Panthers meeting with Brandin Cooks

[MadHatter]

Who said KB can't run the route tree? You don't think he could contribute right away? I do, instantly becomes out top Red Zone threat.

 

Go watch tape on him....he is very raw.  He has trememdous upside, but will likely to time to learn the nuances of the game.

 

I expect Gettleman to take a more plug and play WR (Evans or Matthews) over a raw prospect like Benjamin.

[Jackofalltrades]

Go watch tape on him....he is very raw. He has trememdous upside, but will likely to time to learn the nuances of the game.

I expect Gettleman to take a more plug and play WR (Evans or Matthews) over a raw prospect like Benjamin.

I agree he's raw, but that doesn't mean he can't run the route tree. They used him as a big, deep threat and comebacks, flags and things like that aren't going to be his bread and butter. Not to mention his "tape" is a highlight reel which shows a fraction of what he did- unless you have full game coaches film.

IMO, he's one of the few prospects in this draft that has a chance to be elite. It's going to take work, but I think he's an immediate upgrade from Day 1 even if all he can do is run far and get a jump ball. Get a more refined guy in the second or third. I also don't think we can forget the impact a guy like Cotchery will have on him.

I like about all the WR's in this draft, but KB has the 3rd highest ceiling IMO.

[Woodie]

I agree he's raw, but that doesn't mean he can't run the route tree. They used him as a big, deep threat and comebacks, flags and things like that aren't going to be his bread and butter. Not to mention his "tape" is a highlight reel which shows a fraction of what he did- unless you have full game coaches film.

IMO, he's one of the few prospects in this draft that has a chance to be elite. It's going to take work, but I think he's an immediate upgrade from Day 1 even if all he can do is run far and get a jump ball. Get a more refined guy in the second or third. I also don't think we can forget the impact a guy like Cotchery will have on him.

I like about all the WR's in this draft, but KB has the 3rd highest ceiling IMO.

 

I think the defining factor with Benjamin is how hard will he work at his craft.  While that can be said of every prospect, I think it's even more salient with a somewhat raw player like Benjamin.  Right now he is limited in what he can do, but as you said, he has the potential to be elite.  So, if we truly believe he truly wants to be great and is willing to put in the time and effort to reach his potential, then I think he will be a good pick.  But if there is even the smallest inkling that he he'll be satisfied just being a good red zone threat, then I hope we pass.  And reports that he didn't work as hard as he could have until this last year at FSU does give me concern about how badly he wants it...although I concede that could just be a matter of maturing and learning how to work hard. 

 

And to be honest, I don't see Benjamin as strictly a WR in the traditional sense.  I see him as a true hybrid WR/TE.  We hear a lot about the current trend of TE's that are somewhat hybrids, but all of them are TE's at their core.  Benjamin, IMO, has the size and physicality to play a similar role as a TE, but is a WR at his core.  That gives him a unique skill set that can make him a significant mismatch for defenses.  But this again goes back to how badly he wants it.  If he is truly passionate and has the desire and determination to be great, he will be.  But if not...he'll be a bigger Dwayne Jarrett.

[Jackofalltrades]

Agree with everything you said. Hardy was known as a guy with a questionable work ethic and that was one of the reasons he fell so far, but my understanding is he's one of the hardest working guys in the organization. Then you have the likes of Dwayne Jarrett.

[Razeyfingers]

I don't think his film looks that great to be honest compared to some other receivers coming out this year....but he is super fast.  

 

IGettleman said "big men win games."   Benjamin fits that mold, and he also offers a skill set none of our other receivers do.

 

I noticed that when I watched his games when I first heard about him before the draft hoopla. All I can say is, maybe the playbook was just written that way. What you dont see is him dropping a lot of opportunities. What you do see is him making a LOT out of the opportunities he does get.

[DaCityKats]

Kelvin is not as raw as some you think. he did come from a complex pro system that Jimbo has in place at FSU. i have seen him run many different types of routes on every level.

 

but back to Cooks, his film/ cut ups are some of the best i have seen. especially if the panthers continue to run the read option packages, he is another weapon that can become a option on those plays. again, the team ran option plays with LaFell as the pitch guy, now imagine Cooks getting that same pitch. hell imagine them running a jet sweep in goal line situation.

 

another thing with Cooks is, although he is not that big he caught like 25% of his TDs in the red zone. thats pretty damn good for a 5'10 WR.

[TheMaulClaw]

I noticed that when I watched his games when I first heard about him before the draft hoopla. All I can say is, maybe the playbook was just written that way. What you dont see is him dropping a lot of opportunities. What you do see is him making a LOT out of the opportunities he does get.

 

I think he's a good player.  I wouldn't necessarily be upset if that's the direction the FO wanted to go....they know more then I do.  Just from the limited plays I've seen from him.....he appeared to go down pretty easy after first contact.  Also seemed to avoid contact by running out a bounds a lot. 

 

In terms of skill set I think Benjamin might be a better fit for us.  He offers us something we don't have.  Between Underwood, Cotchery, and Barner coming out of the back field....the slot is pretty much covered, which would be where Cooks is projected to be the most effective.  Benjamin can win jump balls, has good hands, will be great in the redzone, and can probably become a feared blocker.

[davos]

yay we're drafting cooks

[Razeyfingers]

I think he's a good player.  I wouldn't necessarily be upset if that's the direction the FO wanted to go....they know more then I do.  Just from the limited plays I've seen from him.....he appeared to go down pretty easy after first contact.  Also seemed to avoid contact by running out a bounds a lot. 

 

In terms of skill set I think Benjamin might be a better fit for us.  He offers us something we don't have.  Between Underwood, Cotchery, and Barner coming out of the back field....the slot is pretty much covered, which would be where Cooks is projected to be the most effective.  Benjamin can win jump balls, has good hands, will be great in the redzone, and can probably become a feared blocker.

 

I cant disagree with any of that. Im ready to see who they roll the dice on. I hope Shula will use him effectively.

[jarhead]

Happy

Chuck is celebrating below.

 

[NFLFangirl19]

Benjamin has the athletic build to be one the best in the game. But, he lacks speed & displays butter fingers too often.

Cooks has the speed & great hands but lacks size.

Jordan Matthews has it ALL imo. I say if he's there @ 28, TAKE HIM. But if only Benjamin & Cooks are there to choose from then I'd have to go with......................still deciding.

[Jackofalltrades]

Benjamin has the athletic build to be one the best in the game. But, he lacks speed & displays butter fingers too often.

Cooks has the speed & great hands but lacks size.

Jordan Matthews has it ALL imo. I say if he's there @ 28, TAKE HIM. But if only Benjamin & Cooks are there to choose from then I'd have to go with......................still deciding.

Benjamin's speed is more than adequate when you consider his size and athleticism, so that doesn't concern me. What does concern me is his focus drops and route running, however both can be taught and refined.

As much as I like Matthews I still can't see him as the better overall prospect compared to Benjamin because KB has such a high ceiling. Matthews would be the safer, less dynamic pick, IMO.

Dez Bryant ran a 4.51

Brandon Marshall at 4.52

Kelvin Benjamin at 4.52

[*FreeFua*]

Benjamin's game speed is alot different than his combine speed indicates

[LinvilleGorge]

There are a number of WRs who I wouldn't be upset about in the 1st and/or 2nd round.

 

I think we're making a pretty big mistake if we don't grab two WRs in this draft.