Gannt Selects With #9 Pick...

[carolinarolls]

I think you all underestimate what a dominant OG will do for our run game.

...not anymore than what a dominant WR would do for our pass game. still not enough to deny that D is where the need is.

we need D. D does a helluva lot for the run game as well by giving it more reps and keeping the opposing D on the field longer.

[PantherBrew]

I think you all underestimate what a dominant OG will do for our run game.

That may be true, but how many are/should be concerned about the run game?

Look at what we did last season with the players we had.

[BEASTfromdaEAST]

I wouldn't be overly excited but def wouldn't b mad at this picks. Solidify our line inside for good with that pick. Our oline would be good for bout 3 years.

That being said it would be a stupid pick. Cam Newton being sacked or not running the ball well enough lost us 0 games last year. Defense on the other hand lost us a few so thats where our focus should def be.

[thefuzz]

I just don't think OL is so much of a "weakness" as our defensive line and secondary are. Yeah, sure, OL isn't a "strength", but it's a hell of a lot better than our defensive line IMO.

I was just saying that's what I would hope for if OL was where we were looking to pick.

I want a CB or a DT.

[Zod]

Remember all the times last year on 3rd and 1 that we could not just power out a yard?

[carolinarolls]

decastro would guarantee that all those would be converted?

no

having to transparently go with the "safest" play call in those situations due to our winded, depleted, inexperienced defense led to just as many stuffs as anything else IMO

[jtnc]

I think you all underestimate what a dominant OG will do for our run game.

But it does absolutely nothing to our defense. We'll continue to lose leads with QB's picking apart our weak ass secondary and pass-rush.

[carolinarolls]

how many 3rd and 1's did we miss?

how many first halves did we compete in or dominate only to lose it all in the 2nd because of a porous defense.

[Mr. Scot]

I think you all underestimate what a dominant OG will do for our run game.

Not all :D

Taking a guard at the number nine spot may be a bit of a reach (could always trade back and possibly still get him, of course) but if that's the course the Panthers go, if that's who they truly believe is the BPA, you won't see me throwing a tantrum about it.

Heck, I wouldn't mind a little help with that red zone run game at all.

[UNCrules2187]

Remember all the times last year on 3rd and 1 that we could not just power out a yard?

The way I recall it, it was more of some perplexing playcalling on 3rd and short at crucial times of the game (deep shot to Smith against the Saints at home ring a bell?) than not being able to get a yard on 3rd and 1. In fact, I think we had one of the best 3rd/4th and short conversion rates in the league (will have to see if I can find an article, think it was a Grantland one...).

[L-TownCat]

NO

[UNCrules2187]

Best I could find regarding third and short was this article 10 weeks through the season: http://preplaysports.com/posts/176/by-the-numbers-third-and-short. The article defines third and short as 4 yards or less and we were tied for 7th with the Broncos through 9 games. I'm gonna keep looking to see if there's one through the entire season.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

If for one reason or another we select DeCastro at 9, could you see Hurney and co. moving up back into the first to take the best defensive player on our board available? Or do they wait to go D at the 40 spot?

[UNCrules2187]

I'll say one thing though, I'd rather have DeCastro than Kuechly. Man, I just don't think that guy's gonna be great. Can't see him being anything better than a Dan Connor type guy.