Assuming Funchess pans out, we might have another blockbuster draft class.

[PanthersUnited]

Shaq Thimpson is almost looking like the OLB version of Kuechly.

Darryl Williams is looking like a pro bowl player no matter where you put him on the O line.

CAP has shown flashes

Funchess is the only unknown but made some nice grabs in limited pre season action.

Mayo looks like a bust but if Gman hit on 4 out of 5 draft picks like it looks like he might have, than he has done it again! I hope he's around for at least another 3 seasons

[KB_fan]

I wrote something along these lines on last night's game thread.   Agree that this is looking like a draft class where 4 of the 5 rookies drafted will have immediate impact for the team.   Wow. 

And even Mayo I think has been playing well on ST, if I understand correctly. 

He may allow us to release Trusnik, which *could* help us get a comp pick??

Add in the impact of free agent pick ups (Tillman, Coleman, Oher)... I'm just in awe of Gettleman. 

[TNPanther]

The only pick of this year's draft I didn't like was Mayo. Gman knows best though.

[The Huddler]

Lol calling a rookie a bust after 3 preseason games! 

 

Get used to blockbuster drafts and UDFA signings. 

[KB_fan]

I should note that in the early days of camp I was thinking Mayo might not make the team but only the PS.  I'm pretty sure at this point he'll make the team.  I don't think Trusnik has done enough to beat him, but having not seen any practice or game live, I could be wrong about this.

[juliosantos]

lol mayo a bust? hes making plays on st

[tondi]

Yeah, getting three starters and a RB who could end up as the starter next year would be quite a haul. 

[The Lobo]

I couldn't watch the game, how did Shaq look?

[KB_fan]

Yeah, getting three starters and a RB who could end up as the starter next year would be quite a haul. 

And what's incredible is that this is becoming routine expectation for us Panthers fans...  "The Gettleman effect" is definitely complicating my analysis of whether Ron should get credit for playing a lot of rookies.  See here (brief forum post)

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/boards/topic/117645-does-ron-favor-vets-over-rookies/

and here (detailed blog entry)

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/boards/blogs/entry/38-does-ron-love-vets-more-than-rookies/

 

If Gettleman keeps finding such great ones, Ron almost has no choice!!  LOL.

[Mojo]

Yeah man..Shaq looks reallllly good.  He lays the wood too.

Mayo nice on ST.  Darryl Williams I think will be great for us for a long time if he can stay healthy.  I think the most important thing for Funchise is timing & rapport with Cam.  Hopefully they've developed a bit of that.  Remember last year KB and Cam weren't really able to get all the reps in prior to the season because of Cam's ankle.  This year he's had a tiny bit more of practice with Funchess right?  I hope at least.  

[dldove77]

What defines "pans out?" I don't think Funchess is coming to save the receiving corps. He was the ninth WR taken in the draft in a draft class that, in my opinion, didn't have the star caliber that 2014 had. We haven't exactly hit home runs in the past with second round WRs - and you don't have to tell me it's a different GM - so let's not set the expectations too high for Funchess. My expectation/prediction would be somewhere around half the receptions that KB got last year. Don't know about touchdowns. Because of his frame, he might be targeted more in the redzone than he is on the rest of the field.

[Wundrbread33]

What defines "pans out?" I don't think Funchess is coming to save the receiving corps. He was the ninth WR taken in the draft in a draft class that, in my opinion, didn't have the star caliber that 2014 had. We haven't exactly hit home runs in the past with second round WRs - and you don't have to tell me it's a different GM - so let's not set the expectations too high for Funchess. My expectation/prediction would be somewhere around half the receptions that KB got last year. Don't know about touchdowns. Because of his frame, he might be targeted more in the redzone than he is on the rest of the field.

Gman didn't draft Colbert or Jarrett though...but if we play that game...

...Moose was a second rounder...he was alright I suppose ;)

[KB_fan]

I'd be happy with non-explosive stats from Funchess (500 - 600 yards, 5 - 7 TDs) if he can show he's a playmaker and can make some good catches in traffic, really go after the ball.  That's what I fear we're most missing with KB out - a pretty agressive receiver who goes after the ball.  But seriously if we can get 1500 - 1800 yards from Olsen & Funchess combined, that would be pretty solid.  Throw in another 1200 - 1400  from Ginn, Cotch, Brown / Boykin / Bersin / assorted RBs & TEs and we're getting close to 2013 - 2014 stats.

[dldove77]

Gman didn't draft Colbert or Jarrett though...but if we play that game...

...Moose was a second rounder...he was alright I suppose ;)

from my OP: "and you don't have to tell me it's a different GM"