Solving the Carolina Panthers' DT woes long term

[weymouthst]

Article:

http://www.derp/2011/8/7/2349929/solving-the-carolina-panthers-dt-woes-long-term

The real root of this problem comes in drafting. Since Hurney became GM in 2002 the Panthers have selected only 5 defensive tackles

That includes the two we got in 2011's draft, McClain and Fua.

To even up the comparison we'll include defensive ends with the tackles and see that Hurney took 13 defensive line players since 2002, but remember.... 8 of these players were defensive ends.

On offense, Hurney has selected 16 offensive line players in the same timespan, and unlike the huge skew of ends over tackles on defense, we've seen only 5 players who were true tackles. The majority were guards and centers, the guys who tend to get banged up the most.

Interesting stuff. We need depth on the defensive line, because if any more injuries occur the D-line is going to be very weak, IMO.

Depending on how McClain and Fua work out, next draft will probably address the defensive line big time.

[Guest Jacob3-89]

Cool story bro

[The Huddler]

I'm thinkin cornerback

[beastson]

I'm thinkin cornerback

Yes, for our 1st pick. Hopefully its someone coming out with a lot of talent. CB position is critical in teams success in this day and age

[HeatCheck]

I think we have less talent at the DT position but I'd rather see us upgrade our #2 CB first. Just don't know how realistic that's gonna be considering the options (referring to this year).

I think with our defensive style this year with the blitzing a lot of the pressure will be on the defensive backs.

[jayflip]

To OP: it is rather frustrating to see that we've only invested so little in such an important position... Hopefully this year's rookie DTs will be the Gettis and LaFell of the DLine. A year ago, we could write the sane article about our WR drafting (though Colbert and Jarett were both 2nd round picks) we never really drafted successfully at that position. A year later we're talking about depth there and who's gonna make the final cut, so that goes to show that you really can bolster a weak position in a short amount of time.

Here's to hoping that Corvey can step up and "corrupt" the pocket this year, and that McClain and Fua show some flashes. Nick Hayden, well I'm very surprised he's still here to be the butt of all our jokes, but when not pressed to start, he's almost not too terrible, which is better than plain terrible...

[weymouthst]

DT or CB, our first pick will most likely address the defense. But in terms of depth, I think the D-line is the weakest at this point.

The only true proven starter right now is CJ. He needs some help.

[jayflip]

Yes, for our 1st pick. Hopefully its someone coming out with a lot of talent. CB position is critical in teams success in this day and age

CBs are a sexy pick, but DT is a more important pick...IMO. You build a defense by starting with the line. Great pressure alleviates the weaknesses of crappy CBs (see Terry Cousins and what's his face from our Superbowl run)

[The Huddler]

CBs are a sexy pick, but DT is a more important pick...IMO. You build a defense by starting with the line. Great pressure alleviates the weaknesses of crappy CBs (see Terry Cousins and what's his face from our Superbowl run)

we have really good linebackers that will help adress our pass rush since we are going to be blitzing a ton. If i were the FO i would definatly pick up a CB in the first round.

[OneBadassCat]

I think a lot of it had to do with Fox being stubborn and not believing that he needed another Jenkins.

I mean honestly every time we had an opportunity for a good DT with attitude we settled for guys like Tank Tyler and Nick Hayden.

[HeatCheck]

CBs are a sexy pick, but DT is a more important pick...IMO. You build a defense by starting with the line. Great pressure alleviates the weaknesses of crappy CBs (see Terry Cousins and what's his face from our Superbowl run)

A pass rush in general alleviates CBs whether that comes from DEs, DTs, or LBs. DTs aren't flashy, you're right, but to me they are more useful stuffing the run or just clogging up holes. Not many pass rushing DTs that are going to get to the QB on a consistent basis.

And like I said, we will be blitzing more forcing the QB to get rid of the ball earlier. That puts the onus on the DBs. You're not going to be able to get to the QB all the time.

[jtnc]

I'd rather us trade our 1st round pick if we have a top 10 pick, and trade for a lower 1st round pick and get and extra 2nd rounder 3rd, and a 2013 2nd rounder.

So we can address WR, CB, and DT. And LT or RG

[The Huddler]

Theres only so much a FO can do in one year. Im sure Rivera will adress all of these needs before long. I think this year he wanted to get our offense rolling and give cam some weapons so he can shorten his learning curve. We will be straight on Defense. We have Rivera!

[raleigh-panther]

I guess to me, the link tells us what we already know. You could also insert QB and WR here.

It's not the Panthers didn't draft DTs, they did. It's not that the Panthers didn't draft WRs, they did. It's that they didn't work out.

Not since Siefert's drafing of Jenkins have we had a stud DT.

Throw in the Everette Brown and AE situations, well, what more needs to be said. Neither will ever be as high as drafted; but for no one else wanting him, God knows what Hurney would have given up for Clausen.

These stupid reaches have hurt the quality of this team and will for awhile.

Could be worse, could be the Bengals.