Who is best value at the 5 slot?

[PantherTim]

I don't think there is a defensive lineman worthy of a top ten pick this year. I insist on getting Blackmon if he's there because Smith has 1 year left on the deal and who knows what Gettis is going to do when he gets back.

Kalil is intriguing, but I don't think he gets past the Rams, who will have the 2nd pick.

Let's see where we finish the season first. I think the Panthers will win at Tampa and beat Atlanta at home.

[CPF4LIFE]

Mocks are starting to have Brandon Thompson dropping to the second round and the guy from Washington too. If we can get Claiborne in the first and Thompson in the second that would be a huge win. I like our DTs and think they could grow into something but im just not seeing that inside pass rush we need to help out our DEs and that is what Thompsons biggest strength is. Inside disruption.

[Lout]

I didn't watch the video, but from the quote you gave I would say you are reading too much in to it. The defense can be shored up through free agency just as much as the draft. Plus, when you are picking in the top 5 you don't take a defensive player just because you suck on defense. The value has to be right to take any player that high, and if there isn't a defensive player worthy of our pick, they will go with the best overall player.

And right tackle is just as big of a question mark as any of the defensive positions IMO. We made a huge investment in Cam last year, and we have to protect it. Bell has been getting beat like a rug for weeks now, and Otah is nothing but a lazy, fat pussy. He's had a full year already to come in healthy, but he couldn't do it. Absolutely no reason to believe he'll be fine next year.

Listen to what Rivera says before the quote I posted. He praises the offense and indicates that we are already in a great situation, and praises Bell at the RT position.. says that Bell grades out very well, which I don't buy. It might give you a different perspective.

[mav1234]

I don't think Rivera is too enthused about McClains play as of late.. he mentioned in his presser than McClain has 'hit a wall' and Fua has been improving rapidly.

he's talking about rookie wall though, very different from wanting to replace them with another very young player in the draft.

to me, the smarter move would be to bring in some veteran, hopefully quality, depth for DT in FA. More youth just seems like the wrong idea for DT.

On the other hand, CB and OLB should be addressed in this draft, just dunno if they will in the first round...