Happy thoughts....Think happy thoughts....

[panthers55]

There is no question that Peterson would be a great corner. But if we run primarily zone coverage as we have over the past years under Meeks who is our defensive secondary coach and we do mostly zone blitzes as Rivera primarliy runs, then Peterson may not be the impact player that people hope. Not because he isn't a great player but because we won't utilize his talents.

Guys like Revis and Asomugha both play in primarily man coverages not zone which plays into their strengths. There are many guys who are great in press coverage who are not as good in zone and don't play great against the run which is required in zone coverage. At this point I don't know that much about Peterson's ability playing zone.

Still the point is that the guy we pick has to be a great player and effective in the scheme we run. I am of the opinion that a corner may not be as important as a DT for example in the scheme we are going to run. A great pass rush make mediocre corners look good and good corners look great.

As for Gamble, teams didn't shy away from him that much. They would easily just go high/low and flood his zone and throw to the open man. When teams had all day to throw Gamble wasn't that effective covering his man for 5 or 6 seconds. I don't know what happened to Gamble to get in Fox's doghouse but he only started 11 games and had 8 passes defended and ended up with career low tackle numbers. His zone coverage has improved over the years but he isn't a shutdown corner by any means. He plays too far off his man in zone and despite his size is not particularly good in press coverage.

I would like Peterson if the defensive line and the offense were good. With big gaping holes on both sides of the ball we need a bunch of guys not just one in the first 2 rounds. I would either trade down or pick a guy in our biggest need areas. It just seems that it isn't the right time to pick up Peterson given our needs. We would be better with him but I think we go DT or QB (yeah, I know I am in the minority) this year.

[Jangler]

Many of you think the Carolina Huddle is a place to attack other's opinions without fear of the bodily harm that would come to you if your words were delivered personally. This thread presents an interesting challenge.

2. You must only provide positive reasons the player would be good for the team without comments that can be construed as negative.

[Jangler]

[chef17]

I like the thread idea. If in a year or two Fairly can dominate olines like he did in college then I think drafting him would be a great idea. He could finally be the DT we have spent years searching for.

[Ricky Spanish]

Cam Newton:

1. He's not Jimmy Clausen

2. He's not Jake Delhomme

3. He's not Kerry Collins

[TheRealDeal]

I'm going to say we should draft PP. Obviously QB is not a need. We have the future in Jimmy Clausen. Sure he struggled A LITTLE as a rookie but comon guys, what rookie doesn't. Jimmy has been the best QB around since he was in High School and he only needs more time to develop. He has the prototypical size and build you want in a QB and lives and breaths football.

What I really like is his ball security mentality. Sure he fumbled a bunch early but no NFL QB can be expected to handle snaps and handoffs when they are a rookie, they don't teach that in college. He quickly corrected this and those baby steps are what give me hope for the future, 6-7 years down the road. By then I fully expect him to be making those NFL throws 10-12 yards down field and our offense will be feared. Throughout the season, he rarely put the ball in trouble through the air because whenever a defender was within 7 yards, he dumped it off or threw it away, you can't teach that, it's instinctual. Sure we might not score a bunch of points but that's why we have a defense. Our offense's goal is to not turn it over, and he did okay at that and I expect it to improve.

The thing that really sold me on not drafting a QB and sticking with Jimmy is his on field leadership. You could tell that when he walked into the huddle he demanded respect. Sure our best offensive weapon hated him and often belittled him in games and on the sidelines but true leaders let that stuff go and hope no one notices it.

In summary, QB is not a need therefor we should draft PP.

Is that the happy thoughts you were looking for?

[MHS831]

I'm going to say we should draft PP. Obviously QB is not a need. We have the future in Jimmy Clausen. Sure he struggled A LITTLE as a rookie but comon guys, what rookie doesn't. Jimmy has been the best QB around since he was in High School and he only needs more time to develop. He has the prototypical size and build you want in a QB and lives and breaths football.

What I really like is his ball security mentality. Sure he fumbled a bunch early but no NFL QB can be expected to handle snaps and handoffs when they are a rookie, they don't teach that in college. He quickly corrected this and those baby steps are what give me hope for the future, 6-7 years down the road. By then I fully expect him to be making those NFL throws 10-12 yards down field and our offense will be feared. Throughout the season, he rarely put the ball in trouble through the air because whenever a defender was within 7 yards, he dumped it off or threw it away, you can't teach that, it's instinctual. Sure we might not score a bunch of points but that's why we have a defense. Our offense's goal is to not turn it over, and he did okay at that and I expect it to improve.

The thing that really sold me on not drafting a QB and sticking with Jimmy is his on field leadership. You could tell that when he walked into the huddle he demanded respect. Sure our best offensive weapon hated him and often belittled him in games and on the sidelines but true leaders let that stuff go and hope no one notices it.

In summary, QB is not a need therefor we should draft PP.

Is that the happy thoughts you were looking for?

Yes, but you were not convincing!:D

Some people are really struggling to say something positive. I think its funny.

[Blitzkrieg Panther]

hmmm I cant pick my DT.....I will say to take Anthony Castonzo the OT from BC. Then in addition to making this pick move Otah to LG and Wharton to RG. Our O line would be an impregnable wall and would give the run game and qb a benefit from last year. Its almost a sure thing going O line and he is a beast. A solid foundation on the offense for adding some of the Depth at DT with our 3rd rounder. Also if the cba has a lockout we get the First pick next year too!

[Icege]

(For the record, I'm in favor of trading down, Fairley, Peterson)

WR AJ Green: AJ Green is said to be in the mold of elite WRs such as Calvin Johnson Jr., Randy Moss, etc. He's the prototypical talk, fast, high jumping, fly paper hands type of WR that is truly a #1 in this league. He can come in and make an immediate impact on day 1, regardless of the QB throwing to him. Steve Smith is unhappy and at odds with the management. Whether or not this is posturing for the NFLPA, who knows, but if 89 wants out who better to fill his shoes than AJ Green?

While 11 and 12 did well this season, we were pining hard for a #1 WR in the likes of AJ Green. LaFell was drafted for all intents and purpose was to be a faster Moose with the possibility to be the #1 big body deep threat. Gettis ended up being a great pick in the 6th. Another deep threat in the design of Jacoby Ford (who I will admit I was wrong on. I thought he was too brittle for the NFL but I underestimated his competitiveness). While they're both good in their own right, AJ Green WILL make a difference. Armanti Edwards is a project at best, and there's a good chance that a solid rookie TE might see some snaps this year as well. AJ Green would open the field up for everybody in Carolina. I smell something similar to the days of the Posse...

The team fielded the worst offense in the league and franchise history. It only seems reasonable to take the best offensive player available, and he just so happens to be #1 overall material.

[pantherj]

(I'm in favor of taking Green #1, and think he's the obvious pick.)

I've watched Cam Newton throw the ball a lot, and even with bad footwork, he manages to fire the ball out with high velocity and accuracy. The throws I've seen him make are no fluke, or accident. He really has an elite arm, and rare scrambling ability. If we're not taking Green #1, then I'd like to trade down a few spots if possible, and try to draft Cam Newton. His potetial is sky high imo, and I don't think we should pass on that kind of potential given our situation at QB.

[MHS831]

(I'm in favor of taking Green #1, and think he's the obvious pick.)

I've watched Cam Newton throw the ball a lot, and even with bad footwork, he manages to fire the ball out with high velocity and accuracy. The throws I've seen him make are no fluke, or accident. He really has an elite arm, and rare scrambling ability. If we're not taking Green #1, then I'd like to trade down a few spots if possible, and try to draft Cam Newton. His potetial is sky high imo, and I don't think we should pass on that kind of potential given our situation at QB.

To piggyback on the Green #1 comment: What do you make of Rivera's comments about Steve Smith?

Cam's athleticism is tempting after watching bad QB play all season. I wonder if he would have outplayed Clausen if he were under center in 2010?

[MHS831]

(For the record, I'm in favor of trading down, Fairley, Peterson)

WR AJ Green: AJ Green is said to be in the mold of elite WRs such as Calvin Johnson Jr., Randy Moss, etc. He's the prototypical talk, fast, high jumping, fly paper hands type of WR that is truly a #1 in this league. He can come in and make an immediate impact on day 1, regardless of the QB throwing to him. Steve Smith is unhappy and at odds with the management. Whether or not this is posturing for the NFLPA, who knows, but if 89 wants out who better to fill his shoes than AJ Green?

While 11 and 12 did well this season, we were pining hard for a #1 WR in the likes of AJ Green. LaFell was drafted for all intents and purpose was to be a faster Moose with the possibility to be the #1 big body deep threat. Gettis ended up being a great pick in the 6th. Another deep threat in the design of Jacoby Ford (who I will admit I was wrong on. I thought he was too brittle for the NFL but I underestimated his competitiveness). While they're both good in their own right, AJ Green WILL make a difference. Armanti Edwards is a project at best, and there's a good chance that a solid rookie TE might see some snaps this year as well. AJ Green would open the field up for everybody in Carolina. I smell something similar to the days of the Posse...

The team fielded the worst offense in the league and franchise history. It only seems reasonable to take the best offensive player available, and he just so happens to be #1 overall material.

I agree with you (as a true Green supporter). I am starting to thing Smith wants out, especially since I read Rivera's comments. If they want to see improved QB play, WR will have to be addressed. Since Free Agency is likely to follow the draft this year, you cannot count on getting a #1 WR there. Green is good enough to make a difference in 2011. He is so good he can catch everything in his area code and can stretch the field. Opposite Gettis, We have tall speedy WRs on the outside, which should open the seam route for a good TE.

Frankly, I believe Barnidge and Rosario can be that TE.

[monstercat]

(I'm in favor of taking Green #1, and think he's the obvious pick.)

I've watched Cam Newton throw the ball a lot, and even with bad footwork, he manages to fire the ball out with high velocity and accuracy. The throws I've seen him make are no fluke, or accident. He really has an elite arm, and rare scrambling ability. If we're not taking Green #1, then I'd like to trade down a few spots if possible, and try to draft Cam Newton. His potetial is sky high imo, and I don't think we should pass on that kind of potential given our situation at QB.

That would be a great scenario, but very unlikely. Newton will not make it past the top 5, so if you really believe he can be that good, then you have to take him at #1, or you won't get him at all. That may be too negative for this thread, but it's the truth as I see it.

[pantherj]

To piggyback on the Green #1 comment: What do you make of Rivera's comments about Steve Smith?

Cam's athleticism is tempting after watching bad QB play all season. I wonder if he would have outplayed Clausen if he were under center in 2010?

It seems clear to me that the new coaching staff wants Smith to return, and have a positive attitude going into next season. The only way to accomplish the second part is to make every effort to improve the passing game via FA and the draft.

I think Cam would have taken a lot of deep shots down field against the single coverage on Gettis. Would we have won more than 2 games with Cam? Who knows? That was Clausen's main failure last season, he didn't want to throw deep and let the WR in single coverage make a play for the ball. It wasn't all on Clausen though, the pass protection was good 1 minute, and terrible the next. That has a way of throwing off a QBs rhythm. To make matters worse for Clausen, 50/50 plays went to the opposing team all season long. We just couldn't catch a break.