Kiper has us taking Fairley, McShay has us taking Bowers

[CatMan72]

Just saw a mock draft scroll along the bottom of ESPN, Kiper has us taking Fairley # 1 overall and McShay has us taking Bowers.

[CatMan72]

Here's McShay's logic for us taking Bowers:

The Panthers made no secret of the fact that they would draft Stanford QB Andrew Luck if he were available, but with Luck off the board they turn their attention to their need for a pass-rusher. Bowers is the best available with his explosiveness, and he also has the strength to hold the edge against the run.

[CatMan72]

...and here's Kiper's logic for us taking Fairley:

The No. 1 overall player on the Big Board, and one who can pay immediate dividends. Fairley isn't just a safe pick because of his excellent burst, violent hand action and ability to effectively penetrate and be a constant nuisance against both the run and pass; he also has the chance to be a dominant player regardless of system. Detroit and Tampa Bay drafted the top defensive tackles at Nos. 2 and 3 last year. Carolina should start earlier in 2011. A slight mean streak in a DT isn't the worst trait. Even Ndamukong Suh showed a bit of one this season.

[rayzor]

ugh. this would be a mistake. (taking bowers)

[CatMan72]

I would think our need for an interior d-line presence like Fairley exceeds our need for an outside pass rusher like Bowers...

[The Saltman]

who is it that u want rayzor?

[rayzor]

agreed. i would also say our WR situation long term is a greater need than a DE.

considering that marshall will be gone, CB might also be a greater need.

DT/WR/CB should be the choices for the first pick. if there were a QB worth an early pick i would say that would be the right call, but there isn't. peterson, green, or fairley are the best choices and none of them are what i would consider reaches for the #1 pick in this draft class.

[CAPantherFan]

I know Bowers perhaps has the most amount of talent but I just don't think we need him with johnson and e brown. especially when we have NO ONE in interior.

Fairley has got to the the choice if we're going DT...

[Nicbsbll2]

Does McShay actually get paid to spew this mess? As someone said earlier, our need at DE is far behind DT, QB, CB, WR, and RG. We don't have the luxury to select a defensive end when we have much bigger needs at 5 other positions.

[XClown1986]

Honestly I don't see enough from Bowers' film to warrant a #1 overall pick, just my opinion.

If you are looking to draft the best player available, I find it hard to argue against picking AJ Green or Patrick Peterson.

AJ Green would give us an instant upgrade on offense now, and a potential perennial pro bowler for years to come. When Steve is gone (may be sooner than later), the offense will never miss a beat at the WR position in his absence and might actually be better. This is the best player to draft to enhance our passing game in the future. More weapons = more points. The QB will be able to get him the ball, if not Clausen, someone. Relax QB naysayers.

Patrick Peterson would actually immediately upgrade two positions. Punt returner and cornerback. He has Hester-esque abilities on returns with much much higher potential defensively. He is the best athlete in the draft.

[jtm]

Will be interesting. I suspect whoever we draft ultimately holding out because none of the guys would be a #1 pick overall in a normal year. But I am sure they will still want #1 overall money. I hope it is not a problem but I foresee this being a big issue. Suh got $40 million guaranteed - none of these guys are worth that.

[TheRealDeal]

Will be interesting. I suspect whoever we draft ultimately holding out because none of the guys would be a #1 pick overall in a normal year. But I am sure they will still want #1 overall money. I hope it is not a problem but I foresee this being a big issue.

No one is going to hold out when there will be a rookie cap next year

[CatMan72]

Honestly, I would suspect our FO will try like hell to trade down...

[CatMan72]

No one is going to hold out when there will be a rookie cap next year

Yup, same reason there is a record # of underclassmen declaring for the draft this year.