Football Outsiders: Carolina Panthers top offseason needs

[CatMan72]

We all should remember Meeks is gone. He wanted our defense to lay back and stop the big play. That didn't fit with a Rivera defense, thus he was let go. We now have an all Rivera coaching staff, so we need to let him decide who goes and who stays. The draft will show us who is going to be cut. A few good picks, maybe a FA like the TE last year, and our guys healthy we will be in position to make a run. Go Catsssssssssssssss

This may be true, but it doesn't change the fact that Munnerlyn was totally overmatched.

[SOJA]

lol to "an adequate starter" Chris Gamble is a premier corner

[HSCBandit07]

It seems like yesterday we were stacked at LB

[AceMan]

Even if they stick with the slow-and-steady approach, the Panthers need more bodies in their nickel package: a cornerback, a coverage linebacker, a nickel safety, or all three.

That's why I'm hoping we find a way to sign Terrell Thomas, Manny Lawson, Deon Grant, or all three

[IplayedCam#1317]

Good read. Good comments.... Where the Hell am I?

[panthers55]

Munerlyn would be good as a nickel back but lacks the size and speed to be an everydown corner. Hogan is unknown as well so really for me corner is a primary need. I would have no issue choosing one with our first pick and then going DT/DE in the second. I would follow with Sam backer, free safety, OL and then BPA. I could see us flipflop and go DT./DE in the first and then corner in the second but that position has to be addressed in the draft or free agency. As the article noted we couldn't get off the field on third down and were abysmal against TEs and running backs in the flats.

[Guest Bwood15]

[Woodie]

Munerlyn would be good as a nickel back but lacks the size and speed to be an everydown corner. Hogan is unknown as well so really for me corner is a primary need. I would have no issue choosing one with our first pick and then going DT/DE in the second. I would follow with Sam backer, free safety, OL and then BPA. I could see us flipflop and go DT./DE in the first and then corner in the second but that position has to be addressed in the draft or free agency. As the article noted we couldn't get off the field on third down and were abysmal against TEs and running backs in the flats.

Hogan is only an unknown to you (and every other fan), but not to Rivera and McDermott. They have seen him go up against NFL caliber receivers in practice, and watched the tape of his limited time in the games he did get into this year. So I think they have a pretty good idea of whether or not he can be a #2 CB this year...especially when you think about the fact they were specifically grooming and watching him for that role.

So, if we take a CB in the 1st, then I think it is pretty obvious that they are not sold on him as a #2. But if they pass on CB, as I expect, then it is a pretty good indication that they feel he will be ready and able. So while we can debate the merits of taking a CB, DL, or any other position, the truth is that Hogan is the definition of a wildcard...and one that we, as fans, have absolutely no legitimate answer for. My point is that for all the debate on whether or not we will or should take a CB early, or at all, may be moot. Because if Hogan can fill that #2 role, then I think the nickel slot can be held down be either Munnerlyn or Butler, thus, eliminating any dire need for CB in the draft or FA (except as depth).

[PantherPhann89]

A very good article. I don't agree with cutting Davis unless he's not willing to lower/renegotiate his contract. He's obvious willing to come back and he still wants to be here. Although I would look for his replacement and he's not currently on the roster. I was hoping that we would've signed Aaron Curry but we passed and I don't think that there is a immediate replacement in the draft, which leaves FA...but we're strapped soooooo. This may have to be done by committee again this year. Although I'd love to see a healthy; Anderson, Beason & Davis on the field for the entire season.

[Snake]

CB needs to be our first choice in the draft. A guy that can come in and lock down the other side for years to come.

[Fiz]

Not a good article.

[I am Hubby]

If we we did bring in a real, honest to Zod, #2 corner. Hogan may could then be allowed to do PR. As he would not really be considered an actual starter. Then he can play nickel with Capt and Butller.

My giddy says win win. And GOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Achilles]

We need an upgrade in the front 4 and the back 4 on defense. Wherever the best value is in the draft, DL or DB, that is who we should pick. In my mind the positions are of equal priority in the draft. Improving in one area will help greatly in the other. A top 10 pick can be an opening day game changer. I'm not a guy who can drop a bunch of names of prospects, but from what I've read, there are some good DTs in the top 10. There's a really good corner and a decent safety prospect in our range as well. Take the overall best player available at DT, CB, or S and that should yield rookie results.

LB and OL are also possible moves. I don't expect a lot of hype around our pick this year. I don't think Hurney intends to do anything risky or flashy. We have plenty of needs and there should be ample talent in this draft.

To me, the mini camps, OTAs, and training camp will be the difference this year. There will be talent, no doubt...but it matters less just WHO we pick than HOW our coaching staff trains and prepares them.

This year we have leadership and experience on our side going into the offseason. Just draft some strong, fast kids and let's put them to work!

[panthers55]

Hogan is only an unknown to you (and every other fan), but not to Rivera and McDermott. They have seen him go up against NFL caliber receivers in practice, and watched the tape of his limited time in the games he did get into this year. So I think they have a pretty good idea of whether or not he can be a #2 CB this year...especially when you think about the fact they were specifically grooming and watching him for that role.

So, if we take a CB in the 1st, then I think it is pretty obvious that they are not sold on him as a #2. But if they pass on CB, as I expect, then it is a pretty good indication that they feel he will be ready and able. So while we can debate the merits of taking a CB, DL, or any other position, the truth is that Hogan is the definition of a wildcard...and one that we, as fans, have absolutely no legitimate answer for. My point is that for all the debate on whether or not we will or should take a CB early, or at all, may be moot. Because if Hogan can fill that #2 role, then I think the nickel slot can be held down be either Munnerlyn or Butler, thus, eliminating any dire need for CB in the draft or FA (except as depth).

I surely hope that the coaches have a sense of things by now. I agree that if we go corner in the first we are looking for an immediate upgrade. On the other hand with Gamble at 29 years old they could still pick a corner for the future. I think if they don't go corner in the first but do so in later rounds, they are looking for depth and starters down the road.

I surely hope that Hogan is all that and a bag of chips. It would be nice for someone to exceed expectations for a change.