Offseason Countdown

[jramsey4]

Draft Countdown (Dec Edition)

With our struggles I have not had much to look forward to on Sunday's. So I find myself more and more watching on Saturdays. Not because I follow a particular team (although I have finally been able to watch a full season of Clemson without them pissing me off) but because I am looking towards our future. Here are a few guys I have either noticed or have read about, that we could get (having no 1st). I'm only profiling positions of need.

OFFENSE

QB

John Skelton - Fordham

As of yet my favorite QB candidate in this draft. I know that might come as a shock consider most of you couldn't tell me what state Fordham is located in, let alone who Skelton is. I will enlighten you. He is a 6'5” 258 lbs QB who's arm was compared to a Howitzer by one scout. He comes from a run first high school in Texas. Overshadowed by the Snead's and Bradford's he was passed over for scholarships by the big schools. But he dropped off a tape of his gamefilm with the coach of Fordham and within 15 mins he was hooked. And so am I this guy has it all Height, he can see over almost any line. Arm Strength, is up there with Flacco's, he throws a good deep ball. Athleticism, his forty time is supposedly in the high 4.7s low 4.8s and looks faster on the field also is a load to try and bring down. Has good pocket awareness, couple of weeks ago he threw a TD standing in his own endzone (99 yards) under pressure. He is a good leader who has a good head on his solders, maybe too good as his only major flaw is he sometimes over thinks. He needs to learn when not to force it as he has admitted himself this was an issue earlier in his career. I just love his upside and he most likely could be had in the 3rd-4th so tremendous value.

Sean Canfield - Oregon State

Here's a guy that is very intriguing (and why no one mentions him is beyond me). He stands in at 6'4” 215 lbs. He has solid arm strength, plays in a pro style offense, and is accurate (he's completed 70% of his passes this year), he threw 21 td and 6 ints this year as well. The major knock (and its a big one) is he is injury proned. He is a 3 year starter and only has 23 starts. That is why in a loaded draft he might make into the middle of day 2 where the risk is worth it IMO.

WR

Riley Cooper- Florida

http://www.ontothegoal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/riley_cooper_alabama.jpg

Do what? Yeah I like this kid. He has prototypical size, 6'3” 215lbs. He's fast, runs the 40 in the 4.4 range. Has good hands, he makes some clutch catches but also I have seen him drop a few as well. And my favorite part is a great blocker and doesn't complain about that role. Urban Meyer said he was the best blocking receiver he had ever had. Who knows how good he can be as he has been a footnote to the likes of Harvin and Murphy and all the playmakers that have been through Florida (not to mention if he had a QB with a more catchable ball). I think he has always been a good blocker but the last two years he has progressed very well to a well rounded pocession (with a hint of speed) reciever. As far as projection, I have heard anywhere from 4th to UDFA. I would love to get him in the 4th, where I see him going.

OL

Tony Washington - OT - Abilene Christian

http://media.reporternews.com/media/img/photos/2009/08/20/20090820-131524-pic-136238864_t160.jpg

.We need depth on both lines like crazy but I don't see the need to spend anything above a 6th on OL depth. Unless of course Tony Washington falls. Tony goes to little know Abilene Christian so he does not get the TV time of the big time programs, but he is a legitimate left tackle. There aren’t many tackles at any school that possess the type of size and athleticism combo that Washington has. He has a left tackle frame at 6'7 305lbs, and is very light on his feet, two things that can't be taught. He is a project though, coming from lower competition, it might take a year or two for him to adjust to the speed of the NFL. His footwork can be inconsistent, which leads him to look a bit stiff at times. He has only been playing the game of Football five years. So there is a lot of catching up to do on fundamentals and experience. The physical tools are there though, and Washington is the type of player that could really rise in the post season. He is as early as 2nd which is to early for us (especially for a Project). I included him just in case he falls due to any number of reasons, most likely an influx of junior talent.

Thomas Austin- OG/C - Clemson

http://www.nationalchamps.net/2009/sub/pics/small/clemson_thomas_austin.jpg

Three year starter on an Oline that paved the way for one of colleges best running games. Has the athleticism to play in space and the strength to play in the middle. He brings good versatility (which is big plus in you late round choices) that he can succeed at either G's or center position. Maybe even RT in a pinch because he has good size as well, 6'4” 310. I have watched him play since he got to Clemson and I really like this guy he is projected to go in the 5-6 round range and would provide instant depth to our oline.

[jramsey4]

DEFENSE

DE

Austin Lane – Murray State

http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics11/200/OB/OBFCHKJRELMGDSP.20090411163210.jpg

He's has prototypical size at 6'6” 258. His athleticism is remarkable. He has 11 sacks,19.5 TFL, 1 int 21 yard return, and 3 forced fumbles this year. Here's a review from the Bleacher Report, which compares him to a hybrid of Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck and Osi Umeniyora:

"Lane has the lateral agility, balance and foot speed that Kiwanuka possesses, showing excellent pass coverage skills that could see some team line him up at strong-side linebacker on occasion. He has the long frame with deceptive power and that keen sense for the flow of the ball that Tuck features in his game. He also demonstrates that explosive first step, hand usage and urgency getting to the quarterback that Umenyiora has utilized in ranking with the elite sack artists in the league."

That's a pretty good blend. Can't add much to that pretty much sums up why I like him. This is a must for us if he is available to us in the 3rd. (we should have two Compensatory 3rds). Projected - 3rd Round.

DT

Brian Price – UCLA

http://heismanpundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/price.jpg

He is a Junior so he this is all assuming he declares early. He is an absolutely one of the best UT's in college football. He is 6'2” and 295lbs and is a force in the middle. His production speaks for themselves 22.5 TFL's. That's twice what top 10 picks Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis had as seniors and Price is a Junior (Price also has notched 7 sacks) . UCLA defense (especially the dline) is not the most talented outside of Price. He usually is double or triple teamed but he still finds a way to get consistent pressure. He is a leader and a hard worker. Is extremely strong and shows amazing quickness for a guy his size. This might be a pipe dream as if he comes out he could easily go top 15 but I would trade pep straight up for this guy. That's how much I like him. He might end up going late enough in the 1st to allow us to sneak up and get him. Whoever the GM is needs to make this move to give us a D that has the potential to be top 5 with consistent interior penetration.

Torrell Troup - UCF

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/60/602442m.jpg

Stands in at 6'3” and is 315lbs of muscle. Is big and good at clogging the hole and good at absorbing blockers, must have qualities for 1 technique. But he also is good at collapsing the pocket. He has been a major reason UCF ranked 4th nationally in rushing defense at 2.58 YPC avg (wow). His blocker-eating ability has allowed his team to finish 5th in sacks with 37. His blocker-eating ability has allowed others to make big plays all season long He also has had 80 tackles and 4 sacks the last two years. We still could use some depth at the 1 technique. I see Tyler as a better 3 technique and I don't think either Lewis or Kemo should be back next year, there both to expensive. Troup is most likely going to go in the 4th - 5th range and I think he has starting potential and immediate depth.

OLB

A.J. Edds – Iowa

http://www.nationalchamps.net/2008/sub/pics/small/iowa_aj_edds.jpg

Yes I think we are in need of a better strong-side LB. I think Edd's fits the bill. He has great Size, 6'4 250, and great speed, high 4.4 or 4.5. And what makes him my candidate is he is one of the best coverage Lbs eligible. He has 4 ints and 4 pass defended this season, along with 72 tackles. Edds just seems to get better each week in Iowa’s defense. Is very good at play recognition. Edds is a very sound tackler that squares up on his man and makes sure that the ball carrier doesn’t gain big yardage after the catch. He is projected to go any where from the late 2nd to 4th round. In the 4th is where he has the best value for us.

SS

Aaron Webster - Cincinnati

http://www.nationalchamps.net/2009/sub/pics/small/cincinnati_aaron_webster.jpg

Good size at 6'2" 211 lb. Webster had to pick up the slack for a team that lost 3 DBs to the NFL (Smith, Underwood and Mickens) and he has done that (has 3 ints).. Webster has the range to play center field but he can also come up and stop opposing teams in the run game considering he is top 5 on the team in tackles (43). A hard hitter he is an excellent backup SS/special teamer and he could easily make into late 2nd day or go undrafted. I think Harris is still good but it isn't like his irreplaceable I think Webster has more talent in coverage and brings the same kind of presence in the run game Harris brings. Harris has not been getting those FF recently that made him so valuable. I haven't given up on him but it couldn't hurt to bring in some depth.

I am going to be posting the FA I am watching in a week or two.

[jramsey4]

Webster just had a great forced fumble. I really think this guy would fit our SS backup well and in if injuries come up he could star.

[jramsey4]

Potential Quarterbacks Available

RFA's

Troy Smith – Ravens (25)

Here is a guy that until the National Championship was considered the best of college footballs QB's. It's amazing how one game can change a players entire future. In the 2006-2007 college season, he completed 203 of his 311 (65.3 percent) passes for 2,542 yards, trowing in 30 touchdowns while only 6 interceptions. Smith not only won the Heisman, but he also racked up an unheard of 86.7 percent of the first-place votes, a new record. His margin of victory (1,662 votes) was also the second largest in the history of the award, eclipsed only by O.J. Simpson who won by 1,750 votes. After his disastrous 41-14 loss to the Gators, with just 4 of 14 passing for 35 yards, 1 INT, 1 fumble, but was sacked five times, his stock was plummeting. To Smith’s credit, he had absolutely no blocking in that game. Left tackle Alex Boone looked as if he had blocks of cement strapped to his cleats as Jarvis Moss continually beat him to the edge. He also was without his favorite target, Ted Ginn Jr., who left the game after the opening kickoff with a sprained left ankle.

After that questions began to fly could he play against NFL completion? And of course his height (6'0”) only further weakened his draft stock. In the end he fell all the way to the last pick in the 5th round and the entire time I as screaming at the TV “Dammit, Draft him Panthers!!” Troy Smtih is a lot of things but he is not your prototypical QB. He is not a stand in the pocket passer. If you want to see Smith rip open this league a new one you do what they did in College and HS, you roll him out. This kid is one of the best throwers I have ever seen when he is on the run. He shows uncanny accuracy on the run and can throw it across his body. Everybody is good at something at QB in this league. Tom Brady is the best at hitting the deep bombs. Peyton is just good but he doesn't have the strongest arm. Brees can make any old receiver look like a all-pro (Colsten and Henderson). Smith is the best in the league on the run. So if we do get him our offense must adapt which is unlikely in a Fox run team. But Smith is by far my favorite candidate of conceivable available QB's. It would most likely take at least a 5th to get Smith as I don't see the Ravens letting him walk.

Tarvaris Jackson - Vikings (26)

This is one if the “No CBA” under 6 years of playing rule. I thought this was a real possibility as a late preseason trade. We were in need of a QB and Jackson could be had for cheap and had shown considerable improvement since he got his starting job back last year. Then when Favre came around and his starting chances went to zilch. I thought his price was around his value as he does have starting exp and has considerable upside. But we didn't oh well. I saw a lot of improvement in his game last year so I think he still has a lot of upside but it depends on what his tender will be. I added him as an option but more as a if every other option doesn't pan out.

Free Agents

Chad Pennington – Dolphins (33)

Ah Mr. Pennington when are you going to stay healthy? A lot of things must happen for this signing to be a likely event. There is no CBA so Jake can be cut (no cap no cap penalties). McCown would most likely have to not be retained. And obviously the Phins would have to not resign him (the way Henne has been playing that's unlikely). Then we would be in need of a vet that is responsible with the ball. Pennington in Mr. Reliable he is incredibly accurate. Of course we all know his major shortcoming his weak arm. Maybe he has one more comeback player of the year award yet again.

Trade Possibilities

Josh Johnson – Bucs (23)

In the draft was one of my favorite QB's. His coach at San Diego State was none other then Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh (one of the best QB coaches in the game). Harbaugh once made a comment that has stuck with me “If there was an SAT for football Josh would crush it.” For a guy that knows his QB's thats high praise. To most they view Johnson as a Vick/Young scrambling QB. While he does have that kind of ability he is so much more.

This year he might have struggled but I saw a QB that even under relentless barrage against the Eagles still looked calm. And if not for a lot of drops and tipped passes (from the WR) directly into a defenders hands he most likely would still be starting. He has very good touch and can throw a good deep ball. Can make any throw really. And of course there is the ability to take one to the house every time he touches the ball. No matter how you look at this kid in one season had 43 TDS and only 1 ints (which was deflected from a receivers hands) his senior year. He has off the charts potential and will almost assuredly be available for a late round pick as the Bucs seem to be content with Freeman.

[scpanther22]

Brain Pice is a good player.But even if he comes out I dont think he will.But i would not want to spend a high draft pick on a DT.

[jramsey4]

Brain Pice is a good player.But even if he comes out I dont think he will.But i would not want to spend a high draft pick on a DT.

His kind of potential doesn't come around often. If we every want to become a top 5 defense in the cover/tampa 2 we must get more consistent pressure. He is one of the best UT in college football and is consistently get into the opposing teams backfield. He would be a force in the interior of our line. Most likely he goes late 1st and that wouldn't be to expensive to move up to.

[scpanther22]

His kind of potential doesn't come around often. If we every want to become a top 5 defense in the cover/tampa 2 we must get more consistent pressure. He is one of the best UT in college football and is consistently get into the opposing teams backfield. He would be a force in the interior of our line. Most likely he goes late 1st and that would be to expensive to move up to.

He gets pressure but I think we are set at DT next year.No need to spend a 2nd-3rd DT..I could see geting a DT in the 4th or 6th..But are biggest needs are WR and QB

[jramsey4]

Just found this must read article on Austen Lane. Turns out he put on some weight in the off-season and is closer to 270 lbs mark.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/272406-austen-lane-is-on-the-right-road-to-nfl-stardomhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/272406-austen-lane-is-on-the-right-road-to-nfl-stardom

Everything I have read about this guy leads me to believe he will be an absolute stud at RE in this league. And he should be available in the 2nd due to the depth of this draft. Thanks FO a undersized DE in the 2nd you give up a 1st for when in the draft you gave it up there is a better prospect in the 2nd round. Brilliant.

[scpanther22]

Just found this must read article on Austen Lane. Turns out he put on some weight in the off-season and is closer to 270 lbs mark.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/272406-austen-lane-is-on-the-right-road-to-nfl-stardomhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/272406-austen-lane-is-on-the-right-road-to-nfl-stardom

Everything I have read about this guy leads me to believe he will be an absolute stud at RE in this league. And he should be available in the 2nd due to the depth of this draft. Thanks FO a undersized DE in the 2nd you give up a 1st for when in the draft you gave it up there is a better prospect in the 2nd round. Brilliant.

I just dont see us going DE in the 2nd..even with peppers gone

[jramsey4]

He gets pressure but I think we are set at DT next year.No need to spend a 2nd-3rd DT..I could see geting a DT in the 4th or 6th..But are biggest needs are WR and QB

How do you figure? We are presently 26th against the run and we are tied for 24th in the league in sacks. Our whole Dline needs revamped. We need a starter at UT (Lewis is best in a rotation) and depth at the NT postion. We have got to get more consistent pressure in the middle of that line.

Think about when we had one of the best Defenses in the league what did we also have? Kris Jenkins playing lights out. If you have any hope of being a top 10 D in a Cover 2 scheme pressure as key and we suck at getting it as stands.

[jramsey4]

I just dont see us going DE in the 2nd..even with peppers gone

Your probably right (I am really hating the Brown trade as we have no 1st and I think Lane will be far better). In this draft he might end up making it to the 3rd and in that case we would be idiots for not taking him if Pep is gone.

Could have gotten a QB in the first, Lane in the 2nd, and a WR in the 3rd, and all it would cost us was Brown.

[scpanther22]

How do you figure? We are presently 26th against the run and we are tied for 24th in the league in sacks. Our whole Dline needs revamped. We need a starter at UT (Lewis is best in a rotation) and depth at the NT postion. We have got to get more consistent pressure in the middle of that line.

Think about when we had one of the best Defenses in the league what did we also have? Kris Jenkins playing lights out. If you have any hope of being a top 10 D in a Cover 2 scheme pressure as key and we suck at getting it as stands.

Because of all the DT we have coming off IR.This would allow us to take a DT in the lower rounds something like 4th-7th.But if a guy falls in the 3rd then you take him.I would like to see lewis as a backup or even cut but i dont think it will happen

[jramsey4]

Because of all the DT we have coming off IR.This would allow us to take a DT in the lower rounds something like 4th-7th.But if a guy falls in the 3rd then you take him.I would like to see lewis as a backup or even cut but i dont think it will happen

The guys coming off IR I only see Tyler and Leonard making the team. Maybe Kemo if he restructures. They IRd Irvin IMO because he wasn't doing anything and it was kind of a redshirt year. I saw nothing out of the guy that give me any faith he can be the future at UT like our FO thought (IMO this was the worst pick in our Draft). But this is the team that still employs Nick Hayden so I think they suck at evaluating talent at DT.

If Brian Price comes out and is there in the 2nd, to this team he is the BPA IMHO. He has all the makings of a top flight UT. But as I said he will most likely be a late 1st which I would understand not trading up due to our picks shortage.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Does anyone else besides me know about Terrell Hudgins? He had an AMAZING four-year career at Elon as a Wide Receiver. He put up AMAZING stats. Hudgins accumilated 394 Receptions for 5,220 Yards, and 51 Touchdowns. Hudgins is projected to go in the 7th round of the NFL Draft this year, and I would love to have him as a Carolina Panther.

Here are some links to his story and stats.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrell_Hudgins

http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=178004