Why I Don't Believe the Panthers Select a WR Early

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

This past season twelve different Carolina Panthers caught a pass from Cam Newton. I realize and agree that there is a need for an heir to Steve Smith and a true number one receiver for after 89 hangs em' up. However, I don't believe this is the year Carolina takes a receiver early in the draft (rounds 1 or 2). To put it simply, there already aren't enough passes to go around in this offense with our crowded wide-receiver core and armada of running-backs. Couple this idea with seemingly bigger holes on our roster elsewhere, and I seriously doubt we invest in a top WR prospect early in the 2013 NFL Draft. I repeat: I believe there is a BIG need for that true #1 receiver that can develop and have a long career catching balls from Cam. Despite that, this year we don't draft him...and here's why.

• Right now our WR core is crowded and unproven. It is largely made up of guys that Carolina (Hurney) has drafted. Just by watching film of this season and looking at our roster, I don't think that Gettleman will believe these players were utilized properly under Rob Chudzinski. I think the 2013 season will tell us exactly what we have at the receiver position. Is LaFell a number two or is he a third? Is Joe Adams really a weapon we can use to our advantage? Does Armanti finally contribute consistently? Is Gettis really the deep ball threat he showed glimpses of with Jimmy Clausen at the helm his rookie year? Can Pilares continue to pick up yards after the catch when given the opportunity? Does LaMont Bryant excel in training camp and earn a roster spot? Quite frankly I believe our new general manager goes into next year with these guys and possibly another late round receiver + a cheap veteran free agent. 2013 will be the season we as fans and an organization really find out who is here to stay and who won't be a Panther for the coming years.
  

• I'd rather figure out, and Gettleman may agree, who emerges on our receiver core from the guys above while filling other needs elsewhere that will have more of an instant impact. Our defensive tackle position has been ignored for far too long. Dwan and Ron Edwards performed admirably last year but its uncertain whether either of them will be back and they are both older. Ron will likely be a cap casualty but I suspect we sign Dwan again. We need an infusion of talent at this position because Fua/Kearse/Neblett are far from long term solutions. A defensive tackle at 14 would solidify our line and allow Hardy and CJ to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. I just tend to believe that a WR at 14, especially this class of pass-catchers, would have a difficult time getting enough touches and playing time to make more of an impact this season than a defensive tackle.
  

• If Captain is not resigned and Chris Gamble is released, which seems likely because of our cap situation, are you honestly comfortable with Josh Norman and Josh Thomas being our two corners going into next season in a division with the likes of Vincent Jackson, Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Marques Colston? I'm not. Sure, both played decent this past season but I tend to think that was more of a product of our defensive front getting pressure consistently. I do believe there are some decent options at corner we could pick up in free agency but that all lies with Gettleman and co. Once again, I think a corner in the first or second round is a real possibility and would have more of an instant impact on our team than a WR that is not an elite prospect fighting for playing time and catches in a crowded offense.
  

• Our offensive line struggled mightily this year. Now, getting Kalil back in the middle will be huge for our front five but I'm still not sold. Gross is aging but I think Silatolu's development from year 1 to 2 will make Gross serviceable for at least this upcoming year. The weak link with Kalil in the line up is Hangartner. Cameron Newton is this franchise's most valuable asset and he needs to be protected at all times. I believe we address the right guard position in the second or fourth round this year and he will be an instant plug and play starting guard.
  

• Charles Godfrey is decent but frequently overrated by this fan base. He is consistently ranked among the lowest safeties in the league come season's end by Pro Football Focus. DJ Campbell looks to be a smart player and he played well down the stretch after Godfrey moved to to FS and he took over at SS. However, if the reports that Barron was #1 on our board before selecting Kuechly last year are true, Rivera and his staff believe that safety is a major need and I don't think he saw anything this season that would make him change his mind.
  

• Cam Newton. When he has time in the pocket and can set his feet he is as accurate as anyone. With another off-season and plenty of reps, I think Cam takes his passing to the next level and we see steady improvement in his short and intermediate routes. Ultimately Cam has the ability to make our receivers look better than they are if he can stay upright and move up in the pocket. Cam was hit more than any QB in the game last season and his protection will go a long way towards making this group of wide receivers better than they may actually be.
  

In essence, I do not think we will be selecting a WR with either of our first two picks this upcoming draft. The Carolina Panthers have too many other significant needs that need to be addressed while our receivers are sorted out in camp and throughout the season. By selecting a DT, CB/S, G with our first three picks, we likely get instant starters in all three of those positions which in turn would have a much bigger impact on the team's overall success than finding a receiver to be in the mix catching balls along with 10 others. If I was a betting man, I'd say the draft looked something like this by position for the Panthers when all said and done:

Round 1: DT

Round 2: Safety

Round 4: Guard

(Most Likely)

or

Round 1: CB

Round 2: Guard

Round 4: DT/S

or

Round 1: Guard

Round 2: DT

Round 4: CB/S

Honestly I think it is the Panther's best interest is to trade down from 14 into the mid-twenties and pick up a third. If we were to select guard, safety, defensive tackle, and corner in no particular order with our first 4 selections...I think it's not too unrealistic to expect all four of them to start.

[Bwood]

It's almost not even worth discussing until we see what happens with free agency.

The only receiver I would want in the first would be Patterson, and the only one I'd want in the second is Patton. Otherwise you're just bringing in potential #2 receivers.

[stirs]

I like the thinking here.

But you know the Huddle. As soon as some WR runs a 4.39 at the combine, then the whole draft section and every mock will have the guy. No matter that Cam is on his back and can't get the ball to the speedster.

If we could get the 2nd best OT this draft, I would take him, otherwise my list would be similar.

OT

DT

G

CB

S

Obviously, love a trade down, but I say that each year

[C47]

It's almost not even worth discussing until we see what happens with free agency.

The only receiver I would want in the first would be Patterson, and the only one I'd want in the second is Patton. Otherwise you're just bringing in potential #2 receivers.

I'm not sure about that last part. I think Keenan Allen, Robert Woods and Terrence Williams will all be #1 receivers when all is said and done. Marquise Goodwin and DeAndre Hopkins are fringe guys who could make that leap to a #1 play maker, just not completely sold on them yet....

[Bwood]

I like the thinking here.

But you know the Huddle. As soon as some WR runs a 4.39 at the combine, then the whole draft section and every mock will have the guy. No matter that Cam is on his back and can't get the ball to the speedster.

Oh yeah because how many times does this happen??

DT is the position that everyone on here gets a boner for. If a dude benches 40 times and runs well, every single mock will have him in it.

Just like Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers last season.

So yeah, you have it completely ass backwards. Think before you post.

[Bwood]

I'm not sure about that last part. I think Keenan Allen, Robert Woods and Terrence Williams will all be #1 receivers when all is said and done. Marquise Goodwin is a fringe guy who could make that leap to a #1 play maker, just not completely sold on him yet....

I think you're using the title #1 a little loosely there.

When does the draft ever produce that many #1 receivers? I'm talking about #1 receivers too,

AJ Green

Calvin Johnson

Andre Johnson

Julio Jones

Dez Bryant

Anquan Boldin

Those are #1 receivers.

[stirs]

Oh yeah because how many times does this happen??

DT is the position that everyone on here gets a boner for. If a dude benches 40 times and runs well, every single mock will have him in it.

Just like Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers last season.

So yeah, you have it completely ass backwards. Think before you post.

Yeah, once again you are acting like the all knowing draft Nazi. I am sure we will come to you to get your approval before posting. Hold your breath.

[Bwood]

Yeah, once again you are acting like the all knowing draft Nazi. I am sure we will come to you to get your approval before posting. Hold your breath.

Holy shitt dude just take your correction like a big boy. if you say something stupid or ignorant without thinking, you're going to get corrected.

Every damn time someone says something stupid on here and I catch it, they automatically take the "oh what are you a draft expert?!" Escape route, like you just did.

[Bwood]

Classic huddle lol

[C47]

I think you're using the title #1 a little loosely there.

When does the draft ever produce that many #1 receivers? I'm talking about #1 receivers too,

AJ Green

Calvin Johnson

Andre Johnson

Julio Jones

Dez Bryant

Anquan Boldin

Those are #1 receivers.

You have to look at certain guys differently though. A guy like Randall Cobb is the number one playmaker on his team, but because of the QB receives less balls then a typical "#1". Put him on a team like Carolina, San Diego, NYJ and he's probably catching 100 or more balls next season.

Also I see those names and raise you....

Torrey Smith (yes Baltimore has two #1 level WRS)

Demaryius Thomas (though you could argue his production was QB related)

Mike Wallace

Hakeem Nicks

Brandon Marshall

Dwayne Bowe

So there's more #1 guys in the NFL then what you're saying. So yea I think Woods, Williams, and Allen CAN have that same kind of effect on an offense. Woods may not be the fastest guy at the combine, but his footwork and route running is so good that he's able to create separation without having elite speed. Williams is a long guy with game breaker speed, and Allen is an excellent route runner, with exceptional hands. Those are the kind of skills you have to possess to be a #1. Anquan isn't the fastest or most elusive guy in the world, in fact he's far from it. What he does have though is exceptional hands and great route running. You hardly ever see Boldin run away from someone, but he gets open because of his great routes. That's something Woods and Allen can do for sure. Williams can just run by people, and has the size to shield defenders....

[Bwood]

You have to look at certain guys differently though. A guy like Randall Cobb is the number one playmaker on his team, but because of the QB receives less balls then a typical "#1". Put him on a team like Carolina, San Diego, NYJ and he's probably catching 100 or more balls next season.

Also I see those names and raise you....

Torrey Smith (yes Baltimore has two #1 level WRS)

Demaryius Thomas (though you could argue his production was QB related)

Mike Wallace

Hakeem Nicks

Brandon Marshall

Dwayne Bowe

So there's more #1 guys in the NFL then what you're saying. So yea I think Woods, Williams, and Allen CAN have that same kind of effect on an offense. Woods may not be the fastest guy at the combine, but his footwork and route running is so good that he's able to create separation without having elite speed. Williams is a long guy with game breaker speed, and Allen is an excellent route runner, with exceptional hands. Those are the kind of skills you have to possess to be a #1. Anquan isn't the fastest or most elusive guy in the world, in fact he's far from it. What he does have though is exceptional hands and great route running. You hardly ever see Boldin run away from someone, but he gets open because of his great routes. That's something Woods and Allen can do for sure. Williams can just run by people, and has the size to shield defenders....

I think you're missing my point. I'm saying that there aren't that many number one receivers in the draft, especially this season. There's about one every season. And I didn't forget about those guys listed, I just was going to sit and list every #1 receiver.

Patterson and Patton are the only ones I really see being #1 receivers from this class.

You're definitely overrating Woods too, but I get that you're a SC fan. He's nothing more than a career slot receiver.

[C47]

I think you're missing my point. I'm saying that there aren't that many number one receivers in the draft, especially this season. There's about one every season. And I didn't forget about those guys listed, I just was going to sit and list every #1 receiver.

Patterson and Patton are the only ones I really see being #1 receivers from this class.

You're definitely overrating Woods too, but I get that you're a SC fan. He's nothing more than a career slot receiver.

You couldn't be more wrong on this. Woods has been hampered by a lingering ankle injury since the end of his Freshman year. He's going to be a huge steal for a team in the second. His work ethic, and route running are second to none in this draft....

[Pejorative Miscreant]

DT is the position that everyone on here gets a boner for. If a dude benches 40 times and runs well, every single mock will have him in it.

I partially agree with this. A lot of mocks on here have DT's there already but I don't see people gushing over these guys (yet). There just seems to be more value in picking a DT @14 vs. any other perceived position of need (WR, OT, etc...)

[Bwood]

You couldn't be more wrong on this. Woods has been hampered by a lingering ankle injury since the end of his Freshman year. He's going to be a huge steal for a team in the second. His work ethic, and route running are second to none in this draft....

Like I said, you're an SC fan so obviously this is going to be your opinion and nothing will change it, so it's a waste of time.

Who was the last USC receiver to turn into a #1? Go ahead ill wait.

Like I said, woods will be lucky to even play slot for more than 5 years. You can quote that.