We can’t go into next year with a Worley/Bradberry CB tandem

[Pantha-kun]

8 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

 

My personal opinion is that CB/S need addressing #1 because those are our most obvious weaknesses. It may be as simple as simply grabbing a good veteran CB and drafting a capable S. Easier said than done, I realize. If Peppers and Star return, I think we can delay any major work on the DL, or perhaps grab a developmental edge guy in the 2nd-4th rounds. If either or both leave, I think we have to make it a top 3 round priority if we aren't able to make a FA signing. LB is probably the easiest gamble. We should be able to punt until 2019.

We already have a developmental edge rusher in Hall, you want another one to take up roster space?

We've been ignoring drafting a DE or a Saftey in the first 2 rounds for forever and im getting sick of it. And our CBs are bad too. Its pretty hilarious the number of defensive picks weve had in the Rivera era and the unit is just full of holes going into Cams 8th season next year.  And we dont have any premium WRs or RBs either. Its incredible we went 11-5 last year.

 

[kungfoodude]

14 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

He's a lot more athletic than Norman, he just doesn't have anywhere near the instincts, ball skills, and swag. 

 

Norman is not an elite athlete. That is a common misconception amongst Panthers fans.

[kungfoodude]

2 minutes ago, Pantha-kun said:

We already have a developmental edge rusher in Hall, you want another one to take up roster space?

We've been ignoring drafting a DE or a Saftey in the first 2 rounds for forever and im getting sick of it. And our CBs are bad too. Its pretty hilarious the number of defensive picks weve had in the Rivera era and the unit is just full of holes going into Cams 8th season next year.  And we dont have any premium WRs or RBs either. Its incredible we went 11-5 last year.

 

We have done a decent job of making FA signings at S but it is time to finally draft someone that can hold that spot down for at least the term of their rookie contract. I am not really an advocate of drafting another CB, unless it is elite guy. The best case scenario for us would be a sign a veteran CB and just shift Bradberry or Worley around. 

At DE we can be okay for another year, depending on how it breaks for us this offseason. Most of the elite pass rushers will probably be gone by 24, so I just don't want to see us stretch for a guy out of desperation. Probably better to sign a FA in that situation. 

I agree about the roster holes. Some of them are just completely inexcusable.

[LinvilleGorge]

15 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

 

Norman is not an elite athlete. That is a common misconception amongst Panthers fans.

This. I used to say it all the time when he was here. He's a below average - you could even argue WELL below average - athlete for an NFL CB. It's why he isn't very good at man coverage. In zone coverage great instincts and ball skills (which Norman absolutely has) can make up for a lack of pure athleticism but in man coverage if that guy is quicker and faster than you with good route running technique you're in trouble.

[MountaineerChemist10]

I feel like Bradberry and Worley started off very well, then began to struggle midway through the season. Is it time to draft another CB for competition?

[t96]

24 minutes ago, Pantha-kun said:

We already have a developmental edge rusher in Hall, you want another one to take up roster space?

We've been ignoring drafting a DE or a Saftey in the first 2 rounds for forever and im getting sick of it. And our CBs are bad too. Its pretty hilarious the number of defensive picks weve had in the Rivera era and the unit is just full of holes going into Cams 8th season next year.  And we dont have any premium WRs or RBs either. Its incredible we went 11-5 last year.

 

Young stud DE and S need to be priority. We could make a play for Ansah in FA to pair with Mario, otherwise we need to go draft.

[LinvilleGorge]

7 minutes ago, thomas96 said:

Young stud DE and S need to be priority. We could make a play for Ansah in FA to pair with Mario, otherwise we need to go draft.

Unfortunately this draft looks really weak in terms of 4-3 DEs. Chubb looks like a stud but he's likely a top 5 pick.

[t96]

11 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Unfortunately this draft looks really weak in terms of 4-3 DEs. Chubb looks like a stud but he's likely a top 5 pick.

Agreed. Some possible prospects in 2nd round though. I’m thinking we go WR and S in first two rounds. 

[Ratzer]

I like Landry, Key, Davenport, Okrowonko and Hubbard.

[stirs]

7 minutes ago, Ratzer said:

I like Landry, Key, Davenport, Okrowonko and Hubbard.

34

34

34

34

and Hubbard a 43

[kungfoodude]

2 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

This. I used to say it all the time when he was here. He's a below average - you could even argue WELL below average - athlete for an NFL CB. It's why he isn't very good at man coverage. In zone coverage great instincts and ball skills (which Norman absolutely has) can make up for a lack of pure athleticism but in man coverage if that guy is quicker and faster than you with good route running technique you're in trouble.

I don't know that I would say he is WELL below, probably closer to average, IMO. Regardless, he is definitely more suited to being in a zone scheme that out on an island. I didn't like letting him go but he did end up getting elite cover corner money, which I don't think he was really worth. It would be great to get him back here for a reasonable sum of money. 

[kungfoodude]

2 hours ago, MountaineerChemist10 said:

I feel like Bradberry and Worley started off very well, then began to struggle midway through the season. Is it time to draft another CB for competition?

I honestly don't see drafting someone making a lot of sense unless they are a truly elite guy. What we need more than anything is a solid veteran CB, IMO.

 

2 hours ago, thomas96 said:

Young stud DE and S need to be priority. We could make a play for Ansah in FA to pair with Mario, otherwise we need to go draft.

I suspect given the weak DE class in the draft and in free agency, Ansah will command more money that is reasonable.

[Car123]

3 hours ago, thomas96 said:

OL was weak, receivers were weak, Cam was banged up and not playing well, DL pass rush was an issue, Luke missed half the year with a concussion and wasn’t coming back, secondary would’ve still been weak. I’m not 100% sure obviously but one player like that doesn’t make the difference between 6 and 10 and SB. This year maybe having Josh against Brees would’ve made a difference but not 2016. 

If we kept Norman on the tag and spent only 1 draft pick on a CB (Bradberry) don’t you think we would have addressed those other needs with the two picks?

[LinvilleGorge]

4 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

I don't know that I would say he is WELL below, probably closer to average, IMO. Regardless, he is definitely more suited to being in a zone scheme that out on an island. I didn't like letting him go but he did end up getting elite cover corner money, which I don't think he was really worth. It would be great to get him back here for a reasonable sum of money. 

http://nflcombineresults.com/nflcombinedata.php?year=2012&pos=CB&college=

Norman's rank out of 37 CB prospects at the 2012 NFL Combine...

40 time: 31st out of 37 (that's going off of this site listing his time at 4.61, if the 4.66 listed on the Combine's website is accurate then he was 36th out of 37)

Bench: Tied for 24th out of 31

Vertical: Tied for 24th out of 31

Broad Jump: Tied for 5th out of 31

Shuttle: 22nd out of 25

3 cone: 20th out of 24

He tested well in the broad jump. He tested below to well below average in every other category.