"How to Fix the Panthers"

[Jay Roosevelt]

That's my article. Didn't even realize they had posted on the main page.

Not sure it's all 100% realistic, but I think it all makes sense on one level or another. I definitely disagree that there isn't a fullback worth drafting better than Tolbert. I think Sam Rogers is going to be a really solid NFL fullback and would be a great fit for the Panthers moving forward.

As for RB in the 1st round, there is a very, very good chance that the legit BPA at #8 overall will be a RB. Certainly if Leonard Fournette falls to us, he's clearly the pick and I don't see how anyone could argue with that. RB is a need - maybe not on the level of tackle or defensive end or safety, but it is - so if an elite prospect like Fournette or Dalvin Cook is there I don't see us passing on him unless there's a really, really good player at another position available.

I will say, I went back and forth on signing JPP. Part of me wanted to have us re-sign Charles Johnson instead, but I feel like as important as the pass rush is to Gettleman, if he's going to spend in free agency, that seems like the area he'd spend on. Tony Jefferson... I'm not sure just how 'highly coveted' he will be. Obviously if he commands top safety money he won't be a Panther and we can target a cheaper veteran option, but for an upper-mid-level contract, I can definitely see us bringing him in.

As far as tackle goes, it's a tough call. I'm not sure how much faith Gettleman is putting in Oher at left tackle. I noticed he said something today during his press conference that made me think Oher might not be 100% in Dave's plans long-term, either due to health or performance. The free agent tackle market is pretty thin unless a veteran or two is cut before free agency to save cap space. Andrew Whitworth is set to be a UFA, but he's 35 years old and might opt to retire rather than leave the only team he's ever played for at that age. I just don't see us trading for Joe Thomas either, as much as I would LOVE that move.

I really like Ryan Ramczyk out of Wisconsin at left tackle, hence me having us trade back into the 1st round to take him in my article. He's got great footwork and athletic ability for a big guy and can pass protect and get push in the run game. Just a really complete player for a college OL. Only downside I see is he only played the one year at Wisconsin after transferring from a D2 school. He also is apparently having minor surgery prior to the draft, but I don't think it's anything serious. Only question is whether he will declare for the draft or return to school.

[The Lobo]

6 minutes ago, Jay Roosevelt said:

That's my article. Didn't even realize they had posted on the main page.

Not sure it's all 100% realistic, but I think it all makes sense on one level or another. I definitely disagree that there isn't a fullback worth drafting better than Tolbert. I think Sam Rogers is going to be a really solid NFL fullback and would be a great fit for the Panthers moving forward.

As for RB in the 1st round, there is a very, very good chance that the legit BPA at #8 overall will be a RB. Certainly if Leonard Fournette falls to us, he's clearly the pick and I don't see how anyone could argue with that. RB is a need - maybe not on the level of tackle or defensive end or safety, but it is - so if an elite prospect like Fournette or Dalvin Cook is there I don't see us passing on him unless there's a really, really good player at another position available.

I will say, I went back and forth on signing JPP. Part of me wanted to have us re-sign Charles Johnson instead, but I feel like as important as the pass rush is to Gettleman, if he's going to spend in free agency, that seems like the area he'd spend on. Tony Jefferson... I'm not sure just how 'highly coveted' he will be. Obviously if he commands top safety money he won't be a Panther and we can target a cheaper veteran option, but for an upper-mid-level contract, I can definitely see us bringing him in.

As far as tackle goes, it's a tough call. I'm not sure how much faith Gettleman is putting in Oher at left tackle. I noticed he said something today during his press conference that made me think Oher might not be 100% in Dave's plans long-term, either due to health or performance. The free agent tackle market is pretty thin unless a veteran or two is cut before free agency to save cap space. Andrew Whitworth is set to be a UFA, but he's 35 years old and might opt to retire rather than leave the only team he's ever played for at that age. I just don't see us trading for Joe Thomas either, as much as I would LOVE that move.

I really like Ryan Ramczyk out of Wisconsin at left tackle, hence me having us trade back into the 1st round to take him in my article. He's got great footwork and athletic ability for a big guy and can pass protect and get push in the run game. Just a really complete player for a college OL. Only downside I see is he only played the one year at Wisconsin after transferring from a D2 school. He also is apparently having minor surgery prior to the draft, but I don't think it's anything serious. Only question is whether he will declare for the draft or return to school.

You wrote that? Awesome! You should post more here. I, for one, would love the different opinions. This is the 100th time I've brought it up, what about Cyprien from Jax? I feel like he would be reasonable. What about sigining Peppers to a one year deal along with CJ? Then we could draft a DE in the second and focus on BPA in the first like a RB. I do happen to agree with you on the RB. I feel like they both will be there and therefore be the BPAs. Cook I would like more but LF has grown on me. Anyway thanks for the article.

[Jay Roosevelt]

I'm not real familiar with Jonathan Cyprien as a pro. I remember him as a prospect in the draft a few years back, but with him playing in Jacksonville, I haven't gotten the chance to see him play much. What does PFF have to say about the guy? Can he cover? To me, our biggest need at safety is someone who isn't going to be constantly out of position.

Say what you want about Roman Harper's speed and coverage ability, he at least knew where he was supposed to be.

[Ivan The Awesome]

I was shaking my head so much at this article. 

[Jay Roosevelt]

3 hours ago, Ivan The Awesome said:

I was shaking my head so much at this article. 

Why?

[The Lobo]

3 hours ago, Jay Roosevelt said:

I'm not real familiar with Jonathan Cyprien as a pro. I remember him as a prospect in the draft a few years back, but with him playing in Jacksonville, I haven't gotten the chance to see him play much. What does PFF have to say about the guy? Can he cover? To me, our biggest need at safety is someone who isn't going to be constantly out of position.

Say what you want about Roman Harper's speed and coverage ability, he at least knew where he was supposed to be.

I haven't looked up his PFF stats. I know In all the games I've watched of him, he flys all over the field and you can bring him up in the box for the run. He doesn't shy away from hits. (Not that Boston did either...he wasn't too shabby against the run)

[GoobyPls]

53 minutes ago, The Lobo said:

I haven't looked up his PFF stats. I know In all the games I've watched of him, he flys all over the field and you can bring him up in the box for the run. He doesn't shy away from hits. (Not that Boston did either...he wasn't too shabby against the run)

Cyprien is horrible, If PFF has him highly graded they just lost the smidge of legitimacy they had left. Tony Jefferson is way better than him.

[nctarheel0619]

Man, I've seen LITERALLY zero Mocks that have us Drafting Cook.  Hell, the majority have us Drafting Fournette.  Which would make way more sense then Dalvin Cook.  

[Darvinsun]

16 hours ago, CPantherKing said:

Release Mike Tolbert and replace him with who? CAP could not even beat him out. Cutting him and replacing him with a project or lesser talent will only open up a new wound for the Panthers offense. We need an upgrade at FB before the Panthers get rid of Tolbert. Some people never learn their lesson. We will see what we get in the draft.

 

We need to cut tolbert he does not block at all, gets no yards in running, some plays he looks like he does not know what we are running. That is the same as having a rookie.

[CPantherKing]

11 hours ago, Darvinsun said:

We need to cut tolbert he does not block at all, gets no yards in running, some plays he looks like he does not know what we are running. That is the same as having a rookie.

And replace him with who? A rookie who has to learn to block in the NFL? You have to have a replacement before you cut a pro bowler who other teams will grab quickly.

Rockhead is on the roster. If he can not beat out Tolbert, then he is here for one more season.

[Peppers90 NC]

5 minutes ago, CPantherKing said:

And replace him with who? A rookie who has to learn to block in the NFL? You have to have a replacement before you cut a pro bowler who other teams will grab quickly.

Rockhead is on the roster. If he can not beat out Tolbert, then he is here for one more season.

Tolbert is one of, if not the worst "FB" in the league. Besides the last 2 or 3 games of the season, he played soft for someone his size constantly being tackled on first hit. As for replacing him with a proper fullback, that would be easy. They may not run as well but with the way Tolboat ran this year, it wouldn't matter. And again, he is a terrible blocker and average at best pass catcher. He is as good as gone despite his likeability. And unless there is a major philosophy change in the offense, we rarely run pro set formations, instead line a TE up back there as an H-back.

[gorillamilitia13]

On 1/3/2017 at 6:08 PM, Soul Rebel said:

I could def get on board with a Cyprien signing. Reminds me of when we snagged Mitchell and Harris, and they thrived here.

I'd personally do something like this:

Tag KK

Release: Tolbert, Ginn, Addison, Klein

FA: Chandler Jones, Jonathan Cyprien

Draft:

R1: Derek Barnett

R2: Donta Foreman

R3: Trade + '18 3rd rounder for Joe Thomas

R3 Comp: Jordan Leggett

R4: Tyler Orlovsky

I like Barnett and Foreman a lot

[CarolinaPride90]

This Off Season needs to be an "Arms Race" for our QB 1. After watching Gentleman’s presser I can tell he understands the error in his ways and there is a major Offensive overhaul coming. I want Shula gone as much as anybody on here...But as we know, his departure is looking unlikely. So let’s just accept the fact that we will have to give this FO/Coaching Staff (Hopefully not minus McDermott and hopefully not Wilkes), one more full off season and at least a quarter of next season to improve things lol. We have ample CAP space and will need to be a major player in FA this go around because we can "evolve" the entire team with the right moves. As far as the draft, you will find my 1st mock below this post as well. This 2017 draft class is stupid rich with offensive talent and we have a top 10 pick in every round, this staff officially has no excuses.

 

Free Agency

Resign:

Charles Johnson- Big $ needs to retire a Panther. It’s as simple as that. He also provides unparalleled vet leadership and defensive stability. We can keep him around @ 2 Years $4 Million.

Kawann Short- Obviously did not replicate his 2015 performance but still is a top 5 DT in the league and he will be paid as such by us or somebody else, elite DT's are just too hard to come by. DG is gonna have to give KK Short that check and as a result our front 7 remains dominant for the foreseeable future. I don't think he will demand Fletcher Cox or Suh $. 6 Years $90 Million @ $15 Mil per. 

Kyle Love- A key cog off the bench for our Front 7 and a great Vet. 1 year $2 Million.

Chris Scott- Solid backup Guard & utility o-lineman @ 2 years $3 million.

Sign:

JPP (DE)-28 years old and one of DG’s best draft picks of his career. He has plenty of good energy left and would instantly shore up our DE position. 5 Year $53 Million @ $10.6 million per.

Matt Kalil (LT)- No doubt anchoring the blindside with his brother under center will revitalize this young LT. He’s had a tough time with injury and consistency in MN, a change of scenery and being surrounded by family on/off the field could turn him into a premier LT. 2 Years $ 10 Million (Prove it deal).

Morris Claiborne(CB)- Solid veteran depth at CB with this signing, Bradberry & Worley are the clear starters. Claiborne would provide some scheme versatility and much needed athleticism on the back end. @ 3 years $9 Million.

Marquise Goodwin(WR/KR/PR)- One of the fastest guys on the planet with records to prove it. Has had a tumultuous start to his career in Buffalo, with proper coaching I think this guy can be a versatile offensive weapon and elite return man…he could also end up being a cap casualty due to his inconsistency. Sign him @ 1 yr $1.5 million (Prove it).

FA Total Spent= $40.1 Million*

Remaining CAP= $14 Million +

*= Not including cuts

[CarolinaPride90]

CarolinaPride90 Mock Draft #1 01/05/2017

 

R1P8

RB DALVIN COOK

FSU

I keep hearing the word “evolve” being used so far this off season by staff and fans alike. Well Panther Nation reintroduce yourselves to the next evolution of the RB position. Cook is an every down back with game breaking potential with every touch on the ground or through the air. He was absolutely prolific at FSU and ran against some of the best run defenses in the nation. His toughness is not a question and I favor him over Fournette due to his ability to stay so low to the ground and change direction like a feather in the wind. Dalvin will be a back the NFL has never seen.

Stats:

·         2016: Rushing = 288 Carries/1,765 Yards/19 TD

·         2016: Receiving= 33 Catches/ 488 Yards/ 1 TD

·         Career: Rushing= 687 Carries/4,464 Yards/ 46 TD’s

 

 

 

 

R2P40

EDGE SOLOMON THOMAS (Stanford)

This guy is made of pure beast. Thomas could end up being the best overall DE out of this class and will make an impact day 1 on the vaunted Carolina Defense as it returns to form in 2017. At 6’3 273 Lbs. he has above prototypical size for a 4-3 End, he dominated on a big stage time and time again and showed up to prove the scouts correct about his potential recently in his bowl game against UNC.

Stats:    Career: 98 total tackles/ 24.5 tackles for loss/ 12.0 sacks/ 1 FF/ 4 FR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R3P72

TE JORDAN LEGGETT

CLEMSON

Here is the TE2/TE of the future that we have been coveting so much recently as a fan base. It was reported that Mike Shula pushed hard for Jared Cook last off season until he signed in Green Bay. Fortunately for us we don’t have Cook taking up CAP space which would’ve caused us to miss out on Jordan Leggett of Clemson. All this guy does is make plays in the form of clutch catches and impact blocks. At 6’5 260 Lbs. he has elite size and speed for a TE at the next level. Another big target to add to Cam’s arsenal.

Stats:

·         2016 Season: 39 REC/641 Yards/7 TD

·         Career: 105 REC/ 1503 Yards/ 18 TD

 

99: R3P99

S EDDIE JACKSON

ALABAMA

 

Arguably the smoothest safety that I watched in 2016 until a horrific leg injury sidelined Jackson for the rest of the season. This guy is an absolute ball hawk on the back end and turns into a playmaker when the ball gets into his hands. At 6’0 192 he has the ability to tack on to his frame and become the prototypical SS or FS. He has room to improve in the open field tackling department...hell he probably used to be surprised a back got through the Bama front 7 lol. This guy solidifies our young but up and coming secondary. He also possesses elite ability in the return game, he’s gonna be a pros pro.  

 

 

R4P113

OT CONOR MCDERMOTT

UCLA

 

Some much needed tackle depth in the form of an intriguing prospect from UCLA. This guy is nasty and athletic with a great punch. All good things for a T, he is a little inconsistent and could use some work on hand placement but he shows the potential to be a starter in this league for a longtime. By the way... there is a video of this guy on Youtube talking about a practice dust up between himself and 2016 1^st round pick and his former UCLA teammate Myles Jack, those are exactly the type of things I want to hear about o linemen!

 

 

 

 

R5P153

WR STACY COLEY

MIAMI (FLA.)

 

Deceptively fast and a great route runner Stacy Coley could end up being our 2^nd best WR right away. We need WR’s that can gain separation and get YAC on intermediate routes (which I hope we run a lot more of in 2017). Coley found himself in the end zone often at the “U” and was a reliable target for his QB, he should be a part of our offensive “evolution” as he presents a formidable weapon for Cam. 

Career Stats: 166 Receptions/ 2,218 yards/ 20 TD’s

 

R6P193

CB JALEN MYRICK

MINNESOTA

Myrick could come in and compete for the starting Nickel role right away, at 5’10 205 lbs. he would be useful in that role. He also would provide some much needed depth at CB and would be a very solid late round pick.

Career Stats: 93 Total tackles/8 tackles for loss/ 3 Int’s/1 FF/ 2 FR/ 1 TD

 

 

R7P235

WR QUINCY ADEBOYEJO

OLE MISS

 

The offensive overhaul continues with us grabbing a great playmaker at WR with our 7^th round pick. Quincy Adeboyejo made some impact plays at Ole Miss but he could make even more in the league in a WR #3/4 role. He kind of reminds me of a Markus Wheaton type WR and nah not just because he has dreads. He is great at working the intermediate routes and can separate from defenders if he finds space and at 6’3 and almost 200 lbs. he would be another rangy target for #1.

Career Stats: 106 Receptions/1,454 Yards/13.7 Average/ 11 TD's

#KeepPounding #ReturnToForm2017