CBS Sports' Will Brinson on NFCS: 3 good/bad things post FA season & draft

[top dawg]

Will Brinson of CBS Sports offer up of a state of the team address of sorts for each team in the NFC South, in reference to strengths and weaknesses of the roster, now that the free agency period has basically settled and the draft is in the rear view mirror. 

The three positives regarding the panthers were basically drafting Vernon Butler and fortifying the D-line, addressing the defensive backfield with three nice-sized corners, and hitting "the undrafted jackpot"

Quote

 

The best value for Carolina might have come after the draft. The Panthers picked up Jeremy Cash -- a former ACC Defensive Player of the Year out of Duke and a player they see as a modern linebacker -- and Tulsa wideout Keyarris Garrett, who is a similar style player to Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess.

The Panthers said they had draftable grades on both guys but just didn't have enough picks (only one seventh-round pick and no sixth-round pick).

 

Now to the three negatives, which were losing Josh Norman, failing to find Cam Newton any more protection, and not addressing the running back position.

It is really hard to argue that the team will be better without the "one-year-rental" on Norman. Basically, Norman's presence would indeed make the Panthers better. The thing is though, overall the defensive backfield as a unit just may be better than last year.  Yeah, it's a risky proposition to throw your eggs into a hat with a bunch of rookies, but it is what it is. Hopefully the D-line will help them ball out. 

As for Newton's protection, it would have been nice to find someone, but the fact is that the closest thing to sure things were gone by the time the Panthers were on the clock, so what can you do? Let's hope that a practice squad player, here or somewhere, can come in and be develop enough to fill in (like Foucalt who was promoted earlier this year). More importantly, knock on wood and hope for an injury-free season. 

As for the running backs, I just think that people are severely underestimating and overlooking not only Cameron Artis-Payne, but also Brandon Wegher (whom I believe is a legitimate X factor).

I don't think that you can knock on Brinson too much.  What he says is fair, if not just rote or expected at this point.  To be honest, it's a little strange not to be banged on a little more for something. I mean, historically the Panthers have never received a whole lot of love this time of year, but some national writers are finally figuring out that Dave Gettleman actually knows what he's doing. You can't argue too much with three post-season appearances in a row and  conference championship. I'd much rather be subject to a little criticism about depth than the overspending and reaching that Brinson mentioned regarding the Falcons and Saints.  

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-south-exit-interview-3-good-things-3-bad-things-for-each-team/

[Snake]

Norman could have tore the team apart as well. It took several capt. To control him and his anger on a good day. 

[stirs]

This guys never heard of D Williams?

[caatfan]

16 minutes ago, stirs said:

This guys never heard of D Williams?

Let's hope he turns out to be overlooked like Norwell. 

[thennek]

As a player Norman will be missed.  However, the contract negotiations, the 'I'm one of the best CB's ever, 'I should be paid like one of the best ever', and all of his talk show appearances, and etc. will not be missed.  When you have defensive players on your team like Luke, Thomas, KK, Star, and CJ....I think Josh's bragging about his greatness could have become a distraction.  

[Mother Grabber]

we didn't upgrade all 22 positions in the offseason? what the fug is Gettleman thinking.

[Shadow]

The thing that excites me most is how close we are to fielding an insane defense.  Lets say for the sake of argument that the corners we took this year will be just above average.  Defensive line? Nasty.  Linebackers? Legendary. Our defense is incredibly young.  Our defensive QB is only 25 bleeping years old!  We get some safeties next year to grow with the rest of these groups and good luck scoring on our defense for the next decade.

[trucpfan]

On May 28, 2016 at 0:24 PM, caatfan said:

Let's hope he turns out to be overlooked like Norwell. 

He's our offensive line upgrade I can see him making that right side a mauling unit which seemed to be the outlook during last preseason. Wasn't he the highest rated lineman thru the presaseaon last year? With J.M. coaching em up a year of nfl conditioning under his belt should be ready to go. Our overall draft seems right on point with the undrafted gems we upgraded dline found our dbs for the next few years found our Olsen successor and upgraded our special teams with Cash. Call me Mr optimistic but we are good.

[CPF4LIFE]

21 hours ago, thennek said:

As a player Norman will be missed.  However, the contract negotiations, the 'I'm one of the best CB's ever, 'I should be paid like one of the best ever', and all of his talk show appearances, and etc. will not be missed.  When you have defensive players on your team like Luke, Thomas, KK, Star, and CJ....I think Josh's bragging about his greatness could have become a distraction.  

The thing with those guys is that they are considered more valuable or priority on this team than josh. Some of them also have already made a lot of money in the nfl. Josh's situation was just different than other players in the team with being a older player at a under valued position for the team .....you really can't compare him to anybody else. 

[CWORS]

Hitting the UDFA jackpot was huge for us!!! Cash and Garris!!! WR cuts are going to sting this year!