SB Nation User Blog: Jaxon

Panther Paw Prints - Early July Edition

Jaxon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:44 -0000

With little news coming forth I have a short addition of Paw Prints for you this week and then a bit of commentary on blogging to follow that I think you will find interesting.

Lets start with a unknown rookie OT who has at least one fan in the area, Panther LT Jordan Gross:

Rookie OT Patrick Brown picks his spot
"We have the same agent (Ethan Lock) and he told me to take care of him (Brown) because he’s a guy with kind of a similar story to my own," Gross said. "I think he's definitely got potential. His head’s still spinning a little bit – as it is for all the rookies – but I’ve definitely been impressed with what I’ve seen so far."

Let's hope Gross' impressions are correct. Besides, I don't think Geoff Schwartz has the back-up job at tackle nailed down at all.

I always tell people coming to the Carolinas from the north that the heat and humidity takes some getting used to:

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
I knew Juergens might be a short-timer here during OTAs. We spoke one afternoon walking off the practice field, when he was dripping with sweat and I wasn't far behind. Having been raised in Denver and playing his college ball at Wyoming, he wasn't accustomed to the heat and humidity, and couldn't believe Spartanburg was more damp, once I told him where Spartanburg was. "I can't imagine it being much worse than this," he said

So another snowbird melts in the summer heat!

That's all the Panther posts I could find worth discussing this week. To follow is a topic I've been wanting to post on but didn't feel it was worthy of a separate story. It is essentially the bloggers role in sports as compared to traditional media, that it can be a double edged sword as far as gaining acceptance. You may have seen similar discussions on other sites in this regard, most recently on Canal Street Chronicles and user Stugo4 which you can piece together the story starting here.

The issue is whether you want your favorite Panther blog to have access to locker rooms and sidelines and report similar to what traditional media does. OR...do you want objective opinions? The premise is that by gaining the access via club permission you in essence are checking your credibility at the door. I have to admit that if I was in the locker room talking to players and had hopes of doing it regularly that I would certainly be more careful in how critical of was of that player. Seriously, I admit I'm less likely to clamor for Na'il Diggs benching if I think Diggs might corner me in the locker room next Sunday wanting an explanation as to what was said on my blog. You think I'm being silly? Go to TC in August and when one of the guys is signing autographs by the fence after a hot practice ask him a critical question and see how it goes over."Hey Diggs, how come that rookie FB got the best of you on that 3rd down play? Better tighten up!" They can be pretty darn intimidating even when they are not trying to be. A probably better example is questioning free agent signings and draft pick strategy. If Panther management should take offense you might be on the outside looking in and I wonder if that is a Pandora's Box I do not want to open. Once getting locked out it would be hard to recover from that.

So you can see why I might be reluctant to wish for access like the Darin Gannt's and Steve Reeds. You will notice those guys are not as critical of the players or management as we can get on this site. Fortunately I can't get anyone with the Panthers to respond to my requests for access so I guess I'm kind of safe. Don't get me wrong, if I was granted access I would take it without thinking, at least once. I think I would take the 'fly on the wall' approach at first, just watch, listen and take mental notes. There is also the whole 'team secrets' thing that the team will most certainly be concerned about but I would have no problem not divulging specific plays and the such. Even with some stringent rules I think i could operate effectively in the locker room and on the sideline but without having to stick a mic in a players face and try to come up with some electrifying question. Yet I cannot say that it would not impact how I report what heard and saw while there for fear of losing the access.

So I guess in summary what I'm asking my readers is that if I should somehow start to get this type of access do you think it would affect my credibility with the readers of this site? I do admit I would probably be more careful with my words regarding players and management but I don't think I would become a 'tool' of the team like many people suggest. Do bloggers really need an arms distance from the team they are covering to remain objective? Try to put yourself in our shoes. I look forward to your comments.

Saints Sign Former Panther Long Snapper

Jaxon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:04:32 -0000

Saints Sign Former Panther Long Snapper

Since you guys seem a little slow around here I thought I would help you out, you signed our FA long snapper. That's okay though.
We secretly inserted a microchip in his brain so when you line up for a kick against the Panthers and ...Zaaapppp! Boink! High snap over the holder!

Is Peppers Return to Panthers His Worst Case Scenario?

Jaxon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:02:30 -0000

With the rumor that the Panthers are working on a long-term deal with DE Julius Peppers I can’t help but wonder why did we have to take such an exhaustive path just to get to the same place we were a year ago? It was this time last year that Peppers rejected a long-term deal from the only team he has known though it wasn’t considered a big deal at the time. I assumed it was simply posturing for a better deal. Based on Peppers subsequent statements after the 2008 season I believed him that it wasn’t about the money, that he really wanted a change of scenery, that he wanted a new defensive coaching staff and that he wants to realize his potential. Now I’m wondering if it really wasn’t all about the money.

For Peppers to change his scenery it was not only going to cost another team a ton of money but also several high draft picks. The jury is back and the verdict is in and Pep has essentially been sentenced to Charlotte for another year. Not a single team on his preferred list cared about being on the list. I bet not a single NFL team would have been willing to pay Peppers price, except the Panthers. So the pendulum swings.

The Panthers in the meanwhile changed the defensive coaching staff. They ditched the older white guys (Trgovac, Sunseri) for some high energy black guys (Meeks, Baker). I only mention their race because it may improve Pep’s relationship with the team if he instead works with some guys who can relate to him better. There is still the opportunity for a personality clash with Baker or Meeks but I’m thinking the chances are these guys get along famously. My money is that the "I need a better scheme" argument goes away by the end of the preseason.

So that leaves us with the "reaching his potential" argument. I think one side of that equation is solved with the new staff. The other side has to come from Peppers himself. Without going all Dr. Phil on you I think the Panthers have done their part in removing any excuses Pep may have been using for his lack of potential realization. Maybe the expectations are too high one might argue? Outside of a certain vocal segment, most fans are happy to have Peppers back (82% per my recent poll). So it really boils down to his own expectations of himself which only he can solve. Going to another team would not have solved that problem, which he would have quickly realized.

Finally I find myself referring to my Open Letter to Peppers back on April 2^nd where I laid out what I thought Pep would need to do to properly rejoin the Panther family if his big plans got muffed. Turns out I was pretty close:

So if you still insist on this course of action then all I ask of you on behalf of my fellow fans is two things. First, if you are still a Panther after the draft that you sign a 2 or 3 year deal of mostly guaranteed money that allows the Panthers some cap space. By not being traded it shows that you are either not the hot commodity you thought you were or your agent is a dolt who should be fired. Maybe he can work the deal he should have told you to sign last year.

Second, that you start a conciliatory tone with the team and fans in order to minimize the sure distraction this whole event will cause on the team...and you know...not cripple us through the entire season. If you come back and have a big year and then get traded next offseason it will be easier to swallow.

So in my view what may have been a worst case scenario for Peppers a year ago will in fact be the best that could have happened. If he ends up with more money he can thank Albert Haynesworth and his phat Redskins deal. He can thank John Fox for bringing in talented replacements for the departed defensive coaches. He can thank a forgiving fan base that will welcome him back in spite of his dividing comments. He can thank his agent Carl Carey for...all that positive publicity? (Ha!) Finally with regards to realizing his awesome potential...well that part is up to him.

SBN New NC State Blog

Jaxon — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:34:19 -0000

SBN New NC State Blog

I know we have a lot of Wolfpack fans on this blog so I thought I would put up a link to our new Wolfpack blog.

DT Lonnie Harvey Pro Day video. The Part where he throws up his arm and spins while running is...

Jaxon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:03:15 -0000

DT Lonnie Harvey Pro Day video.

The Part where he throws up his arm and spins while running is slightly amusing. This is one big man

A Look Around the NFC South Blogs

Jaxon — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:18:31 -0000

I thought I would check in our NFC South bretheren blogs to see what they are talking about that might interest Panther fans. So here it goes:

Atlanta Falcon Position Battles: The Cornerbacks - The Falcoholic
This time we're going to look at perhaps the most wide open position on the entire roster. Last time we did this little exercise, William "C4" Moore ran away with the strong safety crown. Because there's so many more options at cornerback, I imagine the vote is going to go a little differently. Basically, the top four vote getters are going to be our top four corners going into the season, with the top two being assumed as our starters. Make that vote count!

They are all competing to see who gets the honor of being torched by Steve Smith in 2009.

Meet A New Atlanta Falcon: S William Moore - The Falcoholic
Role: I'd frankly be surprised if Moore wasn't bringing his tlaent to bear on some unfortunate souls from the start of the season. The Falcons didn't pick him up to sit unless he performs at a level significantly below Thomas DeCoud this summer, and he's such a force against the run already that he makes sense at strong safety. I fully expect him to get a ton of snaps and potentially factor in on special teams, if Mike Smith is willing to get him on the field for that as well. I see a very bright future for Moore, who could be a decade-long starter in the NFL if he steers clear of injury.

If DeCoud is so good then why did they draft Moore?

The Falcoholic - Falcons Have Now Signed 5 of 8 Draft Picks
"The Atlanta Falcons today signed sixth round draft pick linebacker Spencer Adkins. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Adkins, 5-11, 246 pounds, totaled 72 tackles (42 solo), 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception in 31 career games at the University of Miami (Fla.). Last season, he set career highs in tackles for loss (six) and sacks (four) while contributing with 17 stops. The Falcons have now signed five of the eight 2009 Draft selections, which include: cornerback Christopher Owens (third round), cornerback William Middleton (fifth round), offensive tackle Garrett Reynolds (fifth round), Adkins (sixth round) and defensive tackle Vance Walker (seventh round)."

Looks like there is a lot of fresh meat in the Falcons defensive backfield.

Can the Saints Maintain their Offensive Fire Power While Simultaneously Improving their Defense? - Canal Street Chronicles
He noted that during offense vs. defense drills it was the offense that initially got the better of their defensive counterpart until Williams and his unit began making plays and challenging Drew Brees and company. This led me to wonder if an improved defense might actually help push the Saints offense to improve as well and not become complacent. After all, if the Saints managed to put together the best offense in the league while practicing against one of the worst defenses in the league on a daily basis, just think what they can accomplish now facing a decent defense every day.

If that logic holds, would a defense that constantly practices against a top offense benefit from that somehow? I guess the logic does not hold.

Meachem's Last Stand - Canal Street Chronicles
Originally I had planned to write some long, well-researched, inspirational post filled with facts, numbers and references that would astound the mind and boggle your brain. But I just didn't know how to work it all out and I just wasn't really feeling it. I've since come to learn that I'm pretty apathetic toward Robert Meachem. I've also come to realize that we don't really need any facts and figures to discuss this topic. There is only one factoidal truth worthy of note regarding this matter: Meachem has been a disappointment thus far given his first round pick status.

It looks like the Saints are not the only team waiting for a highly drafted WR to make an impact. I'm sure you know who I am referring to (Okay, since some slow Saints fans might be reading this: Dwayne Jarrett)

Plot to take over Da Chronic enters its final phase - Canal Street Chronicles
Now, from my secret lair in the Old City Ice House, I am prepared to take over Canal Street Chronicles for good...or evil, as the case may be. Because once the power of the Blogosphere is in my hands, I will inaugurate a little war. In a matter of hours, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo will have annihilated each other. We shall see a new power dominating the world!

Congrats to MtnExile on taking over the Lead Blogger role over at Canal Street Chronicles.

Sears Non-Starter - Buc 'Em
In a somewhat surprising release of information, it appears as if Arron Sears has lost his starting job. As you may or may not know, Sears has been inactive in the offseason due to some apparent concussion issues, either from 2008 or offseason work. The team, and Sears have maintained silence on this issue, calling it a personal matter. Apparently, Sears wasn't excused from minicamp, and as a result of not being there, a formal change in the depth chart has been made with Zuttah now occupying the starting left guard spot. Morris is quoted as saying about Zuttah.

I would like to think this helps the Panthers but Zuttah is a good player so I bet its a wash.

By the Numbers - Rehashing the 2008 Defense - Buc 'Em
We'll start by looking at the Buc's defense in relation to passing yards per game, rushing yards per game, yards per passing attempt and yards per carry. This will give us an idea game by game if the Bucs were wearing down towards the end of the season. We will also look at the Buc's per game average and year averages vs the league average. Finally, we'll look at the same numbers from the first 12 games as compared to the last 4 games, those in which the Bucs were panned for giving out.

What jumps out at me is that 299 yards rushing the Panthers hung on the Bucs during that Monday Night game! That is one stat that never gets old or loses its relevance.

Buc 'Em - Another Smith That Can Return Kicks
There's no doubt that Clifton Smith provided one of the feel good stories of the 2008 NFL season for Buc's fans. An undrafted free agent, he was largely expected to be just another NFL body. After all, we had drafted return man extraordinaire Dexter Jackson in the 2nd round to take care of the return game. To avoid any hyperbole and avoid a story we all know too well, Jackson didn't exactly pan out in year 1. Clifton Smith soon won the job and by the end of the year, was lounging in Hawaii on the NFC Pro Bowl Roster. He provided a spark to our return game and cemented the job as our punt/kick return man.

Clifton Smith did have a surprising year returning the ball. Might the Panthers find a similar gem in their bevy of UDFA kick returners in camp?

Panther Paw Prints: Peppers Signing Edition

Jaxon — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:16:20 -0000

This edition of Paw Prints leads off with an NFL.com piece that digs into the Julius Peppers signing and potential long term deal that might be brewing.

NFL.com Blogs " Blog Archive Julius Peppers and franchise-tag economics "
Carolina GM Marty Hurney told the team’s website on Wednesday that the Panthers would not rule out putting the franchise tag on Peppers again in 2010 if need be, which, as we went over, would amount to a possible $40 million commitment over two years. When you look at it from the perspective of which way you want that $40 million sliced up, it would behoove the team from a cap standpoint to have it come from a long-term deal. And for Peppers, obviously, in a sport as violent as this, you’d rather have the $40 million guaranteed in the present rather than play for $17 million this season and risk getting hurt badly and never getting that second franchise-tag payday.

It's hard to fathom they would franchise him yet again but they seem pretty determined. Earlier in this post another interesting tidbit is a rumor the Panthers are close to signing DE Everette Brown. Usually the Panthers ink the lower rounds picks first before solidifying the big dollar ones. I imagine the lack of cap room is driving the priorities.

Inside the Panthers: Delhomme, Beason: Welcome back, Julius
"Not surprised at all about Julius," quarterback Jake Delhomme said by text message about the news that Peppers had signed a one-year tender with the team on Wednesday. "All of us will be elated he will be present on the first day of camp." Linebacker Jon Beason writes on his blog that he feels the same way: "We’re glad to have JP back and I think he’s happy, too. In some ways that’s the way I expected the procedure to unfold.

It seems us fans are not the only ones happy Pep has finally singed to play in 2009. The fact Delhomme and Beason are the first two players to respond should not be lost on you. These are the self-appointed leaders of this team and its a role that doesn't stop when the season is over. It's very safe to say the defense leader mantle has sucessfully transferred from Mike Minter to Jon Beason.

Team Reports | NFL at CBSSports.com
The Panthers are moving Sherrod Martin, a safety at Troy, to cornerback and so far the transition seems to be going well. Coaches have been impressed with Martin's athleticism. He's viewed as the team's potential nickel back. "I think I'm adapting pretty good," Martin said. "I can always get better. Right now I have to focus on the little things at cornerback. Right now it's fundamentals and techniques for me to help me on down the line. I have to be like a detective out there -- every little thing counts."

So is Martin slated for the nickel spot or not? The previous rumor had Marshall moving inside to the nickel in these situations which seems a little unorthodox. I imagine they would prefer him to earn the nickel spot rather than just being a special-teamer in '09. This is definitely one of the position battles to watch.

Team Reports | NFL at CBSSports.com
OFFSEASON STANDOUT TE Gary Barnidge was a standout during OTAs with backup TE Dante Rosario nursing a back injury. Jeff King is still the starting tight end in Carolina because of his versatility as a run-blocker and a receiver. However, the Panthers believe Barnidge is a guy who can help stretch the middle of the field.

Seems I heard this somewhere else but its worth mentioning given the need for another play-maker in the passing game. Last years rookie class is looking like one of the better ones in Panther history. All 9 players are not only still on the roster but might all receive playing time in 2009.

Scott Says ...: A Double Trouble prediction
Stewart also said Tuesday that he believed he and Williams could be even better this season. "I don’t see why we should lower our expectations from last year," Stewart said. "I think me and DeAngelo are capable of more."

Topping 30 TD's total seems unlikely given the schedule but we might be on the cusp on witnessing the most lethal Panther rushing attack in ~~team~~ NFL history. We have the o-line and RBs to get it done.

Carolina waives former Hillcrest star | TuscaloosaNews.com | The Tuscaloosa News | Tuscaloosa, AL
Markus Manson, a former Hillcrest High School running back, was waived by the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. The 6-foot, 209-pound Manson signed as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta (Ga.) State on May 2, according to a report on the NFL team's Web site.

If only I had waited a few days I wouldn't have spent so much time trying to dig up info on Manson for my RB Depth Chart Review. Oh well, good luck to you Manson. The team also waived CB Reggie Sullivan to make room for the Munnerlyn signing.

NFL Picks: 2009 Carolina Panthers Predictions
My Prediction: 1st NFC South (11-5) The schedule is definitely not in the favor of the Panthers this season, as the only team they face in 2009 that didn’t finish above .500 is Buffalo. I still think with a solid a defense and an outstanding rushing attack, the Panthers will repeat in the NFC South, but l think they slip up on the road in the 2nd round or even the NFC Championship game.

Okay, I was really liking this guy until the very last part. Anyone else think playing on the road in the playoffs might be a blessing in disguise?

Top 10 Most Valuable Panthers - Current Team

Jaxon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:19:16 -0000

We seem to be on a run of Top 10 'this' and 'that' recently so I thought I would keep it going with a post I found on MVN. This one is by Greg Trippiedi who appears to actually be a 'Skins fan so I will cut him a break for being so wrong! Greg has listed the Top 10 most valuable Panthers on the current roster. Now he doesn't clarify most valuable in what regard? Such as most valuable fantasy-wise? To winning in 2009? To the team in general or even on the free agent market. So I'm going to critique the list based on who is most important to winning in 2009:

#1: Steve Smith (MVN has at #5)

This is overall a tough decision to make and I know you could argue that we won two games without him last season. But would we really want to try and win without him over 16 games? Without Smith the Panther deep option dries up and teams could stack the box against the run. Smith is also a key playmaker that has pulled Panther wins out of the fire in the past. Without him I would not be so optimistic about 2009.

#2 LT Jordan Gross (MVN has at #1)

With the loss of some kep back-ups on the o-line I have to agree having Gross protect Jake's blind side is key. You could argue that Wharton is a very capable, experienced back-up but I think the pass protection would suffer which is something we do not want to have to worry about.

#3: RB DeAngelo Williams (MVN has at #2)

The only reason Williams is not #1 is because we have a very strong back-up in Jonathan Stewart. I actually wouldn't mind seeing Stewart start a game or two just to see what he can do.Yet in the end the best situation is having both of these guys available with Williams leading it off.

#4: QB Jake Delhomme (MVN did not have in Top 10)

We saw how a season can go without Delhomme in 2007 and it wasn't pretty. You could argue we have a more capable back-up in Josh McCown or Matt Moore but would we really want to find that out? My apologies to the Jake-haters but he is easily my #4 if not higher.

#5 LB Jon Beason (MVN has at #3)

I can agree with the argument that Beason is the heart and soul of the defense and without him we would be a very dead, uninspired bunch. My hope is that Ron Meeks can provide some of that lift as well and given our depth at LB missing Beason might not be so dramatic. Let me clarify though, I certainly don't want to play 2009 without the guy who very soon might be my favorite Panther.

#6: DE Julius Peppers (MVN has at #6)

I'm pretty sure the Panthers were prepared to play in 2009 without Pep but I am glad we won't try. For all the talk about his lack of desire and motivation I still like the idea of every OC on our schedule having to game plan for the 'at times' dominant DE. Without him our pass rush could be questionable at best depending on how the young players develop.

#7: CB Chris Gamble (MVN has at #6)

Gamble is our shut down corner and without him our secondary suddenly becomes very suspect (maybe it already is). With newly promoted starter Richard Marshall on the other side the Panthers need a steady starter against the high-powered passing games the Panthers will face this season.

#8: RT Jeff Otah (MVN did not have in top 10)

Otah is a key to the Panthers stout rushing attack that I expect to be dominant again in 2009. It was apparent our rushing attack suffered to a degree when the big guy was injured those few games as the rookie made a big impression. I'm predicting Otah's value to sky-rocket in 2009 as he mauls his way to future PB consideration.

#9: RB Jonathan Stewart (MVN has at #8)

For the same reasons Williams is on the list the Panther running game will be key to the 2009 season. As good as Williams is the fact Stewart is such a stud himself makes the Panther offense something every defense should worry about in 2009. I imagine a similar list in 2010 would have Stewart much higher after what I am expecting to be a break out season.

#10: K John Kasay (MVN did not have on list)

I know he missed the kick against the Giants but more often than not Kasay will hit those game winning kicks. I would hate to suddenly have to worry about the kicking game in 2009 should Kasay suddenly become unavailable. Finding a clutch kicker is hard to find on the waiver wire so I think Kasay will be key to several wins in 2009 with his steady leg. We might even look back and wonder why he wasn't higher up this list.

There you have it Panther fans. In case you care not to link over to the original post the three players MVN has on the list that I don't are C Ryan Kalil, LB Thomas Davis and CB Richard Marshall. These are all improtant guys but I'm thinking they just missed the list due to depth at the position should they become unavailable.

Recommended

Peppers Signs Panthers Franchise Tender

Jaxon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:13:31 -0000

Here's the news we've been expecting:

The Panthers announced this afternoon that defensive end Julius Peppers has signed his offer sheet and will play for the team this season. A conference call has been scheduled for this afternoon.

Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, told the Observer that : "Julius is more than satisfied with the outcome and is prepared and ready to play football."

We here at CSR are not surpised at this development. I'm glad we are getting this out of the way now. A press conference is scheduled for later today.

Poll

Are you glad Julius Peppers will be playing for the Panthers in 2009?

Panthers Depth Chart Review – RB’s

Jaxon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:07:28 -0000

I decided to go ahead and jump on one of the choice Panther positions for a position review. I say ‘choice’ because the truth is the Panthers have two excellent choices at RB this season. Though I don’t predict a change in the starting lineup I think the moniker ‘Double Trouble’ will be fit even more apply in 2009. Might we even develop ‘triple’ trouble? A look down the RB depth chart might give us an answer. Though it would appear four players are vying for a single 3^rd RB slot more than one of these players might actually make the team. Let’s look at each of them.

DeAngelo Williams – 5’9" 217, 4^th yr, Memphis - Starter

DeAngelo Williams’s stat line for 2008 says it all. 1,515 yards rushing, 20 total TD’s and a 5.5 yards per carry average that led the NFL. Yet my favorite stat from his 2008 season is this: Zero fumbles. You can find plenty of film on him (I’ve embedded one below) and some of the spectacular plays he made since coming to Carolina. Williams averaged around 17 carries per game in 2008 so the only question is whether that number will increase in 2009. I can’t imagine any Panther fan would argue with an increase in that area no matter how good his back-up plays. Otherwise there isn’t much else to say but that he will be the starter at RB come game one and Panther fans will be excited to see what he can do as an encore to 2008.

Jonathan Stewart - 5’10" 235, 2^nd yr, Oregon - Back-up

What a compliment Jonathan Stewart turned out to be for starter Williams. He put up 836 yards rushing, 10 TD’s and a 4.5 yards per carry average. Does anyone fear a drop off when this guy comes in the game? Hardly, we can’t wait to see what this guy will do next either. If only we could get 20 carries a game for both of these RB’s. For his part Stewart averaged over 11 carries per game and I’m sure the Panthers would love to give him more. Just be sure to keep the camera rolling because there will be plenty of highlights to review after the 2009 season.

Mike Goodson – 6’0" 215 lbs, Rookie 4^th round, Texas A&M

Goodson is the latest Panther RB draft pick who will fight for a wide-open 3^rd RB slot with three other players. I have to give Goodson the inside track given the Panthers expended a 4^th round pick on him. Normally you wouldn’t expect more than three RB’s retained but that could change this season. Goodson is also getting a look at the 3^rd WR slot so in the end the Panthers might actually dedicate a WR slot to him and retain an additional RB. I’m not expecting that just stating it’s a possibility. What I am expecting is for Goodson to nail down the 3^rd RB spot. Roster Chance: 90%

Decori Birmingham – 5’10" 210 lbs, 2^nd Year, Arkansas

Though Birmingham is only showing 1 year of NFL experience he has actually gotten a number of looks from teams since the 2005 season and this may be his last shot. I personally thought he looked pretty good in the preseason last season and think he could be a serviceable back-up if called upon. Yet with the drafting of Goodson it doesn’t look good for him as he doesn’t have the versatility Goodson has. I also imagine Birmingham has used up his practice squad eligibility so has to hope he shines enough to get noticed by some team reviewing film if the Panthers decide to pass. Roster Chance: 10%

Jamell Lee – 6’1", 225 lbs, UDFA, Canada

Lee is the pride of British Columbia as being one of the best players to come out of Canada in a while. You can read a piece on him from the Panthers site here as well as watch video highlights I’m pretty sure we’ve already linked on this site before. Lee appears to have decent speed and good field vision that helps him pick his holes. He does seem to run too upright in his pads though and he doesn’t have elite speed or power. Given the depth in front of him Lee’s best chance will be the Panther practice squad which will give him an interesting decision. He could return to Canada and play a staring role in the CFL or will he stay in the US and hope for that NFL opportunity? Practice Squad Chance: 50%

UPDATE: I'm going to leave the breakdown, but Manson has been waived alongside Reggie Sullivan as of 6/24 to make room for the Peppers/Munnerlyn signings.--MAP

Markus Manson – 6’0" 209 lbs, UDFA, Valdosta St.

Manson is a former Florida recruit who didn’t see enough playing time so he transferred north a tad to Valdosta St. He brings blazing speed having run a 4.37 40 coming out of HS. Here’s what little info I could find on him:

One of the top running backs in the deep south after rushing for 1,900 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior. Combines good size with blazing speed.

Here’s what I could find on his reasons for transferring:

An organizational allergy to running backs will do this: Gator running back Markus Manson is, according to one of those great, great sources you can’t mention, is transferring from Florida. Manson is a junior who, mired in the logjam at running back in ‘06 and then mired in the refusal to actually play a running back in ‘07, made an attempt to switch to corner when it became clear he would not see time in the offensive backfield. That didn’t exactly work out, so he’s gone to Valdosta State–again, according to our sources.

Give the amount of speed the Panthers already have at the skill positions its hard to imagine Manson making the roster. If Jamall Lee declines a PS spot then that might open the door for Manson on the PS. Practice Squad Chance: 20%

Update: Some sites have Manson listed as a CB and not RB. He did play both for Florida but it looks like he played RB exclusively his senior year at Valdosta St. Panthers.com has him listed at RB but other sites have him at CB.

2nd Update: Manson was waived on June 25th to make room for DE Julius Peppers who signed his franchise tender.