Panthers sign C/G Gino Gradkowski

[TheSpecialJuan]

[TheSpecialJuan]

[TheSpecialJuan]

[Paintballr]

5 hours ago, Sam Mills Fan said:

While you're probably not wrong, I always laugh when this is literally posted in every single thread announcing a backup's signing on the Huddle:

 

"Solid depth"

"Good pickup"

"I like him"

"Savvy veteran"

"Smart move"

Don't forget "scrappy"

[MHS831]

2 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Classic Gettleman signing.. love it

It sure is.  How many times do we question a player like this, only to celebrate him later?  Remmers, for example, was on the Vikings PS and the VIkings had issues at OT...How does that happen?  Our system and coaching?  But first, you have to have an eye for the skill set you seek, and that is where DG is awesome.  He knows other teams' rosters.

I get the feeling we went after this player--he was signed early in free agency---a typical Gettlemen signing.

[jdpanther5]

1 hour ago, Mr. Scot said:

Three year deal makes me think he's got a pretty good shot.

It does and it doesn't. I don't doubt that we really like him, hence going after him so early, but if he gets outperformed those extra years (likely unguaranteed) won't mean a thing. Just ask Tiquan Underwood. 

[CatMan72]

4 hours ago, csx said:

Wasn't he drafted after Matsko came here?

Yeah, Matsko connection is from BAL. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

He looks like Kyle Long

 

[KB_fan]

A few seemingly calm & rational commenters at PFT suggest he's small for a center.

Quote

This guy was terrible as a Raven…had to keys to take over for Matt Birk, but was too small and soft to do anything…Panthers run a huge Oline like the ravens do, and I can’t imagine this little guy being of much help if they lose a center or guard.

 

 

Quote

Have to agree with others, Gradkowski is just too small to be a O lineman in the NFL. He had a starting position and graded out as the worst center in the league with the Ravens. He was also surrounded by the best guard in football in Marshall Yanda and the second best in Kelechi Osemele who just signed an outrageous 12 million/year salary. If you can’t get it done between those guys, then you can’t get it done.

Obviously, time will tell if these commenters are speaking truth.

For now, I have no reason to doubt Gettleman & Co.  And it's not like we're desperate for Oline depth.  This is not a make or break signing.

Would be fun though if somehow the Panthers ability to rehab players off of other teams' trash heaps continues.

[R0CKnR0LLA]

I don't get this signing. This guy is absolutely terrible. There's a reason why he's bounced around to so many teams after just a few years in the league. Every time he's had to actually play in games he's gotten beat like a red headed step child.

I'm assuming, though, that he was given a bare minimum contract with like a $20 signing bonus so we can easily move on from him if he doesn't cut it in camp.

[MV%doe]

This guy is living off his 2012 draft reports, in recent years hes been rather awful. One story during the draft was 49er GM slaming down his hands after the ravens picked him. Many teams liked him coming out, his report was smart, tough, and hardworker ala a OL coach's dream.

Denver traded for him then waived him. Both falcons and panthers put a claim on him, falcons had a worse record thus rewarded.

Now could house improve his weight and strength, plus the OL coaches coach him up? Of course, but I wouldn't put him as over 50% to make the 53. Panthers where after Tony hills for years, signed him, he was among the first cuts.

The normal is carrying 3 centers, or 2 for sure ones and one emergency. It's one of those spots like catcher in baseball. It's very important and if you must plan for the worst. Center touches the ball each play(wildcat/RBdirectsnap) and calls the block assignments.

 

Three years deal means nothing, that's just to spread out the signing bonus. Nothing more.

[Billy Love]

If he couldn't make it as a back up on the Falcons horrific OL I don't think he can do it here...don't understand this move at all

[csx]

If he's not good enough he won't make the team. He wasn't brought in to do anything but compete for a backup spot.

[TheSpecialJuan]

35 minutes ago, Billy Love said:

If he couldn't make it's as a back up on the Falcons horrific OL I don't think he can do it here...don't understand this move at all

haha