Panthers are big winners on draft day trades

[Fidel Cashflow]

Carolina Panthers get:

• Second-round pick (No. 41): Devin Funchess, WR/TE

St. Louis Rams get:

• Second-round pick (No. 57): Rob Havenstein, OT
• Third-round pick (No. 89): Sean Mannion, QB
• Sixth-round pick (No. 201): Bud Sasser, WR

Full disclosure: I'm a staunch advocate of the idea that contested-catch ability is the most vital attribute for an NFL wide receiver -- yes, more than speed or separation skill -- therefore it's easy to understand why I was so high on Funchess, a young, 6'5" wideout with long arms, catchers'-mitt hands and who flashed arm-extended hand catches "above" traffic while at Michigan.

Did the Panthers send too much to the Rams? Maybe. And a similar big-bodied receiver with similar traits, Kelvin Benjamin, is already in Carolina. But I'd almost always be in favor of a team having two power forwards as its No. 1 and No. 2 wideouts than two speedy, point-guard sized receivers to run routes near the boundary.

The Rams snagged three picks in the trade and made decent decisions with the trio. Rob Havenstein isn't your typical, road-grading, sound-technique Wisconsin offensive lineman. However, he'll be a sound pro after taking a year to get stronger. Sean Mannion is, at best, a Nick Foles clone and Bud Sasser is a developmental pass-catcher.

 

This deal was close but ultimately ended as a narrow Panthers' victory.

 

 

 

Carolina Panthers get:

• Fourth-round pick (No. 102): Daryl Williams, OG

Oakland Raiders get:

• Fourth-round pick (No. 124): Traded to Bucs
• Fifth-round pick (No. 161): Neiron Ball, LB
• Seventh-round pick (No. 242): Dexter McDonald, CB

Carolina still needs a true left tackle -- I don't know if Cam Newton should trust Michael Oher to protect his blindside all season. Williams, a classic Oklahoma offensive tackle with immense power, is more of "right tackle only" prospect, and he could play inside as well.

The toughness and size he brings to the Panthers front will be undoubtedly welcomed.

Ball is an overachieving linebacker with desired athletic traits and the Raiders clearly were intrigued more by McDonald's size, speed and quickness than anything else. Another close one, but Carolina got the true impact player and only packaged a Round 5 and Round 7 pick -- along with its original choice -- to jump 22 slots.

[Fidel Cashflow]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25176378/assigning-winners-losers-to-every-single-trade-in-2015-nfl-draft

[Captain Morgan]

[PntherPryd]

not to nitpick but both excerpts say it was "close" but goes to Carolina.  

 

Thread title says "Big Winners"?

 

 

 

 

 

[Fidel Cashflow]

not to nitpick but both excerpts say it was "close" but goes to Carolina.  

 

Thread title says "Big Winners"?

 

Ugh

[The Huddler]

Id take those trades all day!!

[UpstatePanther]

Don Gettleman

[PntherPryd]

which is worse?

 

grading drafts immediately or grading draft trades immediately?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(hint:  trick question)

[Growl]

not to nitpick but both excerpts say it was "close" but goes to Carolina.

Thread title says "Big Winners"?