OLine or DLine ?

[Guest Pablo Honey]

It's obviously DT. I like to get my DTs in free agency though.

Our draft pick should be on Joeckel or warmack.

[Seal (SmittyIsOurSavior)]

We need Jesus.

Also, a Star DT, another quality CB, at least one more good safety (preferable two), maybe an OLB depending on B's status next season, another star wideout, good LT, good LG & RG (maybe Silatolu grows into it), and a semi decent kicker (I wont even be picky).

Then we'll have a playoff team! We're almost there!!!

[PantherPhann89]

I'd have to go with DT.

[JawnyBlaze]

DT, easily. The O-line has been bad, but I think the return of Kalil will have a much bigger impact than just how well our Center blocks his man.

As soon as R. Edwards went out, there was an immediate and noticeable difference in our defensive ability overall. Beyond just how the drop-off from him to Fua affects stopping runs up the middle, it has a trickle down effect on every facet of the defense. When teams know they can run up the middle (and our team knows they can run up the middle) it affects playcalling, reaction times, effectiveness of play actions and fakes, etc. Our defense was very respectable (well until our opponents' last drives anyway) with Ron. Without him, we got embarrassed by BRADY QUINN. Imagine what it would be like with a stud like Star (or Hankins).

Conversely to Pablo Honey's opinion, I believe the O-line can be more effectively and economically fixed through FA and later rounds in the draft than DT. It would cost too much to get a good DT in FA, especially when we have other needs that would be better addressed in FA than the draft (FS). The only need we have on O-line that can't be cheaply fixed through FA or rounds after the 1st in the draft is LT, and while Gross has been declining it's not like he's been as bad as Fua is at DT. I have to believe some of Gross's decline has been caused by the patchwork nature of our O-line. The O-line is a very interdependent group, individual pieces are more affected by poor play by the other pieces than most groups.

[Car123]

We need a safety

[Guest Padula1289]

Both are not playing too well. I think o-line is the bigger need. Gross has already taken a step back due to age, so he's only getting worse, Amini hasn't done that bad of a job but he doesn't done a good one, Kalil will come back just as good, I'm hoping we get someone for RG instead of hangartner, and I personall feel Byron is going to be good but overall the line is weak especially without Kalil. We do need a DT BADDDDDD though

[broseidon]

Points win games.... Saints have proved that in recent years... Give me an Oline so we can run and pass the ball like a real team

[Guest Pablo Honey]

We need a safety

That comes in free agency or with our second pick.

We need to get one of these two stud linemen, Joeckel or Warmack.

[NanceUSMC]

The Panthers had 8 possessions yesterday, 3 of which ended in touchdowns, counting the final possession of the game (which ended around the 10 yard line as time expired)... We averaged 7.5 Yards Per Carry, and Newton generally had time to hit receivers...

What we could not do, was get KC's offense off the field... They held the ball for nearly 38 minutes... Almost 2/3 of the game...

While I agree our offense hasn't been as dynamic this season as we were expecting, the worst team in football just embarassed this defense... We'd best find a way to shore up that DL... And we get to do that with no cap space... On the plus side, it's a deep year in the draft for DTs...

[Rubi]

The Panthers had 8 possessions yesterday, 3 of which ended in touchdowns, counting the final possession of the game (which ended around the 10 yard line as time expired)... We averaged 7.5 Yards Per Carry, and Newton generally had time to hit receivers...

What we could not do, was get KC's offense off the field... They held the ball for nearly 38 minutes... Almost 2/3 of the game...

While I agree our offense hasn't been as dynamic this season as we were expecting, the worst team in football just embarassed this defense... We'd best find a way to shore up that DL... And we get to do that with no cap space... On the plus side, it's a deep year in the draft for DTs...

I agree. But how many dumb penalties did we commit with the hands to the face, offsides, and personal foul? Those factored in to extending the drives as well. Just shooting ourselves in the foot. Oh ya and another 12 men on the field call...surprise surprise...

The biggest need.....a new coaching staff

Followed by upgraded trenches

[mmmbeans]

wherever the value is. we need both pretty equally... i'd be happy if 3/4 of this draft went into our trenches.

[CLTPanther]

After getting torched by THE Brady Quinn, I'd say Corner/Safety isn't far behind DT.

[carolina-chuck]

DT Star or Hankins.

Why a LT? Gross is declining? What do you say of Ron Edwards then?

DT like Star and Hankins doesn't come out every year. LT like Joeckel comes out every single year.

Address the LT in 2014. Gross will still be a above average LT next season for us.

Franchise LT doesn't win you Super Bowl.

[Zod]

O-Line or D-Line?

Yes