Where we're at , What we need (Special Teams)

[Woodie]

With the draft coming up, and all the talk about who or what we might need, I thought it would be a good time to examine what we currently have on the roster and what we still need from the draft or FA. I realize a lot of this has been/is discussed elsewhere, but I think it is worth discussing each unit as a whole.

Special Teams

Kicker – John Kasay – He is still one of the best and most consistent kickers in the game. He is also locked in for a few more years.

Kickoff Specialist – Rhys Lloyd – A luxury that unfortunately is needed since neither Kasay nor Baker are particularly great at kickoffs. On average, him being here has put our defense in a much better position to start a defensive series than what we had before. I wish we didn’t need to use a roster spot on a KO specialist, but in this case he is worth it.

Punter – Jason Baker – A solid Punter. No need to look elsewhere.

Long Snapper - ??? – Jason Kyle has effectively manned this position for a long time. But he is a FA, and as a veteran will not be cheap to bring back. However, despite his solid reputation, other than a flirtation with the Cardinals (who have since signed another LS), he has not garnered much attention. So perhaps he is either waiting on us to clear up some cap room, or maybe he is considering retirement?

Other options that have been bandied about include Ryan Kalil and Gary Barnidge. However, I don’t believe either was actually the LS for their college teams…I know Barnidge was only Louisville’s emergency long snapper, and never actually snapped in a game, and believe it is the same with Kalil. So neither are really someone you want to bank on maintaining the level of excellence we had with Kyle, and as Panther history shows, poor long snaps can cost games. Therefore, I would much prefer someone that has actually long snapped in a game over someone who had minimal practice at it in college. Not to mention that there is a reason teams do not use their starting Center as LS.

Punt Returner – Ryne Robinson – I know some have focused on the start to his rookie year, and do not trust him as the guy, and I understand the rationale. However, after talking with the coaches, he finally started to understand what was required to be a successful returner in the NFL, and his production at the end of the year demonstrated that understanding. Also, don’t underestimate the difficulty he had coming from a small school in a small conference, where he did not play against many blue chip players. And based on the reports that were coming out of camp last year, he was looking great. His injury is also one that should not have any lasting effects.

Kickoff Returner – Ryne Robinson – Same as for Punt Returner. However, I could also see us either use Kenneth Moore here or bring in a RB or CB to handle KO returns while still playing a role as a backup on offense/defense.

Overall, we need to address the long snapper, and decide if Robinson will do both KO returns and punt returns, or if we want to go a different route for KO returns. Besides those areas, we are set with this unit…other than the normal adjustments on coverage and return teams that come every year with changes to the roster.

Needs: LS, possibly KO returner.

[Fireball77]

I agree about LS being the starting center...ugh. Also need someone to replace Goings on ST. Don't know if there's anyone currently on the roster who fills/can fill that role.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

If the Panthers keep LB Jeremy Leman he could fill Nick Goings roll on specail team, he is a solid player at 6'2, 240 lbs, and had pretty decent speed.