DE Tanoh Kpassagnon - The Makings Of A Monster

[Saca312]

The Carolina Panthers defense looks like a stronghold.

With the addition of DE Julius Peppers, SS Mike Adams, and CB Captain Munnerlyn, our defense is trending towards a look seen in our 2013 defense. Aided by a proven elite nickelback in Munnerlyn, along with two-time 2015 and 2016 probowler SS Mike Adams, our linebackers should be able to return to disrupting the middle and LoS - as was their forte in 2015 and 2013 - and our starting secondary may very well be top 10 next year. Our DE rotation has been upgraded with Peppers added to the mix, and with Ealy finally packing his bags off to NE, as there was a notable lack of pass rush with him having more snaps. With Addison (8 sacks after the week 7 bye week when getting significant playing time; 9.5 sacks total while missing two games as well to injury), Charles Johnson (has slowed down due to injury, but still solid run defender and puts pressure on QB), Horton (amazing run defender), and Peppers (pass-rushing specialist with 7 sacks as an OLB for GB), our DE rotation is looking solid. Short, Lotulelei, Butler, and Love all make up one of the most stout DT rotations in the league as well. Our LB corps is still the best in the league, with starter quality depth to boot. 

This defense appears ready to make a monstrous 2017 run. Easily top 3 on paper.

Even so, there are some things that could be patched up amid such a stronghold. The argument that our defense is 'old' is wrong, yet right at the same time. Our DEs have gotten older, no denying that. Although I'd argue everywhere else - aside starting SS - is relatively young and not even hitting their prime, it's fairly apparent the Panthers need to inject some youth in that area. With Peppers and CJ capable of providing once-in-a-lifetime veteran leadership for any potential monster rookie coming in, it's too sweet of a deal to pass on the opportunity to take a young, promising DE in the reins of our monstrous front.

One particular DE I hope the Panthers consider grabbing is none other than DE Tanoh Kpassagnon from Villanova.

DE Tanoh Kpassagnon is a brute of a man. Standing at a proud 6'7", 290 LBs of muscle, he's got the size to dominate. His length is also incredible, and his hands; they're incredible powerful. With 10.88″ hands and 34.88″ arms in length, this guy seems to have the physical body to dominate in the NFL. Although his agility drills are of partial concern, he still possesses a strong motor and will to become something in the NFL. He flashes fantastic potential, and looks like he just needs solid coaching to become a monster.
 
For his 2016 season, he's had 11 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 20 tackles total. He's had a total of 23 career starts, and is just beginning to hit the potential he has. A solid DE for Villanova, he has shown to be a force on their line, and a standout player.
 
He's got a lot to like about him. From his body frame, to his flashes of potential, this guy will be a monster coming once he gets into that sweet gear. Although one could argue he's a tad raw, he's definitely worth a later second round pick.

 
He shows a solid plant foot when engaging in formation, and does well redirecting with his feet. He has tremendously powerful hands in his pursuit, but does need to add to his repertoire of moves to fully make use of them. Shows fantastic pop to reset the line of scrimmage and make linemen respect his power. Does have more of a build-up rather than twitch to his lateral speed, but showcases solid mobility in his hips to aggressively take sharp angles to hit the quarterback. Solid run defender with his powerful hands and slashing style. Showcases amazing flexibility despite his size, although he needs to drop his pad level to compensate for his big frame. Great at stort-area stunts to plant and drive right onto blockers effectively. Showcases monstrous rips, length to tackle well, and a devastating inside swim/over the arm move. Potential is amazingly high, and he's just scraping the surface.
 
When you look at him play, you just see a beast among boys. You see a guy who makes matchup nightmares. You see a monster who intimidates with his power and strength. You see a guy who could potential unravel as a monster in this league with the proper coaching, and motivation. He showcases athleticism guys his size should never be able to show, and flexibility that shouldn't even exist.

 
One thing about Kpassagnon that I adore is his leadership ability. Having solid character traits, Kpassagnon has shown the willingness to lead a team and yearn to improve himself everyday. He's been a team captain before, and has had support from his teammates. A well respected guy is just what the Panthers covet in their draft picks, as character is something the Panthers prize as an organization. After the Hardy fiasco, Jerry Richardson certainly wants to make sure anyone we take in is a solid guy all around.

He has a knack of getting after the quarterback and tackling him hard. He uses his frame and body to the max to instill justice and force upon his victims. He turns his prey into mere squashed potatoes as he knocks them down.

Oh, and you better watch out for him when he's a run defender. He does not play. He gets after the runningback as well and forces them to succumb to his power. He grabs them and sets them down like they were mere pillows. He's a solid run defender, and has a knack of pushing through blockers to get after his prize. He takes no nonsense, and shows no mercy towards any offensive player.

 
Where Kpassagnon does get his knocks on is his burst and raw assets. He does need to improve in his explosiveness, and prove his combine agility does not determine his in-game performance. He needs to increase his pass-rush repertoire and show more attention to his bull rush. Refinement in technique and style are really his marking points in determining him between a first round talent and a lower second round - third round level guy, as he is pretty raw. Nevertheless, he's flashed ability and has amazing mobility and flexibility to become a dominant double-digit sack monster in a 4-3 scheme.
 
With the Panthers already having a solid starting rotation, Kpassagnon will likely spend his rookie season learning behind the pros. With Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson teaching him the ways of a Panther DE, Kpassagnon should certainly see improvement in his technique and ability as he's being motivating to work better in the Panther way. Defensive Line Coach Eric Washington will likely ingrain him the meaning of keeppounding, and help spring him up to be an amazing defender. With the Panthers having a solid history of drafting impact DEs that terrorize the league, there's no doubt they'd be able to add Kpassagnon to the list of monsters they've had in the past.
 
Seeing that the Panthers have already dined and visited with Tanoh, it's apparent the Panthers are showing a lot of interest. Gettleman has commented tremendously on his monstrous senior bowl showing, and his amazing potential and build. There's a lot of interest in Tanoh from the Panther front office, and I believe it's 100% warranted. No doubt this guy could become a legit threat and powerhouse in the NFL with solid coaching and motivation. 

And there's no doubting Gettleman loves his hogmollies.
 
The Panthers drafting him will add to a monstrous looking future with Addison and Kpassagnon being our threats on the edge for the near future, and help add to a stout rotation in arguable one of the scariest front sevens in the league. A force to be reckoned with, and something that'll make a lot of NFC South QBs consider retirement.

[LinvilleGorge]

Pure straight line player with virtually nonexistent change of direction skills. But, he has the height/weight measurement that make Gettleman tent his nippleshorts, so I could see is over-drafting him. IMO, anything earlier than the 3rd is overdrafting him and I honestly think he fits best as a 3-4 DE.

[Saca312]

1 minute ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Pure straight line player with virtually nonexistent change of direction skills. But, he has the height/weight measurement that make Gettleman tent his nippleshorts, so I could see is over-drafting him. IMO, anything earlier than the 3rd is overdrafting him and I honestly think he fits best as a 3-4 DE.

He actually does showcase good short area redirection when he is attempting to cross the face of blockers in the run game, slant/stunt work and as a pass-rusher. But yes, he does need some work overall. Nevertheless, has a very high ceiling, and no DE we draft (unless it's Thomas) will see much time on the field anyhow during their rookie year. Our late second rounder is virtually a high third rounder, so I'd see good value if we selected him around there. 

His potential is real sweet. He flashes amazing ability, and I think he just fits better as a 4-3 DE with how polished he is at run support and stopping.

Plenty of other teams taking note of him as well. Wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even make it to our late second rounder. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

I like him as well.

[Panthro]

Stanley McClover?

 

How loud does he bark?

[Ivan The Awesome]

Any of our second round picks would suffice. I don't think this kid could be over drafted, Pass rushers are needed in todays NFL. 

[Swaggasaurus]

18 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Pure straight line player with virtually nonexistent change of direction skills. But, he has the height/weight measurement that make Gettleman tent his nippleshorts, so I could see is over-drafting him. IMO, anything earlier than the 3rd is overdrafting him and I honestly think he fits best as a 3-4 DE.

I feel like sometimes people get too caught up in the numbers. I saw him beat OT's for sacks. Give me that in round 2 over a guy who never did it in the field in round 1.

[panthers55]

We have other needs and a second rounder would be too high for me. I would take Taco as a second rounder well before a guy who isn't that unique or athletic.  As a third or fourth rounder I could be on board.

[Saca312]

Just now, panthers55 said:

We have other needs and a second rounder would be too high for me. I would take Taco as a second rounder well before a guy who isn't that unique or athletic.  As a third or fourth rounder I could be on board.

Second Rounder 32nd pick too high? That's where I'd take him.

Taco is likely in the first, but I wouldn't touch him until the 32nd or lower either. He is far too raw, and doesn't use his frame like he should. If you actually watch Taco, you'd probably be enraged at how often he gives up and shows no effort where he should. 

Such a shame. He has potential, but he doesn't have the effort level I like seeing.

[LinvilleGorge]

5 minutes ago, 15 said:

who do you like?

 

I feel as if every prospect we discuss on here, you see as nothing but a 4th rounder.

If we're talking DEs past the 1st round, I like DeMarcus Walker best. If we want a small school guy, give me Tarrell Basham. I'd prefer both of those guys over Swole Bones the DE.

[Saca312]

2 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

If we're talking DEs past the 1st round, I like DeMarcus Walker best. If we want a small school guy, give me Tarrell Basham. I'd prefer both of those guys over Swole Bones the DE.

I like Basham, but not with the second. Seems like he'd need to work his way up to become a starter, but he has potential. Would like him in the third. He'd be an instant rotational piece though, and the Panthers have visited with him as well.

Walker, man, he's hot and cold. I don't know about him. I'd have to watch more, but I just can't get a grasp at whether he'd bust or be good. He's a tweener, and I can't tell where his true position would be.

[LinvilleGorge]

12 minutes ago, Swaggasaurus said:

I feel like sometimes people get too caught up in the numbers. I saw him beat OT's for sacks. Give me that in round 2 over a guy who never did it in the field in round 1.

OTs who will never be paid a dime to play OT. It's not about what you've done, it's about how you project to the next level.

Other than a physique like a Greek god I don't see anything to get overly excited about. Hence me calling him Swole Bones the DE.

[panthers55]

4 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

Second Rounder 32nd pick too high? That's where I'd take him.

Taco is likely in the first, but I wouldn't touch him until the 32nd or lower either. He is far too raw, and doesn't use his frame like he should. If you actually watch Taco, you'd probably be enraged at how often he gives up and shows no effort where he should. 

Such a shame. He has potential, but he doesn't have the effort level I like seeing.

Taco has tons of athletic potential. Didn't really see the lack of effort you are referring to but I claim no scouting expertise.

As a 64 pick or late second rounder it isn't much different than 72 despite what Gettleman said to save face so maybe there. Still I want to bundle that pick and the 40th pick to move back into the first to snatch a top 10 pick that fall into the 20s.

[panthers55]

2 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

OTs who will never be paid a dime to play OT. It's not about what you've done, it's about how you project to the next level.

Other than a physique like a Greek god I don't see anything to get overly excited about. Hence me calling him Swole Bones the DE.

Thanks for reminding me about the bust that Swole was for us. In training camp shorts he was sight to see. On the field he was largely invisible.