I'd never make it as a GM the pressure is too intense.

[MCC]

I think that's what Gettleman would call a "reach for need"

[EMSMedic79]

I brought this up on the Amini thread and you would have thought people were gonna jump off he ledge. Gotta love it.

Sent from my iPhone while fishing using CarolinaHuddle

[Jackofalltrades]

I respect the opinion of someone like Medlinheel who watches games to form his own opinion much more than those who just read scouting reports and take them for gold. While he's no pro scout, nor is anyone else on the internet..

No need to be an ass about it. His opinion is as good as anyone else's on here and if you disagree then block him or counter his argument with some logic of your own. We are all fans of the same team so I never understood the talking down to each other

Anyway I am not trying to start an internet battle here, just got annoyed at your response. So I apologize in advance if I too am coming across as an Ass.

You just misinterpreted the intent of my question. I wasn't trying to diminish or challenge his opinion, I'm genuinely interested in whether or not he has any background in talent evaluation, or if he played OL somewhere and knows some of the nuances the rest of us may not see.

However, the number of self appointed scouts here is entertaining. Some I believe because they've shown themselves to be knowledgable or otherwise more qualified than the average huddle poster. Others...refer to highlight reels as "tape" or "film" and just regurgitate common knowledge or are way off base on their observations.

[firefox1234]

Better than getting Moses at 28 imo if Kouandijo isnt still there

[R0CKnR0LLA]

I think we'll go WR in the 1st and land James at 2.28

[Kuech the Sneak]

Love him in the second, not so much in the first

[Jackofalltrades]

I think we'll go WR in the 1st and land James at 2.28

Even better.

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[La Pantera]

id be all for it if we traded down to the top of the second rd. i like james better than cyrus and moses any way. 

[unicar15]

I don't see this guy goin in the first. He wasn't even considered the best OL on his team. Don't let the draft hype sway...

We aren't reaching for a certain position.

[UpstatePanther]

i recognized the lack of "weaknesses" for James reading his bio too. at this point, i think he is the safer bet compared to Moses and Kouandjio.

[gettlemanjack]

Bob McGinn's writeup:

5. JA'WUAN JAMES, Tennessee (6-6, 311, 5.28,

1-2) – Four-year starter at RT.

Yep, per Tennessee's office site, Ja'wuan "started all 49 games of college career, all at right tackle"

Tennessee's other OT, Antonio "Tiny" Richardson, started all 24 games at left tackle (the last two seasons straight).

The SEC coaches had them both Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC, while only Antonio "Tiny" Richardson made their All-SEC team at the end of the season (2nd team)

This is how they rate on various Big Boards:

Ja'wuan James

#43 CBS

#43 Walter Football

#83 USA Today

#86 SportsXchange

#90 Optimum Scouting

#94 NFP

Antonio "Tiny" Richardson

#40 NFP

#44 Walter Football

#45 SportsXchange

#60 Optimum Scouting

#68 USA Today

#73 CBS

[gettlemanjack]

from NFP's scouting report on Ja'Wuan:

"He has the talent to be a starting right tackle or guard in the NFL, but he is going to have to play more consistently to be trusted to get the job done. I would want my line coach to spend a lot of time with this player before deciding to draft him."