PFF reaction on our draft picks

[Blackmagic]

A lot of us check out Profootballfocus and they started out grading college prospects and the draft. They give more stats about the late picks while they post more reactions on the day 1 and 2 picks. Our late picks have surprising and encouraging stats.

 

 

25: Carolina Panthers

Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

They say linebacker, we see safety. Thompson is not good when blockers get on him, but looks a natural in coverage. How that fits in with Carolina in the short term is most interesting, because there’s no way you’re taking Luke Kuechly or Thomas Davis off the field on those passing downs any time soon. Thompson had the sixth highest grade in coverage of all linebackers against Power-5 opposition but was down in 25th for his work against the run. Numbers that really sum him up. We can’t fault the Panthers for not going offensive line (biggest need) given the run on linemen, but it does seem like something of a luxury pick when you’ve got some real weapons at wide receiver on the board.

 

 

41. Carolina Panthers

Devin Funchess, TE/WR, Michigan

What He Brings: An ability to operate effecitvely from the slot. Classed as a tight end don’t expect too much in the way of blocking from him, as even when split out he really didn’t look all that interested. Did play hurt during the year so it’s hard to tell how much that impacted him. Was a big part of Michigan’s offense, with him targeted on 30.4% of all the routes he featured on.

Where He Fits: Likely as a pass play specialist who might feature far more as a receiver than he would as a tight end. Does give Cam Newton another big target with his ability to overwhelm defensive backs with his size a mismatch.

 

 

102. Carolina Panthers

Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Carolina adds to its offensive line perhaps a bit later than expected. Williams finished the season as our third-highest graded RT and didn’t allow a sack in 11 games against Power 5 opponents.

 

169. Carolina Panthers

David Mayo, LB, Texas State

Mayo was sixth in this 4-3 OLB class with a 10.8 Run Stop Percentage.

 

 

 

174. Carolina Panthers

Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn

Artis-Payne had the fourth-highest Elusive Rating (72.8) against the Power 5 conferences among the RB class.

 

 

[Roebling]

I can see Mayo potentially taking over the strong side when Davis retires. I think keeping shaq on the weak side being where he stays for his career. Mayo might surprise people with his ability to pop ball carriers, and find his way to them.

[top dawg]

I can see Mayo potentially taking over the strong side when Davis retires. I think keeping shaq on the weak side being where he stays for his career. Mayo might surprise people with his ability to pop ball carriers, and find his way to them.

Hold the Mayo for now. My impression from limited research is that he likely would have been a UDFA because of his lack of athleticism, so I can't make the leap quite yet.

[CPcavedweller]

Hold the Mayo for now. My impression from limited research is that he likely would have been a UDFA because of his lack of athleticism, so I can't make the leap quite yet.

He is a real solid MLB. He will be more of a stop gap guy in the league and may have a few seasons where he could start 16 games but he won't be THE guy at any point due to his lack of athleticism. After watching him at Texas State I did come away extremely impressed with his instincts and that's why he was drafted. He isn't a see ball, get ball player. He knows where the play is going before hand and acts on it.

[Roebling]

Hold the Mayo for now. My impression from limited research is that he likely would have been a UDFA because of his lack of athleticism, so I can't make the leap quite yet.

Fair. But I think, at this point, we should be optimistic. This guy brings some solid depth and special teams play at the worst.

[top dawg]

Fair. But I think, at this point, we should be optimistic. This guy brings some solid depth and special teams play at the worst.

Oh, I will be optimistic, and he probably does bring more depth and all that good stuff. I just think that notwithstanding those positives, that there will be some negatives in regards to other more needy positions.

[Ruff]

I feel like Mayo is the second coming of Dan Connor.

[Mistuh Jones]

And he was a pretty good backup for us. I'd say younger Blackburn