Scheme versus Talent! A new draft gameshow!

[d-dave]

OK, not really.  At all.

 

But something fun to talk about (debate or flame each other), is the role of scheme when evaluating players.  I've been reading up on the draft to help salve my bitterness over the end of our season, and there are so many interesting reads about players, systems, opinions, ect.  It got me thinking about how and why certain players would be successful for us.

 

So let's talk.  We have more than enough football acumen as armchair QBs/GMs/Coaches so this aught to be fun.

 

I'll go first with wide receivers, because I've been thinking about how awesome it would be for Cam to sling rockets to some of these guys coming out.

 

A first note is to really think about what we ask our WRs to do (Scheme!).

1.  You have to be willing to block.  For Cam, RBs, and guys who make a catch.  Therefore the Panthers need to find WRs who don't mind getting physical.

2.  You have to be a good route runner.  Shula-ball this year was more about control than the free wheeling, everyone go for broke days of Chud-ball.  I didn't see as many "long" routes (then again admittedly my watching was limited by desire to see us win, see superstitions).  Since Smith's YPC was way lower than his career mark, I'm going to assume that despite the long plays of Ginn, or LaFell's 90 yarder, most of our passing plays were short to intermediate.  Therefore someone who can run routes really well should be high on our list.

3.  Catch in traffic.  I think we've seen a lot that we will attack the middle of the field with crossing routes.  Going with the blocker, it'd be great to find guys who can attack the middle of the field fearlessly.  With the NFCS getting better, and more physical, you're going to get popped down there, but that's where there will be some open passes, especially if the Bucs go Tampa 2 again.

4.  Excellent hands - well...you got to be able to catch with your hands, occasionally make some crazy, sportscenter grab because Cam will hit you high.  This kind of goes without saying?

5.  No diva attitude.  Since 89 kind of left the diva boat by in large (not completely!), can we handle a prima dona a la Terrell Owens in his prime?  Sometimes these types make hall of fame careers (Mike Irvin?), but will that work on Cam's team?

 

So now the fun debate.  There have been some fans calling for a Julio Jones type trade to get Sammy Watkins.  He's so very good.  I did watch the Orange Bowl and he was nearly uncoverable because he's so freakishly good.  Oh, and he's a great athlete too!  Then there is Mike Evans, the big monster who caught all the improv balls from Manzel at A&M.  He's almost big enough to scare safeties away.  Frankly, I wouldn't want anger him for fear he might consume me...  

 

Which is better for us?  Sammy makes his QBs instantly better, and I think he very well could be worth the move.  He's one who can make something out of nothing, a la mid 00's Steve Smith.  But he'll be a top 5-10 selection.  If we stay where we are, Evans may not fall, but if he did, he would be an excellent addition as well.  Going down to Benjamin out of FSU, he's not as polished as many other guys in the draft, but he's got some magic to his game.  

 

What say you draftnics?  Based on what we're running this year, who fits best?  Who can we reasonably get 1st?  2nd?  3rd?  Y'all know a lot more than I do!  I thought this might be an interesting mental exercise as we wait for the football summer to roll around.

[carolina-chuck]

Both.

 

High balls: Mike Evans

 

Deep balls: Sammy Watkins

[MichaelNewtonII]

If we had watkins and kelvin benjamin omg

[Falcons1stPanthers2nd]

Watkins is not making it past the rams at 13 in any situation. I thinkthey trade up for him tbh.