B/R NFL 1000

[KB_fan]

Gettlemagic.  In his rookie season, Shaq Thompson comes in at #9 of 15 among 4-3 Strong-Side LBs.  And he's only going to get better...:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623985-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-15-4-3-strong-side-linebackers-from-2015/page/8

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9. Shaq Thompson, Carolina Panthers

 

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Pass Rush

13/20

One of the most impressive overall athletes to come out of the 2015 draft, Thompson is a roller coaster of a player who is still growing into his talent. He flashed some ability as a pass-rusher in 2015, posting a sack and a pair of quarterback hurries, but he could use plenty of work on the finer points of beating blockers to the passer.

Run Defense

12/20

At 6’0” and just 230 pounds, Thompson’s lack of ideal bulk makes it difficult to take on bigger blockers and win as a run defender. He can make plays if he’s able to use his athleticism to slide by the block, but that was a hit-or-miss proposition for much of the 2015 season.

Coverage

15/20

It’s no surprise Thompson performed best in this area last year, as some thought he was athletic and versatile enough to slide back to safety in the NFL. He has fantastic range and speed and was only held back in this department by his developing awareness and instincts.

Tackling

20/30

Despite his lack of size, Thompson is a capable tackler who isn’t afraid to lay the lumber. His technique still needs plenty of work, but once he’s more consistent in that area, his game should see a huge jump in this area. He missed nine tackles over 448 snaps in 2015.

Position Value

8/8 

Overall

68/98

 

 

AND  AJ Klein gets ranked #5.

 

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5. A.J. Klein, Carolina Panthers

 

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Pass Rush

13/20

A part-time starter over his three years in Carolina, Klein made a fairly significant impact of his own despite being overshadowed by Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. He didn’t get many opportunities to get after the quarterback, but he did register his third career sack after failing to get one in 2014.

Run Defense

14/20

Klein appeared in 15 games with six starts in 2015, proving to be a solid two-down defender against the run. At 6’1”, 240 pounds, he has the size to keep offensive linemen from simply running through him at the second level. He can also diagnose what’s happening in the backfield fairly well, allowing him to break on the ball.

Coverage

13/20

He struggled a bit in this department early in the season, but Klein showed steady improvement as the season wore on. Opposing quarterbacks didn't have to worry too much about him through the air, but he did snag his first career interception in 2015.

Tackling

27/30

Klein may not be the flashy, versatile playmaker you’ll find elsewhere in Carolina’s linebacking corps, but his position’s primary role is to tackle well, something he did in 2015. He only played 34.1 percent of the Panthers’ defensive snaps, but he notched 36 solo tackles while only missing four. He doesn’t have the athleticism of his running mates, but he was consistent and reliable in this area last year.

Position Value

8/8

Overall

75/98

 

Rounding out the top 5:

#4   Mauti:  New Orleans

#3   Hightower:  Patriots

#2   Burfict:  Bengals

#1   Barr:  Vikings

 

I'm guessing AJ Klein will be gone in 2017 if he keeps getting ranked in such company....!

[KB_fan]

Now for 4-3 Weak-Side LB.  Hopefully TD's pro-bowl / first team all-pro season will see him ranked highly.  He really should be in the top 5.  Let's see:

Hmmm... ok, just barely.  He comes in at #5:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623984-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-15-4-3-weak-side-linebackers-from-2015/page/12

 

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5. Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers

 

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Pass Rush

16/20

If there’s truly a fountain of youth out there somewhere, I’d wager it has Thomas Davis’ fingerprints all over it. Despite multiple knee surgeries over his 10-year career and being 32 years old, Davis turned in one of the best seasons of his career in 2015. Davis was incredibly effective as a pass-rusher, posting a career-high 5.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries last season.

Run Defense

12/20

The weakest part of Davis’ game last season, his ability to play the run, is impacted by his lack of ideal size—he's 6’1”, 235 pounds—combined with a regression in overall power and strength in his 10th NFL season. He was still willing to mix it up with anyone he came across, but the results varied considerably from play to play.

Coverage

19/20

Considering his age and injury history, it was ridiculous how effective Davis was in coverage last season. His experience and instincts were his best tools in this department, as he often knew where opposing quarterbacks were going with the ball before it ever left their fingers. Davis set a career high with four interceptions in 2015.

Tackling

24/30

Davis may lack the spring in his step he had as a younger player, but he’s still willing and able to deliver the big hit and make opponents pay for carrying the ball in his vicinity. Missing 14 tackles probably doesn’t sit well with him, but he was well above average in this department.

Position Value

8/8

Overall

79/98

 

Ahead of him:

#4 Lavonte David - Bucs

#3 Ogletree - Rams

#2 Collins - Patriots

#1  KJ Wright - Seahawks

[KB_fan]

Now for Top 45 Free Safeties.  Coleman should be top 10, I would think...:

YES.  Nice.  Coleman comes in at #8.  Ahead of Darian Stewart (#9), Weddle (#10), Mike Mitchell (#12), Gilchrist (#13), Clinton-Dix (#14).  YES.  VERY NICE INDEED.  Gettlemagic!

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2624043-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-40-free-safeties-from-2015/page/39

 

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8. Kurt Coleman, Carolina Panthers

 

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Coverage

61/70

Was there a more pleasant surprise at this position last year than Kurt Coleman? After starting just three games over the previous two seasons for the Eagles and Chiefs, Coleman tallied 15 for the NFC champs and made a huge impact in coverage. Coleman took full advantage of Carolina’s ability to put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, tying for the NFC lead in interceptions with seven.

Run Defense

7/10

Coleman wasn’t just a ball hawk perched on the back end, waiting for the action to come to him. His blue-collar play made him more than a willing participant in run defense, as much of a playmaker in that department as he was against the pass. He showed the ability to play disciplined and not get fooled often by misdirection or play action.

Tackling

5/10

Coleman’s flair for the big play helped the Panthers far more than it hurt in 2015, but as a tackler, his need to make the big hit more than the sure tackle led to too much unnecessary extra-yardage situations. If he gets his arms around a ball-carrier or receiver, it usually works out well, but if he didn’t line things up just right, they didn’t go well. His 15 missed tackles in 2015 were far too many, and it's something he’ll definitely want to clean up in 2016 and beyond.

Position Value

8/8

Overall

81/98

 

 

Top 5:

#5:  Reggie Nelson - Bengals

#4:  Harrison Smith - Vikings

#3:  Charles Woodson - Raiders

#2:  Malcolm Jenkins - Eagles

#1:  Earl Thomas - Seahawks

[KB_fan]

I'm thinking that the only positions remaining for B/R to rank are the CBs, and Specialists (if they rank specialists?  I don't know).

I'll try to keep my eyes open for new entries this week, and do a new round-up soon with all the Panthers rankings for 2015 compared with how we ranked at those positions in 2014.

But seriously we have a talented & deep roster folks.  Huge improvement from 2014 to 2015. 

We should only get better for 2016 as we get KB back.  Also Shaq & Funch and Daryl Williams all have a season of experience, and Kony looks to become a real impact player now at DE. 

Exciting times!

[KB_fan]

Time for another update....

Last week B/R posted their list of the best 4-3 DEs. 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623988-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-40-4-3-defensive-ends-from-2015

There were 5 Panthers ranked and it was an interesting list, with rankings I found somewhat controversial, so I created a separate thread.  You can read that here:

The Panthers rankings (out of 40):

#39 Jared Allen

#37 Charles Johnson

#34 Ryan Delaire

#24 Kony Ealy

#13 Mario Addison

 

In 2014 (out of 40):

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2496685-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-40-4-3-defensive-ends-from-2014

Kony Ealy was #40, so he's had a very nice jump, and if his SB performance is any indicator, he's going to keep moving up this list big-time in the coming season.

CJ was #15.  Let's hope he gets back to this kind of form in 2016.

and that was it... Addison & Horton & Alexander did not make the list.  So, while our 2015 pass rush may have seemed lacking, the fact that we had 5 guys in the top 40 (4 of whom will be on the roster in 2016) seems promising.  And here's hoping DG finds a stud DE in the draft...!

 

 

 

 

 

[KB_fan]

B/R has now posted the top 50 3-4 OLBs:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623991-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-50-3-4-outside-linebackers-from-2015

Not going to bother to look closely at the rankings since it's N/A for the Panthers and I'm a bit short on time today, but I did peek at the top 3.

Expected #1 to be Von Miller, but he got beat out by Khalil Mack of the Raiders.

#1 Mack, Raiders

#2 Miller, Denver

#3 Justin Houston of the Chiefs

[KB_fan]

Also posted, the top 32 Punters:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623989-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-32-punters-from-2015/

Nortman was middle of the pack at #17

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623989-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-32-punters-from-2015/page/17

 

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17. Brad Nortman, Carolina Panthers

Punt Power

38/45

Brad Nortman’s long punt of 65 yards—a distance he reached twice in the year—was impressive, but he lacked consistency when it came to deep punting. With an average of just 44.4 yards per punt, Nortman ranked near the middle of the NFL. It’s worth noting that in the playoffs, he averaged less than 40 yards per punt at home.

Punt Accuracy

40/45

On 85 punts (including the postseason), Nortman saw 41 of them returned, a solid percentage. He also dropped 24 punts inside the 20-yard line and had 27 fair catches to his credit. He isn’t the best at dropping it in the corner or pinning a returner deep, but he has a handle on hang time and setting up his return defense.

Position Value

4/4

Overall

82/94

 

 

What's funny, is the punter he's replacing at JAX was higher at #9....

Let's hope DG finds us a top 10 punter this season.

 

For the record, in 2014, Brad Nortman was ranked 8th.

[Panthers8969]

Are they just giving everyone a 100 for position value? Great thread btw

[KB_fan]

Next up.... it's the cornerbacks.

Ah the drama.  Where will J-No be ranked?  Will he make the top 10? top 5?  the top 3?  We shall see.  It's going to take a lot of clicking, because B/R ranked the top 101 CBs.  Really?!  Who cares?  101?????

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623992-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-101-cornerbacks-from-2015

I think I'll jump ahead to #1 and work backwards to about #40 and then quit to spare myself carpal tunnel syndrome...   If any Panthers are ranked outside the top 40, please forgive me!

Wow.  Cardinals get a nice double 1 - 2 punch.

#1  Mathieu, AZ

#2 Patrick Peterson, AZ

#3 Sherman, Seattle

#4 Chris Harris, Denver

and no.... J No does not crack the top 5.  Coming in at #5

Trufant, of Atlanta.  Ouch.  That's got to hurt.

Slay of Detroit is at #6.  Revis is #7.

Josh comes in at #8

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623992-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-101-cornerbacks-from-2015/page/54

 

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8. Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers

Coverage

71/75

Josh Norman’s reputation surged to new heights in 2015, and his play followed. Norman is comfortably a top-10 cornerback—someone who excels in the Panthers’ zone-heavy defense. He has outstanding instincts with ball skills that allow him to take advantage of his positioning on the field. When he is tasked with playing man coverage, he can be aggressive because of his size, quick feet and aggressive mindset. Norman is an intimidating presence who deserves all the plaudits he is receiving now.

Run Defense

5/10

The tenacity that Norman shows off in his personality and when the ball is in the air can also be seen on running plays. He can be borderline reckless at times, but he has the athleticism and size to redirect running backs by penetrating past blockers on the outside.

Tackling

3/5

If Norman should focus on improving one thing during the offseason, it’s his tackling. Although he is a good athlete, he needs to get better at locating and closing on ball-carriers in space, focusing on wrapping them up and only going for the heavy hits when he has an advantageous position.

Position Value

9/9

Overall

88/99

 

 

 

Yes!  Peanut gets a nice ranking!  I'm so glad.  What a fantastic addition to our secondary for 2015.  LOVE THE GUY.

 

#15 Charles Tillman

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623992-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-101-cornerbacks-from-2015/page/47

 

 

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15. Charles Tillman, Carolina Panthers

Coverage

69/75

Charles Tillman felt the full benefits of playing for the Carolina Panthers and that phenomenal front seven. The Panthers were able to squash space for Tillman, allowing him to play a lot of zone coverage in tight spaces where he could rely on his instincts and ball skills to make impactful plays. He didn’t have the physical attributes of past seasons, but he didn’t need to in his role.

Run Defense

5/10

Tillman was still a smart run defender in 2015. He was quick to read running plays and understood when to set the edge as opposed to when to try to penetrate. He was less consistent getting off blocks than in previous years because he didn’t have the same physical explosiveness to work through blockers.

Tackling

4/5

Having built a career on forcing fumbles with precise and powerful hits, Tillman has become less explosive and more technical as a tackler in his later years. He was still able to force two fumbles in 2015, but his primary value was in his efficiency in bringing ball-carriers to the ground.

Position Value

9/9

Overall

87/99

 

 

Yikes... I worked back to #50.... still no Bene.  Guess I'll keep going, because I really do want to see his write up...

Hmmmm... B/R is not a Bene fan, that's clear.  He comes in at #68

 

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68. Bene Benwikere, Carolina Panthers

79/99

Coverage: 61/75; Run Defense: 8/10; Tackling: 1/5; Position Value: 9/9

It’s easier to play cornerback in Carolina than in most places, yet Bene Benwikere still had his struggles before he was injured late in the season. He offers the Panthers an aggressive, explosive slot defender who can be used in different ways. He lacks consistency, though, especially when trying to make tackles in space.

 

 

Had to laugh.  Janoris Jenkins, he of the HUGE contract, comes in at #75

And coming in at #101.... Brandon Browner.  LOL.  Really sorry he's not with the Saints anymore.  There goes a lot of free penalty yardage.

[KB_fan]

17 hours ago, Panthers8969 said:

Are they just giving everyone a 100 for position value? Great thread btw

I didn't get the position value thing at first either, until I remembered, they're going to use the grades assigned to each player to create a ranking of the best 1000 players.  So I think the positional value is to provide a weighting so that more important positions get higher visibility and overall rankings in the top 1000 list.

I'll try to create a list with the relative position values assigned to each position sometime soon.

[KB_fan]

For the sake of consistency in this thread, I did further risk carpal tunnel syndrome by clicking through the 2014 list as well as a refresher to see where our corners were ranked last year...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2507536-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-101-cornerbacks-from-2014/page/2

#99 Melvin White (I'd already forgotten him, LOL.  Love how DG upgraded our roster.  From White to Peanut.  DUH!)

#76 Cason

#34 Bene.... so he really dropped in 2015, but probably that was due to playing the slot, not outside, I'm thinking...

#27 J No

An interesting note from the 2014 rankings. Brandon Boykin was #23, ahead of J-No.  And we just signed him for 840K.  INCREDIBLE.  I swear DG must drug players and their agents to get these cheap deals! LOL.

Here's the 2014 write up for our newest CB:

 

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Coverage

69/75

The Eagles insist on keeping Brandon Boykin (5’10”, 185 lbs, 3 seasons) on the inside as a limited contributor to their defense. This decision appears to be based on stubbornness over Boykin’s size, because his coverage is very impressive. Boykin has quick feet and good awareness to diagnose receivers’ routes as they run them. He can flip his hips with ease and attack the football in the air in man coverage, while also showing off a burst that suggests he’d be a dangerous defender to break on the ball from zone. Boykin needs to get more opportunities on the outside. He will get beaten at times because of his size, but his overall value in coverage should compensate for that.

Run Defense

3/10

As a slot cornerback, Boykin had to be an aggressive and proactive run defender. He was inconsistent in finding his way to the football, as the bigger offensive players were able to redirect and contain him too easily.

Tackling

6/10

Despite his limited value against the run and overall lack of size, Boykin is an efficient tackler. He relies on his technique and controlled aggression to bring down bigger targets in space or in tight.

Starter

4/5

Most coaching staffs would likely use Boykin more, considering how poorly his teammates played last year. The Eagles kept him in a role where he is at his best but still aren't getting the most out of him as a potential full-time starter.

Overall

82/100

 

 

[KB_fan]

Next up:  KICKERS.

Graham Gano gets really high marks... coming in at #4.  Nice.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2623993-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-kickers-32-from-2015/page/30

 

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4. Graham Gano, Carolina Panthers

 

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Kick Power

44/45

Graham Gano can boot kickoffs as well as anyone in the league. His average of 72 yards was tied for best among kickers active for all 17 weeks—and he did it kicking outdoors. He threw in 69 touchbacks as well. Gano has deep range on field goals, connecting on three of five attempts of 50 yards or more.

Kick Accuracy

41/45

Gano connected on just 85.3 percent of his kicks in 2015 and particularly struggled on mid-range attempts, with three of his misses coming between 30 and 49 yards. He was still reliable but didn't have the automatic leg on kicks inside of 50 yards that other top-ranked players had.

Position Value

4/4

Overall

89/94

 

 

#3 Hauschka - Seattle

#2 Gostkowski - Patriots

#1 Tucker - Baltimore

 

Graham ranked #12 in 2014.  I'm a bit surprised by his big jump up the rankings.  Maybe it had something to do with his total point numbers, aided by our HOT offense in 2015?

[KB_fan]

Hmmm..... looks like the FULL NFL 1000 list has been posted now

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2628878-br-nfl-1000-ranking-the-top-1000-overall-players-from-2015/

But I think I've missed some positions (did I ever post or see anything on safeties, I forget...?)

Tired tonight and so no time to really look at the full 1000 player ranking.  Will try to look at the top 100 tomorrow and see which Panthers are where.  We should have a good group in that list, I trust.

And I'll try to do a more full round up of the positional rankings and check which, if any, I'm missing, and post a full update of Panthers' rankings by position.

[KB_fan]

Ok.... couldn't resist a quick glance.  Looks like Panthers have 7 players in the top 100. 

One of them was a bit of a surprise to me... The other 6 were no brainers, though a few should be higher on the list, and I disagree somewhat with the order of how they're ranked

Do you all want to try to guess the Top 100 Panthers and their rankings?  I'll post the actual results tomorrow.