1st round Mock with explanations and extreme genius

[stirs]

At this point with the info we have, pre combine, I have said for awhile that the best value for us would be OT. I had Martin but Reiff might be fine also. I have also mentioned that OLB is a terrible position to need in this draft. The extra money will be needed for a FA there.

Don't think we can count on Otah or T Davis. We need to act as if they are gone already. If they can contribute, icing on the cake.

Don't envision any player at this time that could create a buzz and give the Panthers a trade down scenario. With every trade down, someone is trading up. Nothing there worth trading up, at least pre combine.

Overall good. Do not think Richardson will go top 5, all mocks have this guy going to Cleveland but I think Holgrem is much too smart to put that high a value on a RB

[MHS831]

LMAO @ all of you. Theres No Way

Loving the way you support your position. Read my response to your first comment and INTELLIGENTLY exlplain why protecting Cam by drafting a T (when your LT is 32 and your RT has chronic knee problems and has not played but 4 games in two years) is crazy. How LTs are hard to come by and how you can address DEFENSE by drafting a LT.

You do understand that the purpose of a predraft discussion board is to analyze possibilities and share ideas, don't you? How far have you gotten in life thinking everyone who disagrees with you is totally wrong?

I would say that there is about a 40% chance we draft Martin or Rieff at this time. I would add that there is about a 35% chance we take Kirkpatrick.

Here are some EXPERTS (of course, we know you are smarter) who mention LT as a possibility:

From WALTER FOOTBALL-- Carolina Panthers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Panthers had major issues stopping both the run and the pass, so they should take the best defensive player available.

The top defender on the board who makes sense is Dre Kirkpatrick, who would instantly upgrade Carolina's poor group of corners. The Panthers were dead last against aerial attacks (8.4 YPA) for a reason.

I also wouldn't count out Jonathan Martin in this spot (or Riley Reiff if he makes it past Miami). Jeff Otah can't stay healthy, so the Panthers may want to bring in someone more reliable to protect their franchise quarterback.

Walter is a former scout and has one of the best websites on the draft. You need to educate him.

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GREAT BLUE DRAFT REPORT Jan 3 Mock:

6 Washington *Trent Richardson RB Alabama

7 Jacksonville *Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

8 Miami Quinton Coples 5T North Carolina

9 Carolina *Riley Reiff OT Iowa St

10 Buffalo *David DeCastro G Stanford

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You said, "No Way." I think you should be concerned about all of the people who see a way. WHat is wrong with them? Is they stoopid or sumptin?

Once I post this, please go away until you learn to support your positions instead of bellowing oppositions at others without support.

[MHS831]

Reiff over Martin?

Thoughts

Excellent question, one I have been wondering about myself. I think Reiff is a better run blocker and perhaps more versatile because he is more physical and has played G. Martin seems to stay on blocks a bit longer, but I have not seen much. I would gladly take either.

In a recent interview in the Charlotte Observer, JR said the Panthers were going to draft a "Tough" football player, not a "finesse" football player. I kind of see Reiff as "tough" and Martin as "finesse."

I also see Dre Kirkpatrick as "tough."

[stirs]

Huddler

Kinda like all those bright bulbs who kept posting "Peppers ain't going anywhere"

[Lout]

i'd rather have Martin than Reiff and think he fits our scheme better. Martin excells at run blocking and has a mean streak. There is no way the Bucs trade out of #5 if Claiborne falls to them.. that is a slam dunk pick for them.

[jarhead]

To be honest, I think we have to progress as if Otah is done. I read an article that said his knees are shot, and a 330 pounder on bad knees is trouble. I am glad we found Bell, and I think he is a vincent-type RG. You are right, however.

I never thought about the option. Good thinking. It makes me think that we could --longshot--trade down and pick up a David DeCastro.

The odds of Otah returning for any length of time are slim.The question is does Bell have what it takes to not only protect Cam but assist us in the run.We have the best tandom rbs in the league that we must create space for.In my opinion it is rare to have 3 really good OTs in the top 10.I have no problem if we decide to take one.

[Matthias]

Whether or not Otah returns to complete health or not is moot. One day Gross will either retire or his skills as an adequate LT will dimish, whichever comes first. We need to get our top end LT now while we still can. (Because I doubt we move Otah over to LT somewhere down the road) I think we draft Martin, and Otah will either be moved to RG or be released. (I don't see a team trading for him)

[MHS831]

The odds of Otah returning for any length of time are slim.The question is does Bell have what it takes to not only protect Cam but assist us in the run.We have the best tandom rbs in the league that we must create space for.In my opinion it is rare to have 3 really good OTs in the top 10.I have no problem if we decide to take one.

I agree, and your point about Bell is the key. Cam made Bell look better than he is. The Saints' Cameron Jordan made Bell look terrible in the last game, and they are already calling him a bust in the big easy. Bell is listed as a G. I think (FWIW) that is where he belongs. He has the arse to hold his ground in passing situations which is huge; Hangartner was in Cam's face all year. I have to think Ziemba is depth at this time. So, while I appreciate the effort an undrafted rookie gave us at RT, we need 2 studs protecting our future. That has to come before defense. You do not leave Cam exposed because STATISTICALLY we need to address the D. If Cam goes down, the Panthers go down.

I think people make a mistake in the draft when they think only about immediate needs. Next year we need.... I think you have to look at the long term.

[GamecockSmitty4]

Don't underestimate Melvin Ingram. He's going to blow up at the Combine.

[MHS831]

Whether or not Otah returns to complete health or not is moot. One day Gross will either retire or his skills as an adequate LT will dimish, whichever comes first. We need to get our top end LT now while we still can. (Because I doubt we move Otah over to LT somewhere down the road) I think we draft Martin, and Otah will either be moved to RG or be released. (I don't see a team trading for him)

100% AGREE. I think Gross is already showing signs of slowing down. RT might be an option now.

[Miaoww]

I really like Reiff. It would improve the O-line as Gross would switch to RT (where he's better suited) and allow Bell to shift inside to compete with several guys for the RG spot.

I think with the way the talent falls in this draft it's a solid pick. Anything that protects the Franchise is ok with me.