Mel Kiper's take on top 10 pick scenarios

[stirs]

Is there value at 8/9 for an OT, OLB, or CB?

OT might be best bet. Too early for OLB and with Claiborne long gone, a bit too early for another CB

[Jesse]

Is there value at 8/9 for an OT, OLB, or CB?

OT might be best bet. Too early for OLB and with Claiborne long gone, a bit too early for another CB

Rieff? Brown? Kirkpatrick?

I'd like to move back and get Brown, but odds are slim. I think Kirkpatrick is too damn big and I haven't seen anything of Alfonzo Dennard. If he's anything like Amukamara I wouldn't want him.

[Riverboat Ron]

I've been watching more tape on corners since I have more free time. I've watched more video on Claiborne and Kirkpatrick than the rest, but I've also watched at least one game for Dennard, Jenkins, Gilmore, and Banks.

1. Morris Claiborne LSU- top 5 pick (great coverage and instincts)

2. Dre Kirkpatrick Alabama- top 15 pick (very physical, good coverage and good instincts)

3. Alfonzo Dennard Nebraska- mid to late 1st round

I didn't like what I saw out of the rest. Claiborne and Kirkpatrick are blue chip players, the rest aren't all that impressive to me. Banks shouldn't even be a CB, he'd be much better at saftey. The rest really aren't much of an upgrade over Munnerlyn or Butler. I actually believe we'll take Kirkpatrick since Claiborne will likely be gone by the time we draft. Kirkpatrick for that matter may work his way into the top 10.

[Jackofalltrades]

I just don't see DT unless someone high drops to our second pick.

We're kinda in no man's land with our needs vs prospects. Kirkpatrick would make sense, probably a little early for any OLB. Too early for OL. I'd take Floyd over Alshon, but really only want Blackmon in the first and I think we'll miss out on him.

I'm not one who says it every year, so I do think trading back would be a wise choice if the opportunity is there.

[jarhead]

I just don't see DT unless someone high drops to our second pick.

We're kinda in no man's land with our needs vs prospects. Kirkpatrick would make sense, probably a little early for any OLB. Too early for OL. I'd take Floyd over Alshon, but really only want Blackmon in the first and I think we'll miss out on him.

I'm not one who says it every year, so I do think trading back would be a wise choice if the opportunity is there.

No mans land is a good way of describing it.I think we will either take Reiff or Kirkpatrick. A wr may be in the mix but I am not very excited outside of Blackmon.

[Lout]

I just don't see DT unless someone high drops to our second pick.

We're kinda in no man's land with our needs vs prospects. Kirkpatrick would make sense, probably a little early for any OLB. Too early for OL. I'd take Floyd over Alshon, but really only want Blackmon in the first and I think we'll miss out on him.

I'm not one who says it every year, so I do think trading back would be a wise choice if the opportunity is there.

I agree. I never think we are going to trade down, but this year would be great to do so.

[Woodcookedbbq]

I'd rather see a OL or CB taken in the first round. Certainly not a DT or WR.

[BHiott]

The Panthers are trying to get to the playoffs. Right now their offense is a playoff-caliber offense. I'd be EXTREMELY surprised to see the first pick used on that side of the ball.

DT has been an issue/need since day one and it must be addressed with multiple players prior to the start of the 2012 season. I look forward to a big body that can occupy multiple OLinemen and keep them off the talented Panther LB corps.

CB has been exposed as a weakness during the season. I have high hopes for Hogan, but I didn't see him in action (did he even make it into the secondary Saturday?) but I know there are some good options available in FA and the draft for next season.

With Rivera's background look for a defensive player in round one. If the Panthers can get above average players at those two spots and stay relatively healthy in 2012, they're a playoff team.

[FugginPoo]

RG3 will rise, I think 3 QB's go in top 10, before we pick hopefully or one is still there and a team trades us to get him

[CarolinaNCSU]

well, it pretty much has been a need for the last decade just about.

Should've made my sarcasm more apparent I guess. Kind of obvious it was always a need, just making a joke.

[ed bell]

I said before that I was coming around to defensive BPA...now I'm starting to lean towards a trade-down....Do It!

[DaCityKats]

Would love to trade down.

[jarhead]

The Panthers are trying to get to the playoffs. Right now their offense is a playoff-caliber offense. I'd be EXTREMELY surprised to see the first pick used on that side of the ball.

DT has been an issue/need since day one and it must be addressed with multiple players prior to the start of the 2012 season. I look forward to a big body that can occupy multiple OLinemen and keep them off the talented Panther LB corps.

CB has been exposed as a weakness during the season. I have high hopes for Hogan, but I didn't see him in action (did he even make it into the secondary Saturday?) but I know there are some good options available in FA and the draft for next season.

With Rivera's background look for a defensive player in round one. If the Panthers can get above average players at those two spots and stay relatively healthy in 2012, they're a playoff team.

You are correct about the areas of concern but the problem is I do not see a DT that would make much of an impact in the 1st.Claborne will be gone and more than likely Kirkpatrick will be to0.Take the impact player the draft gives us and address the rest through FA.Just because we need the postion the most does not mean its necessaily there in the draft.

[NCstoner420]

I said before that I was coming around to defensive BPA...now I'm starting to lean towards a trade-down....Do It!

Would love to trade down.

Here is the problem that the FO will face, who will be available at our pick that would make another team wan to trade up?