SB Nation User Blog: LittleKing

Na'il Diggs on misses Julius Peppers: I personally miss the hell out of him because he’s right in f...

LittleKing — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:20:41 -0000

Na'il Diggs on misses Julius Peppers:
I personally miss the hell out of him because he’s right in front of me and he cause havoc and cleans things up in front for me.

ProFootballTalk.com

Panthers 2009 Draft Pick #217: Captain Munnerlyn

LittleKing — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:56:00 -0000

Captain Munnerlyn

Finally we have the last of our draft picks, Captain Munnerlyn (from here on out refered to as "The Captain"). I want him to make the team just based on his name, but alas its about talent and numbers. He's a 5' 9" 182 lb cornerback from the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Upside: B

While he played mostly zone in college, The Captain has shown flashes of being a cover corner. He's can break on the ball and get's he hand between the ball and receiver and has the natural ability NFL teams looks for in a player. Was a solid corner for the Gamecocks and during his college career was named All-Southeastern Conference first-team by the league's coaches. He has punt and kick return experience and will probably be considered for this role as well, although is down the depth chart.

Downside: C-

While The Captain has the natural talent to play, it also may be his downfall in the NFL as he could rely to much on his abilities. He's also on the shorter side for a NFL corner, yet this could be an overrated negative. His on the field effort have also been called into question by Coach Steve Spurrier and was benched a game for missing a team meeting. Some also question his durability in missing at least one game each season.

Fit: C-

While he is a 7th round pick and isn't projected to make a starting line up, he could be be a surprise down the road. In addition, although he is on the shorter side, his strengths seem to play into Ron Meeks mold. However, there is no guarantee he will make the roster and he's just as likely to be practice squad player. Yet, with uncertainty at cornerback depth his chances are as good as any other CB currently on the roster. As with most backups on the roster his greatest chance to make the team is via special teams. Also, he will need to make sure he's mentally prepared for the NFL as missing meetings and lack of effort is a quickest way to the door. The Captain was a rising CB before this last year and thus the jury is still out on how he will make the transition. He could become a star, a dud, or nothing more than a solid nickle corner. How's that for certainty.

Scouting Reports:

NFL Combine Results

SC Gamecocks Profile

Mocking the Draft Profile

Projected Panthers 2009 Depth Chart: Kickers

LittleKing — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:14:16 -0000

Now that we had a first look at our possible 53 man roster, I figured the next logical step would be a position by position breakdown. So over the next few weeks we will have the chance to dive a bit deeper into each position and try to determine which players will be the best fit for team. I'm going to start with an easy and often unglamorous position, the kickers.

Since I really don't think the question is "are the Panthers going to keep both", because we know they are, but rather do WE, the fans, think H&F (Hurney & Fox) should look for alternative options to free the extra roster spot. Starting field position can play a big role in the outcome of the game. However, saying that early in the season Jeff King was the next on the depth chart to be placed in as an offensive lineman, having an extra body on the sideline for kicking duties can be a negative.

Last year we carried both a kickoff specialist and place kicker with Rhys Lloyd and John Kasay respectively. Nobody can argue against improvements in the kickoff game. Just look at the stats from 2008 compared to 2007.

Kickoff Stats
Stat	2008 / Rank	2007 / Rank
Kickoffs	90 / T-7th	66 / T-27th
Total Yds	6008 / 6th	4042 / 28th
Average	66.8 / 2th*	61.2 / 25th
Touchbacks	30 / 1st	4 / 29th
Touchback %	59% / 1st	6.1% / 28th
Out of bounds	1 / T-12nd **	6 / 32nd

In 2007 we didn't finish above 27th in any category, while in 2008 we finished no lower than 7th, a major improvement to say the least. I should also point out that Lloyd only had 88 of our kickoff attempts leaving Kasay with the other two. Of those two one was an onside kick vs Atlanta in week 12, the other was in then our last game of the season against the Saints and it only went 30 yards OUT OF BOUNDS at the end of the game, bringing back oh so lovely memories of Superbowl XXXVIII.

Kasay's 2008 Field Goal Stats
1-19		20-29		30-39		40-49		50+
A-M	Pct	A-M	Pct	A-M	Pct	A-M	Pct	A-M	Pct
0-0	0	7-7	100	9-9	100	12-11	92	3-1	33

Field Goal Totals
FGM	FGA	Pct / Rank	Blk	Lng / Rank
28	31	90 / 6th^	0	50 / T-24th

You can't fault a kicker for making "only" 90% of their field goals, only 5^ other field goal kickers completed more percentage wise. Kasay definitely fulfilled his role.

Kasay signed a new contact last year through 2012, so he can finish he career as a Panther. He's the last player from the Panthers first season in 1995, which is quite amazing. His 2009 salary is $1.5 million. On the other hand Lloyd's salary is $460,000 and will be a free agent after 2009.

In 2008 there were only nine kickers and punter that had a salary higher than two million dollars. So is it worth having nearly $2 million tied up in the kicker positions? What do you think the Panthers should do regarding the kicker position?

* With more than one kickoff
** First twelve teams had zero, next thirteen teams had one out of bounds
^Excluding the two kickers that attempted and made only one field goal

Poll

What should the Panther do with the kickers position for 2009?

Keep only John Kasey

11 votes

Keep only Rhys Lloyd

27 votes

Keep both John Kasey and Rhys Lloyd

407 votes

Find a kicker to do both

26 votes

471 votes | Poll has closed

The Panthers 53 Man Roster

LittleKing — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:57:58 -0000

More photos » by RICK HAVNER - AP

2 months ago: Carolina Panthers' coach John Fox talks with the media after football minicamp on Friday, May 1, 2009 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

Browse more photos »

The 2009 Panthers roster has started to settle and while there are many unknowns there are several things we do know. Taking into account the likely starters, the remaining question is how does the rest of the team stack up. Currently the team has around 85 signed players, which means-like it or not-32 players will have to be cut. Here is a first look at our possible 53 man roster.

The biggest unknown at this point are the lines, both defense and offense, so I fully admit this is where the most changes are likely to come. However, with the rest of the roster so close to set, who goes? My first thought with the lineup below is possible more depth on either line. Since we very rarely use a 5 WR set there isn't much need for all of them, so in my opinion this is where the first causality would be. Plus with the addition of Mike Goodson, he could possibly step in as WR as needed. I would guess it will be either Jason Carter or Ryne Robinson. With the promise that Jason Carter showed last year and the addition of several possible KR/PR I would say Ryne Robinson is the first one to go. I'm sure others will disagree.

So let the discussion begin.

Pos	Starters	Backups	Cuts
	53 Man Roster
Offense
QB	Jake Delhomme	Josh McCown Matt Moore	Hunter Cantwell
RB	DeAngelo Williams	Jonathan Stewart Mike Goodson	Jamall Lee Decori Birmingham Markus Manson
FB	Brad Hoover	Tony Fiammetta	--
WR	Steve Smith Muhsin Muhammad	Dewayne Jarrett Jason Carter Ryne Robinson	Kenneth Moore Kevin McMahan Jason Chery Marcus Monk Larry Beavers
TE	Jeff King	Dante Rosario Gary Barnidge	Kevin Brock
G	RG - Travelle Wharton LG - Keydrick Vincent	Mackenzy Bernadeau Duke Robinson	C.J. Davis
C	Ryan Kalil	Justin Geisinger (C/G)	Keith Gray
T	LT - Jordan Gross RT - Jeff Otah	Geoff Schwartz	Jonathan Palmer Gerald Cadogan Patrick Brown Garry Willams
Defense
DT	Maake Kemoeatu Damione Lewis	Nick Hayden Corvey Irvin	Marlon Favorite Patrick MacDonald Babatunde Oshinowo Lorenzo Williams Lonnie Harvey Justin Kershaw
DE	LE - Julius Peppers RE - Tyler Brayton	Everette Brown Charles Johnson Hilee Taylor	Casper Brinkley
LB	OLB - Thomas Davis MLD - Jon Beason OLB - Na'il Diggs	Don Conner Landon Johnson James Anderson	Brit Miller Mike Juergens Anthony Heygood Jeremy Leman Morty Ivy
CB	Chris Gamble Richard Marshall	CJ WIlson Sherrod Martin Captain Munnerlyn	Dante Wesley D.J. Clark
S	Chris Harris Charles Godfrey	Quinton Teal Nate Salley	Joe Fields Anthony Scirrotto
Specialist
Kicker	John Kasey	--	--
KO Specialist	Rhys Lloyd	--	--
Punter	Jason Baker	--	--
LS	J.J. Jansen	--	Nick Sundberg

Poll

Do you agree with the listed 53 man roster?

Completely agree, let's start the season tomorrow

122 votes

Somewhat agree, but changes are needed

262 votes

Way off base. What are you thinking?

11 votes

395 votes | Poll has closed

Panthers Draft Pick #111: Mike Goodson (RB)

LittleKing — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:41:02 -0000

Mike Goodson

Upside: B-

Mike Goodson played three years of college football at Texas A & M before entering the draft this year. He showed big potential his freshman year after leading the Big 12 with 847 yards on an average of 6.7 yard per carry. He had the 7th quickest 40 time at the combine of all the running backs with a 4.54. He's a quick versatile player that can make defenders miss in the open field. He also brings more than a backup running back to the table. He shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and in the slot position.

Downside: C

There are injury/durability concerns as a running back in the NFL. He missed playing time in 2006 and 2008 with knee injuries and wasn't able to workout during his pro day because of a tweaked hamstring. He's also not the strongest running back, which means he's not a good fit as an every down player.

Reports of discontent with his coaches also raises concerns. Some scouting reports have indicated this is why he left after his junior year, this and the lack of playing time. However, if he didn't like his playing time in college, it's not likely to improve with the Panthers.

Fit: A-

With two quality running backs on the roster, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, this pick at first glance is a mystery. However, last year we only had three active running backs and by releasing Nick Goings were down to only two. With Decori Birmingham as the only other current RB on the team, depth was a big concern. But there is more in store for Goodson. The Panthers also talked to him about playing the slot receiver and being used as a kick/punt returner. Being able to provide all of theses services in one players is a great asset and provided he shows the ability for these jobs, should be an easy roster decision.

Having three specialized players last year in a KO specialist, KR/PR, and dedicated long snapper took away the possibility of additional depth on the defensive line. Granted we are not likely to give up either Lloyd or a dedicated long snapper this season, but even one extra spot is a big deal.

Provided he doesn't mind being a role player, he's should make a great addition to the Panthers.

Scouting Reports:

NFL Combine Results and Draft Profile

Sporting News Profile

Texas A&M Player Bio

Star Telegram Post Draft Article

Highlight Reels:

Panthers Offseason Schedule

LittleKing — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:33:03 -0000

For those that plan their life around the Panthers, which I'm sure nobody here does ;), here are some of the offseason events many of the Players will be attending.

Organized Team Activity (OTA)

May 1-3 (rookie and mandatory minicamp)
May 27-29
June 1-4
June 8-11
June 15-17

From NFL.com: Teams are permitted to conduct up to 14 Organized Team Activity (OTA) sessions as part of their offseason workout programs. In addition, clubs may conduct one mandatory veteran minicamp. Teams that hired a new head coach may hold two additional voluntary minicamps.

Training Camp

Best Guess: July 26 - August 12

If I had one team that I could have gone to, it would have been the Carolina Panthers. I didn't...

LittleKing — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:52:08 -0000

If I had one team that I could have gone to, it would have been the Carolina Panthers. I didn't think I had a chance to be playing with the Carolina Panthers, but if I could have picked my team, I would have definitely picked the Carolina Panthers. That was my hometown team. That is the team I grew up watching. The only NFL game I've ever been to was in the Panthers' stadium. I'm just looking forward and eager to get in the stadium and get to work.

Everette Brown Panthers Q & A

Panther's Draft Pick #43: Everette Brown (DE)

LittleKing — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:56:20 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

2 months ago: FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2007 file photo, Colorado quarterback Cody Hawkins, front, is sacked by Florida State defensive end Everette Brown in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Boulder, Colo. Brown is a top prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Browse more photos »

Everette Brown

Upside: A

Everette Brown can provide an immediate impact to the Panthers defensive line. He has excellent pass rushing skills and is likely to quickly bypass both Charles Johnson and Tyler Brayton as the starter at left defensive end. He has a quick release off the edge, a good arsenal of moves, and stays quite low to the ground. Some have compared him to Dwight Freeney from Indianapolis in this respect. He was projected as a first round selection and some had as high as a top ten pick earlier this year.

In addition, his character is a perfect fit for the Panthers as he has been a leader for he Seminoles in his volunteer efforts. He also hails from nearby Wilson, NC, not too far from Peppers hometown of Bailey, NC.

Downside: B

Brown's size is the biggest concern. Many scouting reports placed him as a hybrid (tweener) DE/OLB in a 3-4 defense. He's been compared to DeMarcus Ware, which isn't a bad thing, but Ware does play in a 3-4. Because he's a little smaller his rushing defense could be suspect, especially when facing a hefty offensive lineman. He could stand to add a few pounds to his frame.

Fit: A

Just the though of having Julius Peppers and Everette Brown on the defensive line gives me a great big smile. While there is uncertainty with Peppers future, I have no doubt I want them to play at least one year together. On the other hand if Peppers isn't around this year, Brown should be able to step in a provide an adequate replacement.

With the addition of Ron Meeks as the Panthers defensive coordinator, this pick fits perfectly in his style of defensive player.

Scouting Reports:

NFL Combine

Tomahawk Nation "Exit Interview"

Seminoles Bio

Video #2: Will Ferrell As USC Strength Coach "Chuck Berry" This one includes our very own Ryan...

LittleKing — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:12:53 -0000

Video #2: Will Ferrell As USC Strength Coach "Chuck Berry"

This one includes our very own Ryan Kalil.

Panthers Extend Jake Delhomme's Contract through 2014

LittleKing — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:49:28 -0000

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

2 months ago: FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2008 file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) prepares to throw a pass in the second quarter of the Panthers' 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers signed Delhomme to a five-year, $42.5 million extension on Thursday, April 23, 2009, that keeps their quarterback under contract through the 2014 season. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)

Browse more photos »

Love him or hate him, it doesn't matter. Marty Hurney and John Fox think he's the right fit for the Panthers quite some time. The Panthers have extended Jake Delhomme's contract through 2014 for apparently $42.5 million including $20 million in guarantees.

"We all know last year was a good year that ended terribly, especially for myself," Jake said. "That's fuel to my fire to work (hard) this offseason the way we have been and I have been so far. I'm looking forward to adding a few more pieces (in the draft) on Saturday and Sunday and seeing what we can do."

"We think very highly of Jake and the contributions he has made to the Carolina Panthers," said general manager Marty Hurney. "He has been a leader on the field, is a talented quarterback, is a perfect fit for our team and was a big reason we were able to win the NFC South last year. He has also always represented the team in the highest manner and earned the respect of everyone throughout the organization."

Although as pointed out by usana_gaines, this doesn't mean he will actually be playing that long. And how knows what type, if any, salary cap there will be, possibly making any cuts down the road less harsh.