MOCK - Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina

[Kurb]

Kid has great measurables.

[DynastyRTR]

If we go DL at 48, it will be a DE or a DE/DT rotational guy...

That said, you don't normally draft rotational guys with your first pick, and our's will be better suited for a WR or an OLB... Don't rule out an OL either...

Tyson Alualu...

[Samuel L. Jackson]

Tyson Alualu...

...that was my point in making that statement

I still think he is a reach at 48 though, but if he is BPA, then go for it...

[Samuel L. Jackson]

FWIW, I would love to have Linval Joseph wear a Panthers jersey... but I wouldn't draft him until the 4th round or later...

He's a great DT, but he comes in the third tier of them, and they'll start coming off the board in the late third/early 4th...

[Guest silver82blade]

OLB, WR, or even G or QB... all before DL is addressed...

what's wrong with our guards. you don't like travelle wharton, duke robinson, and mackenzy bernadeau?

[DaveThePanther2008]

SLJ had you said this before the combine I would have agreed with you. He will be gone 2nd round, no later then 3rd. He is CREAM rising to the top.

I like him alot too I just think we are going to miss on him because of the WR issue.

Go Panthers

[R0CKnR0LLA]

We're fine at OG. We could use maybe one more for depth but that's about it. The only way I see us taking a guard there is if Iupati falls to 48.

[firstdayfan]

It's tough to really figure anything out. On the one hand we NEED a WR but there wont be one that is of value at the 48th pick, we would have to reach for a guy (cough, cough gilyard, cough). We also could use some depth at DE but we just used a second round pick last year and fox/hurney rarely pick the same side of the ball year to year with their first pick...I highly doubt they would pick the same position. Then there is the arguement, although I think SLJ is the only one, for a linebacker. Which in theory is a good plan but will a rookie LB really be able to supplant Connor or Anderson in their first season? I'd rather have depth and there are quality guys inlater rounds.

So that brings me to DT and we all know that fox has said in an interview that he sees that position as one of strength and that he doesn't see the need for change there. Not to mention we basically sunk two draft picks this year in DT's as well as the one last year on Irvin.

So what does this all mean? As much as I hate to say itbut we could be looking at colt McCoy or The Golden Calf of Bristol....ugh that gives me the creeps. But even that option is flawed bc hurney and fox have selected exactly one QB in their time here.

I guess the only thing for sure is that we will either reach for a WR, admit last years bad decision by taking another DE, show no confidence in current LB's by selecting a rookie, invest even more picks in the DT position, or break a trend with QB's. It should be interesting to watch.

[eViL jEsTeR]

i think DT is the best choice for a rookie to have a significant and instant impact. all other positions will require a year (at least) of development. the smart choice is DT.

[The Don]

panthers will take BPA between DT and WR at #48. pending on which one they take at #48, they'll take the other position and match that one with OL/LB in the 3rd. i don't think they'll have a clear cut player that they'll be looking at till a few picks ahead of them. so their best option is to go with the BPA. it just fits John Fox's and Marty Hurney's philosophy with drafting. but i still really think they'll trade up for someone in the 2nd.

[Jon Snow]

I think they will take BPA period and fill in the missing pieces after the draft. If you listened closely to Hurney that is exactly what he said. He clearly said that they do not plan to focus on needs in this draft nor have they in the past. You will see them take the BPA no matter what position they play.

[Samuel L. Jackson]

It can't be BPA regardless, because if so, we're staring a CB or an OL right in the face... or even a TE...

Our first couple of picks HAVE to fill needs... For this reason, we will move up or down, to get the most value and not have to reach...