Evan Silva and Josh Norris Panthers draft analysis

[TheSpecialJuan]

TEAM NEEDS

Silva's Analysis

Edge Rusher: Already a weakness after Ron Rivera’s disappointing Panthers Defense finished bottom six in sacks (35) and bottom two in quarterback hits (72), this need was exacerbated by Julius Peppers’ retirement, even if it was expected. Only RE Addison (45) was credited with more QB pressures than Peppers (28) by PFF last season. Carolina needs multiple reinforcements on the edge. Irvin, who turns 32 early in the season, is purely a veteran depth investment.

Offensive Line: Question marks exist at both tackle spots with Moton moving to left tackle full time and Williams coming off a lost season (knee). Left guard is wide open, and Paradis has struggled with injuries of late. Last year’s Panthers line played well early but faded down the stretch.

Secondary: Carolina’s most-obvious secondary hole is at safety, where Reid was re-signed but 38-year-old FS Mike Adams wasn’t retained after the Panthers allowed the NFL’s seventh-most yards per pass attempt (7.7). 2018 third-round pick Gaulden was mostly a non-factor as a rookie. Top CB Bradberry deserves an extension entering the last year of his deal. No. 2 quarterback behind Newton (shoulder surgery) and No. 2 running back are less-immediate but still-existing needs.

 

PANTHERS 2019 DRAFT PICKS

Norris' Options

1 (16). T Andre Dillard, Washington State - We will have more answers about the Panthers' likely starting offensive line after the draft. One option, the Panthers could draft an interior offensive lineman, have Moton play on the left side and have Daryl Williams back on the right. That is … worrisome, as the Panthers don’t have a tackle on their roster that has spent extended time on the left, and Moton has already shined at right tackle. Instead, Dillard would be a perfect selection due to his wealth of pass pro reps at left tackle, allowing Moton to stay on the right side, forcing a camp competition between Daryl Williams and Van Roten at guard.

2 (47). EDGE Christian Miller, Alabama - This might sound early to some, but hear me out. Pass rushers who move and bend like Miller often aren't available outside of round one. His flexibility as a pass rusher is really appealing. And for a team that will be more multiple on defense in 2019 (which I read as the team knowing they must manufacture pressure rather than rely on players who can win their individual matchup), Miller is a perfect fit due to his responsibilities on Alabama’s defense.

3 (77). DL Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois - Interior line is a low-key need for the Panthers. Dontari Poe offered little after signing a big deal. Vernon Butler never lived up to his first-round selection. Saunders has some legit flashes of interior disruption despite coming from a smaller program.

 

3 (100). S Marquise Blair, Utah - Stop reading this and go watch Blair’s game. He flies forward and plays outside the tackle box and inside in trash, often beating linebackers to the play. That type of upfield, aggressive style is something the Panthers clearly valued in Eric Reid. It adds to their identity on defense. This might move Gaulden to the slot.

4 (115). QB Jarrett Stidham, Auburn - I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers panic a bit at quarterback, selecting one earlier than expected. Pick No. 100 is feasible, especially if a player from the tier they want to choose from is selected in round two (Will Grier, perhaps). I don’t get it. I’d rather sign Josh Johnson than try to develop a non-round one quarterback.

5 (154). RB Alexander Mattison, Boise State - The Panthers had a talented backup in C.J. Anderson last year, they just refused to use him. I don’t know what style they are looking for in McCaffrey’s backup, but rather than select a bruiser, why not side with a player who also succeeds in passing situations? A player that doesn’t force you to change your style?

6 (187). WR KeeSean Johnson, Fresno State - It appears the Panthers view D.J. Moore as an outside receiver. I’d love for them to attack the position even earlier, maybe with Miles Boykin in round two. If Not, Johnson is the type of player who can create separation and sustain it out of the slot.

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://www.rotoworld.com/article/draft-analysis/nfl-draft-needs-panthers-4

[Palmetto]

Daniel Jeremiah 2019 NFL mock draft 3.0

Has us passing on Sweat  for Dilliard

 

[Untouchable]

20 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

TEAM NEEDS

Silva's Analysis

Edge Rusher: Already a weakness after Ron Rivera’s disappointing Panthers Defense finished bottom six in sacks (35) and bottom two in quarterback hits (72), this need was exacerbated by Julius Peppers’ retirement, even if it was expected. Only RE Addison (45) was credited with more QB pressures than Peppers (28) by PFF last season. Carolina needs multiple reinforcements on the edge. Irvin, who turns 32 early in the season, is purely a veteran depth investment.

Offensive Line: Question marks exist at both tackle spots with Moton moving to left tackle full time and Williams coming off a lost season (knee). Left guard is wide open, and Paradis has struggled with injuries of late. Last year’s Panthers line played well early but faded down the stretch.

Secondary: Carolina’s most-obvious secondary hole is at safety, where Reid was re-signed but 38-year-old FS Mike Adams wasn’t retained after the Panthers allowed the NFL’s seventh-most yards per pass attempt (7.7). 2018 third-round pick Gaulden was mostly a non-factor as a rookie. Top CB Bradberry deserves an extension entering the last year of his deal. No. 2 quarterback behind Newton (shoulder surgery) and No. 2 running back are less-immediate but still-existing needs.

 

PANTHERS 2019 DRAFT PICKS

Norris' Options

1 (16). T Andre Dillard, Washington State - We will have more answers about the Panthers' likely starting offensive line after the draft. One option, the Panthers could draft an interior offensive lineman, have Moton play on the left side and have Daryl Williams back on the right. That is … worrisome, as the Panthers don’t have a tackle on their roster that has spent extended time on the left, and Moton has already shined at right tackle. Instead, Dillard would be a perfect selection due to his wealth of pass pro reps at left tackle, allowing Moton to stay on the right side, forcing a camp competition between Daryl Williams and Van Roten at guard.

2 (47). EDGE Christian Miller, Alabama - This might sound early to some, but hear me out. Pass rushers who move and bend like Miller often aren't available outside of round one. His flexibility as a pass rusher is really appealing. And for a team that will be more multiple on defense in 2019 (which I read as the team knowing they must manufacture pressure rather than rely on players who can win their individual matchup), Miller is a perfect fit due to his responsibilities on Alabama’s defense.

3 (77). DL Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois - Interior line is a low-key need for the Panthers. Dontari Poe offered little after signing a big deal. Vernon Butler never lived up to his first-round selection. Saunders has some legit flashes of interior disruption despite coming from a smaller program.

3 (100). S Marquise Blair, Utah - Stop reading this and go watch Blair’s game. He flies forward and plays outside the tackle box and inside in trash, often beating linebackers to the play. That type of upfield, aggressive style is something the Panthers clearly valued in Eric Reid. It adds to their identity on defense. This might move Gaulden to the slot.

4 (115). QB Jarrett Stidham, Auburn - I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers panic a bit at quarterback, selecting one earlier than expected. Pick No. 100 is feasible, especially if a player from the tier they want to choose from is selected in round two (Will Grier, perhaps). I don’t get it. I’d rather sign Josh Johnson than try to develop a non-round one quarterback.

5 (154). RB Alexander Mattison, Boise State - The Panthers had a talented backup in C.J. Anderson last year, they just refused to use him. I don’t know what style they are looking for in McCaffrey’s backup, but rather than select a bruiser, why not side with a player who also succeeds in passing situations? A player that doesn’t force you to change your style?

6 (187). WR KeeSean Johnson, Fresno State - It appears the Panthers view D.J. Moore as an outside receiver. I’d love for them to attack the position even earlier, maybe with Miles Boykin in round two. If not, Johnson is the type of player who can create separation and sustain it out of the slot.

Pretty accurate on the needs and I like the draft too.  I'd like to take a higher upside receiver than Johnson in the 6th but complaining about a day 3 pick is really just nitpicking.

[trueblade]

16 minutes ago, Palmetto said:

Daniel Jeremiah 2019 NFL mock draft 3.0

Has us passing on Sweat  for Dilliard

 

I would not be a fan of this. You got to take Sweat if he's there. We have Moton and Williams at tackle, I'm not sure why the national guys don't get that.

[Palmetto]

16 minutes ago, trueblade said:

I would not be a fan of this. You got to take Sweat if he's there. We have Moton and Williams at tackle, I'm not sure why the national guys don't get that.

Yea i dont see us passing on Sweat

[TheSpecialJuan]

29 minutes ago, Untouchable said:

Pretty accurate on the needs and I like the draft too.  I'd like to take a higher upside receiver than Johnson in the 6th but complaining about a day 3 pick is really just nitpicking.

Very realistic mock draft. 

[NYPantherFan]

I think they hit on all the right positions, but I don't necessarily agree with the player choices. I'd prioritize safety in the 2nd round rather than the back end of the 3rd. Too much talent at the position in the 2nd round that I think there may be a run on.

[JARROD]

1 hour ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

TEAM NEEDS

Silva's Analysis

Edge Rusher: Already a weakness after Ron Rivera’s disappointing Panthers Defense finished bottom six in sacks (35) and bottom two in quarterback hits (72), this need was exacerbated by Julius Peppers’ retirement, even if it was expected. Only RE Addison (45) was credited with more QB pressures than Peppers (28) by PFF last season. Carolina needs multiple reinforcements on the edge. Irvin, who turns 32 early in the season, is purely a veteran depth investment.

Offensive Line: Question marks exist at both tackle spots with Moton moving to left tackle full time and Williams coming off a lost season (knee). Left guard is wide open, and Paradis has struggled with injuries of late. Last year’s Panthers line played well early but faded down the stretch.

Secondary: Carolina’s most-obvious secondary hole is at safety, where Reid was re-signed but 38-year-old FS Mike Adams wasn’t retained after the Panthers allowed the NFL’s seventh-most yards per pass attempt (7.7). 2018 third-round pick Gaulden was mostly a non-factor as a rookie. Top CB Bradberry deserves an extension entering the last year of his deal. No. 2 quarterback behind Newton (shoulder surgery) and No. 2 running back are less-immediate but still-existing needs.

 

PANTHERS 2019 DRAFT PICKS

Norris' Options

1 (16). T Andre Dillard, Washington State - We will have more answers about the Panthers' likely starting offensive line after the draft. One option, the Panthers could draft an interior offensive lineman, have Moton play on the left side and have Daryl Williams back on the right. That is … worrisome, as the Panthers don’t have a tackle on their roster that has spent extended time on the left, and Moton has already shined at right tackle. Instead, Dillard would be a perfect selection due to his wealth of pass pro reps at left tackle, allowing Moton to stay on the right side, forcing a camp competition between Daryl Williams and Van Roten at guard.

2 (47). EDGE Christian Miller, Alabama - This might sound early to some, but hear me out. Pass rushers who move and bend like Miller often aren't available outside of round one. His flexibility as a pass rusher is really appealing. And for a team that will be more multiple on defense in 2019 (which I read as the team knowing they must manufacture pressure rather than rely on players who can win their individual matchup), Miller is a perfect fit due to his responsibilities on Alabama’s defense.

3 (77). DL Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois - Interior line is a low-key need for the Panthers. Dontari Poe offered little after signing a big deal. Vernon Butler never lived up to his first-round selection. Saunders has some legit flashes of interior disruption despite coming from a smaller program.

 

3 (100). S Marquise Blair, Utah - Stop reading this and go watch Blair’s game. He flies forward and plays outside the tackle box and inside in trash, often beating linebackers to the play. That type of upfield, aggressive style is something the Panthers clearly valued in Eric Reid. It adds to their identity on defense. This might move Gaulden to the slot.

4 (115). QB Jarrett Stidham, Auburn - I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers panic a bit at quarterback, selecting one earlier than expected. Pick No. 100 is feasible, especially if a player from the tier they want to choose from is selected in round two (Will Grier, perhaps). I don’t get it. I’d rather sign Josh Johnson than try to develop a non-round one quarterback.

5 (154). RB Alexander Mattison, Boise State - The Panthers had a talented backup in C.J. Anderson last year, they just refused to use him. I don’t know what style they are looking for in McCaffrey’s backup, but rather than select a bruiser, why not side with a player who also succeeds in passing situations? A player that doesn’t force you to change your style?

6 (187). WR KeeSean Johnson, Fresno State - It appears the Panthers view D.J. Moore as an outside receiver. I’d love for them to attack the position even earlier, maybe with Miles Boykin in round two. If Not, Johnson is the type of player who can create separation and sustain it out of the slot.

I would actually be very happy with that draft except I think Chase Winovich if he makes it to us, more of the Clay Matthews type, and if not the 2nd round we may be able to get Parris Campbell— Christian Miller is probably available in the 3rd or worse— could be as good as Hightower but he’s got injury bugs—

i totally agree also getting a RB that is more similar to CMac instead of an opposite like we dumped last year. Get a guy that can rotate in and the offense doesn’t chance.

Khalen Sanders could actually be a draft steal. 

[SetfreexX]

1 hour ago, trueblade said:

I would not be a fan of this. You got to take Sweat if he's there. We have Moton and Williams at tackle, I'm not sure why the national guys don't get that.

Because national, and even it times, regional, and local reports don't know a thing. Only way I see us going OL is if (Sweat, Burns, and Ferrell) are all gone by 16. And with the teams ahead of us I would not be surprised if all three are still on the board. 

We need OL depth, and perhaps a Tackle to replace Williams if we can't retain him, but it is not a Day of the draft need after FA, if we'd missed on Williams, and Paradis, I'd lean towards OL. And considering the immediate need is interior OL / Tackle depth that can be resolved in Day 2, and also on the 3rd day as well. 

[JARROD]

1 hour ago, trueblade said:

I would not be a fan of this. You got to take Sweat if he's there. We have Moton and Williams at tackle, I'm not sure why the national guys don't get that.

We will see what Hurney does if that situation really happens. Personally the article made sense. Dillard being a true left tackle allows Moton on the right with injury bug Darryl being on backup for the year. 

Personally I don’t think Hurney chooses Dillard over Sweat, but never discount the important of protecting Cam.

we will see what happens. I’m good either way actually

[SetfreexX]

Just now, JARROD said:

We will see what Hurney does if that situation really happens. Personally the article made sense. Dillard being a true left tackle allows Moton on the right with injury bug Darryl being on backup for the year. 

Personally I don’t think Hurney chooses Dillard over Sweat, but never discount the important of protecting Cam.

we will see what happens. I’m good either way actually

You don't pay a back up $6M in free agency. 

Moton / (Rookie / GVR) / Paradis / Turner / WIlliams

[JARROD]

Just now, SetfreexX said:

Because national, and even it times, regional, and local reports don't know a thing. Only way I see us going OL is if (Sweat, Burns, and Ferrell) are all gone by 16. And with the teams ahead of us I would not be surprised if all three are still on the board. 

We need OL depth, and perhaps a Tackle to replace Williams if we can't retain him, but it is not a Day of the draft need after FA, if we'd missed on Williams, and Paradis, I'd lean towards OL. And considering the immediate need is interior OL / Tackle depth that can be resolved in Day 2, and also on the 3rd day as well. 

But it’s not what these writers or the fans think— it’s what the team thinks when the pick comes up.

if that ended up being the case, pass on Sweat and taking Dillard,... nothing anyone can do about it.

Personally I believe Sweat is a better prospect than Dillard but I’m not in a professional scouting role out there doing the job in person— and neither is anyone here.

we can only armchair what we like

[JARROD]

Just now, SetfreexX said:

You don't pay a back up $6M in free agency. 

Moton / (Rookie / GVR) / Paradis / Turner / WIlliams

Maybe we do. 

Bring the best you can in Free Agency but set up for BPA for the draft. Just like Kuechly when we had Beason—- a lot of people grumbled—- we needed someone else more.

BPA