New Defensive Round-up & Discussion

[davos]

I figured this would give everyone a consolidated look at what our organization is developing on the defensive side of things midst such a lull in sports atm. It maybe a whole lot of nothing but I don't give a sh*t :) scroll down to the nutshell part if you want this in a nutshell. nutshell...funny word

I don't think we'll make anymore substantial additions to the squad this offseason (ya never know) but figured on a rainy Sunday I could do a quick round-up:

Defensive Line

Frank Alexander

This may be the pick that many were wondering at the time what was going on....but regardless of what y'all think, he adds more depth to our defensive line and is the type who could even hybrid it up and drop back on occasion. He has the build to be a legit talent down the road but will most likely be floating around with Applewhite & Keiser.

Linebacker

Luke Kuechly

Of course our most talked about and hyped addition to the defense. Instant impact and will be helping out our LB core everywhere but in my opinion the most in pass coverage and the sideline to sideline game. Luke alone could help us start forcing more third and longs imo

Secondary

Josh Norman

Here is a kid who it looks like is pushing for that open CB spot against Hogan & Butler. From what we've heard so far, he's ready to do something and seems highly motivated to show why he should have been selected higher in the draft

Haruki Nakamura

He's coming from a Baltimore defense we all are aware of from both the results and intensity side of things. With Smith and Nakamura, I think we got a sense of the players our staff is looking at...one's that our still young and relatively green with experience from good defenses. Harbaugh liked the kid and he's proven to be a strong asset on the ST side of things. Did I mention he's from a family of judo pros?

Reggie Smith

Here is the other new secondary addition that many are hoping can rise up and become a starter. I'm not trying to hype anyone up here but he's only 25 and showed he can step up in games. I love when teams can find the young players that just haven't been given the opportunity quite yet and then really show up when given the right chance. I think many have their fingers crossed about Nak & Smith but have good reason to and think it could happen to at least one of em'

My question is will these additions be enough to help us blow the f*ck out opponents next year?

And with our returning/somewhat arriving guys in Beason, Edwards, Hogan, & Davis (fingers crossed)...do we still have another year or two to go or could this be enough to have a legit defense?

What would you consider a defensively successful season?

For how bad we were on defense after basically our whole defensive core went down last season, we didn't add a whole lot of for sure instant impact types other than Kuechly. The thing is though I like the direction we went in the player types we did add. Young, not yet proven, from great defenses, and possibly ready to shine.

Its gonna make for a very long offseason because this d will be the type that we simply have to be patient with on the developmental side of things and see the field results especially with McClain, Kearse, & Fua. I'll tell you one thing that everyone here already knows: If Beason, CJ, Gamble, & Ron Edwards stay healthy I think those 4 will be key for not slipping more than anyone else.

**So in a nutshell:

We added a potentially game-changer type linebacker, depth to the edge of our defensive line to help Hardy, Johnson, Applewhite, & Keiser...grabbed the young backup safety from each Harbaugh and are banking on health more than anything from a group that is half in the dark and Beason the true proven returning guy.

I'd say a top-20 defense will be ok by me expectation wise...I'd like to see a top-10 but it may take more than just this offseason and 2012 reg. season

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I really think Frank Alexander will surprise many of you.

Frank Alexander: I had the privilege to watch all of Mr. Alexander's games and he is a phenomenal athlete. I've had had him on my radar since the beginning of the 2011 college football season and I was ecstatic when we picked him.

Josh Norman: I also had the privilege to see Josh Norman live and he is an athlete, he sometimes makes bone headed mistakes but he was a great snag in the fifth round.

Luke Kuechly: Kuechly will be a stud, there is nothing more to say there.

D.J. Campbell: A guy you failed to put up there in D.J. Campbell may eventually develop into a good special teams player for the Panthers in the future.

Jyles Tucker and Kenny Onatolu: I haven't personally seen either of these guys play, but I think at least one in Onatolu will be a great addition to our special teams. Tucker might be able to beat out Jason Williams for a position in the Panthers fantastic linebacker corp.

Haruki Nakamura and Reggie Smith: I have high hopes for Nakamura, I think he will be a very solid player for us in the future; all he needed was a chance to prove himself and he will get that here. Reggie Smith should also provide good depth to our secondary and our special teams.

[iamhubby1]

Hey, don't forget Ogemdi Nwagbuo. The only Spartan on the team. And there was great rejoicing.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Ogemdi was on the team for a few games last year..... unfortunately.

[Kurb]

Everyone of the guys we drafted signed had one of 3 things.

Something to prove.

High Motor

Smart

Rivera is starting to put his stamp on this squad, I think those 3 things along with "Tough" will comprise this entire team before all is said and done.

[Argus Plexus]

Norman Island?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Everyone of the guys we drafted signed had one of 3 things.

Something to prove.

High Motor

Smart

Rivera is starting to put his stamp on this squad, I think those 3 things along with "Tough" will comprise this entire team before all is said and done.

I'm not sure if you were just referring to defensive players, because I would characterize Silatolu as a lot of things but smart isn't the first word that comes to mind.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Norman Island?

I actually think we are going with Norman Peninsula this time.

[Argus Plexus]

I actually think we are going with Norman Peninsula this time.

Superbowl

[davos]

Jyles Tucker and Kenny Onatolu: I haven't personally seen either of these guys play, but I think at least one in Onatolu will be a great addition to our special teams. Tucker might be able to beat out Jason Williams for a position in the Panthers fantastic linebacker corp.

I think Tucker could end up contributing. He got the most playing time of his career when Rivera was in charge in SD

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I think Tucker could end up contributing. He got the most playing time of his career when Riera was in charge in SD

I looked at his stats and stat wise, he looked solid.

[La Pantera]

Tucker will play DE in our system, correct???

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Tucker will play DE in our system, correct???

He can play either (defensive end or linebacker), he has a better chance at making it as a linebacker in my opinion.

DE's: Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy, Frank Alexander, Antwan Applewhite, and Thomas Keiser

LB's: Jon Beason, James Anderson, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Jordan Senn, Kenny Onatolu, and Jason Williams.

Eric Norwood and Jyles Tucker will fight to take Keiser's or Williams spot and I see Tucker taking Williams spot before I see him taking Keiser's spot. Norwood will be given a fair chance, but I don't see him sticking around.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

Somehow I think the hardshipsmofnlastnyear will help a lot of guys on this team. I believe it will be apparent in the play of our defensive line. The reserves which are most probably Fua, Keiser, Neblett, etc. . . Are all very young and were thrown to the wolves last year. While its almost certain these guys all have limited ceilings they can all develop into solid contributors or role players. McClain should benefit as well but It McDermott actually has a rotation he should be able to coach more effectively