Post Draft Objective Observations

[MHS831]

In other words, no opinions, just things noticed.  This will require self discipline--the thread is not to attack all who do not agree with your perspective.  Let's begin.

1. We entered the draft claiming to ramp up the offense, but we added only 2 players, a WR and a developmental TE, ignoring RB and OL.  (This is a fact).

2. We drafted two linebackers when LB is probably our strongest position. Our head coach was a linebacker when he played football in the NFL. (again, facts--no assumptions made or argumentative statements or critical analysis) Currently, we have 8 linebackers that were either drafted or on the  roster last season.

3. We drafted a NT when DT is probably our second strongest position.   (I liked the pick, but that is irrelevant).

4. DT and LB are positions normally associated with the Defense.

5. We drafted 2 defensive backs early, both highly versatile and seemingly intelligent people.  Defensive backs, as suggested by the name, are part of the defense).

6. We drafted a 235 lb. Defensive end/edge rusher.  That is 46 lbs. lighter than the last defensive end from Mississippi we drafted.

7. The Panthers have a long list of people who can play the Nickel:  Captain Munnerlyn, Corn Elder, Zach Sanchez who is technically on the roster, Action Jackson, and even Rashaan Gaulden. 

8.  It is reasonable to suggest that Artis-Payne may get his shot this year because Marty Hurney managed to avoid drafting a RB when it was widely believed to be a need. 

9. When asked at the press conference about LG, Rivera seemed to adhere to the "we are going to throw a bunch of players at the wall and see who sticks" theory.  He mentioned Moton first, then Larsen, Van Roten, Silatolu (adding that he has starting experience at LG), Sirles, and Clausell, a player he has mentioned before.  He did not mention Dorian Johnson or Zach Banner, fwiw.  Three of the players he mentioned are listed on the roster as Tackles.  If Moton is the choice at LG, one must wonder who the backup Tackles will be.

10.  The Panther's backup QB is still Garrett Gilbert.

[top dawg]

To your point about RB. I think that this at be a relatively easy fix. Bring in Eddie Lacy to bolster the whole position group. He should be a cheap option with all types of motivation. Problem solved!

[DaveThePanther2008]

Our 1st four picks were all positions of Need.  WR, CB, S, TE.   The rest were players that can fill a role on Special teams and possibly develop into decent rotational players.

I am content with what we have.

There will be players cut after the draft that we may use to fill spots the we might need to shore up.

[Moo Daeng]

How or when did the team claim it was specifically wanting to ramp up the offense? Honest question.

I'm shocked they took 0 offensive lineman. That's my number 1 concern with this draft.

[iamhubby1]

    Munnerlyn had a very disappointing season last year. Sanchez, probably is never going to be better than what he is now, and he could not help us last year. Elder was on IR, so we have no idea what he can bring.

 

    Saying Jackson does not elevate the NB position is...short sighted imo. Jackson becomes our best NB out of the gate. And NB is where we had most of our trouble last year.

[Mother Grabber]

we see a lot of comments claiming our FO “ignores” something, eg LT for years, or in this thread, RB and OL. Just because we didn’t pick/sign someone in those positions doesn’t mean we are ignoring them.

It’s possible, but more likely that our attempts to address those positions failed, eg the person we wanted was taken, or a move didn’t happen. the result we see is the end product of many actions, not just a singular, isolated event.

[SuperBowlBound]

Rivera/Hurney also said at the presser that there were other ways to improve the team outside of the draft. Key date is May 8, that’s when you can sign players and it won’t affect comp picks.

Makes me believe they may explore trade market as well. 

[panther4life]

1. Proves we didn’t reach for need. Interior O-line had major run before our 1st and then again before our 2nd.

2. We drafted linebackers in the 5th and 7th round. TD has 12 games left under contract and possible retirement. Luke has concussion issues. No problem taking LB’s in 5th and 7th round.

3. We drafted a DT in the 7th round. We did not use a high value pick on it.

4. Ok??

5. Ok??

6. Yes he’s similar in size to Mario Addison and skill set per Rivera. If he was 6’5 275 and had same production he wouldn’t have been there at pick 136

7.Yes we do. Captain is only on roster because Gettleman signed him to a terrible contact with this years salary fully guaranteed this years salary. Corn is a 5th round pick who’s proven nothing yet. Gaulden was drafted to play safety

8. Yes it’s reasonable. When asked the question at his presser Marty said training camp starts in July (implying we will continue to evaluate options to get better and add competition before then).

9. Moton was a 2nd round pick. He should be on the field in year 2 so he should win the position battle but it won’t be handed to him.

10. Been alluded to D.A will be back if he’s the best option by training camp.

[SOJA]

I agree with your points. 

I truly believe we are going to sign CJ Anderson or trade for a RB. Voth keeps saying "FA or trade" which is really weird to me that he would say both of those as options. 

I highly suspect we will add a G and another S after roster cuts. There will be a serviceable player available. 

 

Next year Guard and certainly C will be top needs for us. 

[tiger7_88]

36 minutes ago, panther4life said:

Yes he’s similar in size to Mario Addison

6-2/235

6-3/260

"similar in size"

[panther4life]

1 minute ago, tiger7_88 said:

6-2/235

6-3/260

"similar in size"

http://draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=81720&draftyear=2011&genpos=OLB

Addison was 6'3 245 at combine. 1 inch and 10 pounds is similar.

 

[tiger7_88]

So Hayne's will finally be a contributor for the Panthers in Year 4?

Yay?

(P.S. By that time Rivera will be a defensive coordinator for an NFL team not named the Carolina Panthers and a new coach/GM combo will in NO WAY be willing to take on a Rivera/Hurney long-term project.  So again, let me be clear... WASTED PICK.)

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Moo Daeng said:

How or when did the team claim it was specifically wanting to ramp up the offense? Honest question.

I'm shocked they took 0 offensive lineman. That's my number 1 concern with this draft.

They talked about TE, OG, and WR--and the rest was more inference based on the fact that we let Norwell and Dickson walk.  We also see the wave coming, and when they mentioned "protecting Cam" it is possible that we thought LT and C too--I did.  But to your point, they have not specifically addressed but 3 positions to the best of my knowledge. Marty did address WR and two TE sets before and during the draft.  I am like you, wanted to see more done on the OL--but, the seem to be wishy washy about it.  For some reason, our OL seems to have been an afterthought.

Rivera has been weird about the "Moton to LG" scenario.  Sure, he has mentioned it, but not without pushing Silatolu and Larsen as well.  I think he was hoping to use Moton to push Matty Kalil into early retirement.

[panther4life]

20 minutes ago, tiger7_88 said:

So Hayne's will finally be a contributor for the Panthers in Year 4?

Yay?

(P.S. By that time Rivera will be a defensive coordinator for an NFL team not named the Carolina Panthers and a new coach/GM combo will in NO WAY be willing to take on a Rivera/Hurney long-term project.  So again, let me be clear... WASTED PICK.)

Lol at 5th rounder being wasted pick. Who did you want there?