SBNation.com User Blog: Smokewagon

Could This Diamond In The Rough Turn Into A Polished Gem?

Smokewagon — Fri, 03 May 2013 03:58:02 -0000

Can an UDFA wide receiver even have a shot to make the 53 man roster? The answer most on CSR would give is probably not, "myself included." So let me introduce readers to an intriguing prospect that was signed after the draft to come in and compete for a roster spot. He is Trey Diller the UDFA wide receiver out of Sam Houston State, home of the Bearkats.

Diller's measurables are 6'1" at 197 lbs according to the Panthers official website. So without getting into his 40 times and how many bales of hay he can squat I want to look into what this young man could bring to the table and what at least someone in our scouting department saw to even bring him in as an UDFA to start with. First off a little connection might be made to the fact that before he played for Sam Houston State he transferred from good old Wofford College. That means Diller has some ties to the area albeit a few seasons ago. Next Diller was a do everything kind of player while he played for a very good FCS program which is what Sam Houston State has been over the last few seasons. Diller returned kicks, punts, kick coverage, and lined up all over the field as there main wide receiver.

This next little excerpt is from the teams official website:

Diller led the Bearkats in receiving this season with 62 catches for 927 yards and four touchdowns. He also has been effective as a return specialist, ranking third in the Southland in both punt returns and kickoffs. He finished the season as the league's all-purpose yards leader.

The senior from Spring, Texas became the first Sam Houston player to receive All-Southland Conference honors at both wide receiver and return specialist. In Diller's career he had 1,190 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He caught two touchdowns during the 2012 FCS Playoff run to the national championship game.

What this tells me is this guy could make a run at special teams and could also be penciled in as the last receiver on the depth chart for his rookie campaign. Gettleman values roster spots he has said as much in numerous occasions. Diller could be a jack of all trades not limiting himself to just a certain role so in turn could raise his value towards a team that values how many can suit up on Sundays. This is how most wide receivers get on a NFL roster unless they are true studs as rookies as the likes of Julio Jones or a Calvin Johnson when they entered the league.

Here is a link to the only highlight film I could find on Diller.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=T_NTBWLTthU

It is a long shot of an UDFA making the roster much less the practice squad but Trey Diller might be that diamond in the rough with the skill set to pull it off. Anyway it will be interesting to see what this young man will bring to the table during this years training camp as the Panthers have to sort through all the receivers that fill out that 5th or 6th spot. You could see Diller's name getting penciled in as one of them.

This next little excerpt is from the teams official website:

Diller led the Bearkats in receiving this season with 62 catches for 927 yards and four touchdowns. He also has been effective as a return specialist, ranking third in the Southland in both punt returns and kickoffs. He finished the season as the league's all-purpose yards leader.

The senior from Spring, Texas became the first Sam Houston player to receive All-Southland Conference honors at both wide receiver and return specialist. In Diller's career he had 1,190 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He caught two touchdowns during the 2012 FCS Playoff run to the national championship game.

Here is a link to the only highlight film I could find on Diller.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=T_NTBWLTthU

When All The Smoke Clears, Here Is a Look Into How Gettleman Could Be Planning To Address That Craving CSR Nation Has For A Future Number 1.

Smokewagon — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:18:56 -0000

The 2013 NFL Draft has come to an end and the Panthers knocked it out of the park. Gettleman got his "Hogmollies" to add beef to both the offensive and defensive lines. While many clamored for a wide receiver you have to think to yourselves what have so many here on CSR have flat out demanded in the previous drafts we do? Take a DT or repair the O-Line. Well Gettleman just did what our last general manger failed to address year in and year out. With how everything lined up perfectly in this draft for the coaches, scouts, and Gettleman. We did not have to reach for a prospect by giving up draft picks like our former GM "cough, cough, Marty Hurney" had became to comfortable doing during his tenure with this franchise.

There was a great number of fans that wanted the team to take another weapon for Cam and the offense and that was a justifiable concern moving forward, but in all honesty the wide receiver crop as a whole was found lacking and nothing special in relation to past drafts or the next few coming up if things hold form. IMO you had one dynamic playmaker in Tavin Austin that can thrive in the right situation then a bunch of number 2's and 3's which the Panthers already have to many of and will have to weed some out by the end of training camp. We landed a playmaker in our own right with Kenjon Barner which I believe will turn out to be a steal as a 6th rounder. He basically can make play's like Austin in the open field with out us having to give a first round draft pick for the same type of player. This should just show Gettleman's savvy in his first draft as a GM.

Now I'd like to pose a realistic possibility for that number 1 wide receiver going forward as our very own Steve Smith is entering the twilight of his playing career. Hakeem Nicks could wined up being the answer looking ahead at the bigger picture. First off he is a Charlotte native and has said on a few interviews on WFNZ's The Drive that he would not mind coming home to play here in Charlotte. Another thing I implore readers on CSR to pay attention to over the next year is how much the Giants end up giving Victor Cruz on his new deal. As of now there is an 8 million a season deal on the table. The Giants are tight against the cap like we found the Panthers to be this off season so they to had to make cuts. Nicks is a true number 1 with a body of work to show for it. He is also only 26 years old as of now with this being the final year of his rookie deal coming up for the 2013 NFL season he will become a free agent if not signed to an extension. Now we just need to see if the Giants pony up the amount of cash it would take to keep both on the roster. Now the question I pose to CSR would you rather have Nicks signed here next off season or taken a wide receiver this draft?

It could end up becoming a bidding war which then I don't see Gettleman getting into for his services. Since he could just look at the 2014 draft for wide receiver help. Maybe though with the acquisition of a FA like Blackburn and then drafting players like Varner and Klein he can groom them this season to take on a more prominent role in 2014. when you can see players as Godfrey, D-Williams, Beason and Gross (Just how his contract is worded now) not being here moving into that 2013 - 2014 FA signing period so if the extra money is made available through maneuvering of contracts there could be a real chance the Panthers are in play for Nicks services.

This is all just speculation and a little bit of wishful thinking, but all in all it could be a move that would be right in Gettleman's wheelhouse as coming from a pro personnel background and have holding that same position for the Giants none the less. He has already brought in two former Giants this off season in Blackburn and Hixon. Why would he be held back if the opportunity presented itself to him for a move like this to happen.

Just some food for thought for that wide receiver option.

Why the Panthers Should Have Johnathan Hankins on Their Draft Board.

Smokewagon — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 23:45:58 -0000

With all the Defensive tackle prospects mocked to or landing here in Carolina one name that is not mentioned in the same context as a Star Lotulelei or Sheldon Richardson is Johnathan Hankins. A prospect I myself was not high on in the beginning of the whole draft process. It had a lot to due in the fact I felt he underwhelmed during his junior campaign. Plus it is believed he could have problems with weight issues at the next level. I have changed my mind on both.

Hankins has the potential to be a monster of a DT at the NFL level. His value will come as a part of him being able to hold the point of attack and command double teams from NFL offensive lines. That in turn will free up the DE's to reek havoc against opposing QB's. It will also free up linebackers as our very own Luke Kuechly to make plays and tackles for minimal, to no gains. Imagine if this defensive front had a player of the shear mass and great foot work that Hankins possesses anchoring the middle of that line.

There is some knocks on Hankins stamina and motor but I for one after watching film on him think most of these issues came from the fact Ohio State played a man that stands at 6'3" and weighs 325 lbs about 85% of the snaps the defense was on the field. Even NFL caliber DT's get tired if they are on the field that long at that size for that many snaps. I believe this is why Hankins looked wore down during some of his film study. If you were to pair Hankins as a starter in a rotation with the likes of a Colin Cole or Sione Fua you would get a fresher Hankins throughout the course of an NFL game and length of a season.

If Johnathan Hankins is setting there in the second round at the 44th pick does Gettleman and Rivera pull the trigger? Hankins is a big body that Rivera covets in his defensive tackles. Hankins also compares favorably to another prospect Rivera scouted hard during his first season as the Panthers head coach. That would be Phil Taylor of the Cleveland Browns. Taylor was picked in the latter part of that same first round we drafted Cam in. Maybe this time around Rivera could have the chance to land a player he did not have the opportunity to a couple of years earlier.

A look at a local product that might have caught Gettleman's eye.

Smokewagon — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:12:37 -0000

I want to take a minute and put out a post on a defensive lineman that the Panthers have shown interest in that hails from right here in NC. As I looked for prospects that the Panthers have met with leading up to the NFL Draft. I came across the name of Micheal Brooks, NT East Carolina University. It might not be the biggest name or best prospect at his position, but the Panthers did take look at him during ECU's pro day. Even so much to have a private workout with him. Now I am not saying he will get a pick even used on him by the team. At the best case scenario we use our 6th round or final pick in this years draft "depends how you want to look at it" on him. In most likely hood he could be brought in as an UDFA.

Brooks measurements differ on a few different sites about him, so I am going to go with NFL Draft Scouts page and list him at 6'3" and 294 lbs. He could be brought in to compete for a roster spot on the defensive line. The one thing he has in his favor is that Gettleman has a connection to this young man. Linvel Joseph a starting DT for the NY Giants was taken in the second round back in 2010 out of ECU. So in all things relevant Brooks is the guy who was behind Joesph on the depth chart while he was a freshman. Gettleman saw the kind of defensive lineman that ECU produced for his Giants back in 2010 so in turn why not take another look at one for the team he runs now in the Carolina Panthers.

All in all Micheal Brooks was a productive lineman for the ECU pirates during his playing time there. If the young man was just being looked at as one of the local prospect visits that don't count against the allotted 30 given by the league then so be it. In any sense the best of luck to Brooks in his dream to make an NFL roster as one of North Carolina's home grown talents.

Panthers, Quarterbacks, and What Will The Future Hold?

Smokewagon — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:22:16 -0000

With all the mock drafts swirling around here on CSR and all the debating on which players the Panthers are going to take in the 2013 NFL Draft. I thought I would bring up a topic that not many readers have probably given a second thought about with all the craziness going on this time of year.

Let me first state that we are not getting rid of Cam!

In reality there is a position on this roster that Gettleman will have to address in the near future. That is what happens to our quarterback depth after the upcoming 2013 season. Yes we resigned Derek Anderson to a one year deal for 2013 so he goes into camp as the #2 QB on the depth chart backing up Cam. He has done a good job at that role since coming here two years ago. Anderson is a luxury a lot of NFL teams don't have on their respected rosters. With all that being said D.A. only signed a one year deal. That makes him eligible for free agency again after this year and there is no guarantees he will be back with this team for 2014.

Next we have Jimmy Clausen aka "The Jimmeh" as the #3 QB that has not been given a jersey on game day since Carter had liver pills! Now we all know what Jimmy brings to the table so I won't get into that debate for the sake of this article. There is one thing that does need to be brought to light is that Clausen is in the final year of his rookie deal in 2013. With the likely hood of him not being resigned by Carolina since this is Cam's team. Clausen will most likely hit the open market and try to land with a team that his skill set could put him in a position to make a career for himself.

In itself these are very real scenarios that could and most likely will happen. The question now is how will Gettleman deal with these set of circumstances. This brings us back to the 2013 NFL Draft. Would it serve in this teams best interest to bring in a late round QB to groom into the system or pick up a priority UDFA this year? I would not be surprised if this same line of discussion has been had at some point during the process with the Panther's brass. I believe it would be in this teams best interest to maybe take a look at developmental quarterback with the possibility of only having one QB committed to the 2014 roster.

Let me first state that we are not getting rid of Cam!

Why Jonathan Cyprien will be the Panthers first round pick.

Smokewagon — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:28:22 -0000

I'll be the first to admit that I for one have been on the "Taking a wide receiver in the first bandwagon'" for months now. After stepping back for a moment to evaluate this team as a whole from the current roster to how this team could look going forwards under Gettleman's watch. I have come to a reason of thought on how drafting Jonathan Cyprien would be the logical draft pick at this spot. To all here on CSR let me take a moment to explain.

First off some would say Cyprien would be a reach with the 14th overall pick. I personally don't see it that way. At the Senior Bowl the coaches and scouts that were there made a comment to the likes of "If you took the jersey's off all the DB's and didn't know their names just on their play alone Cyprien was the best out there." Now you can take that for face value or not. What you can't dismiss is that Cyprien really impressed the people that are in the know with his performance that week.

Next everyone knows our safety play has not been all that great over the last few seasons. Especially with the underwhelming play of Sherrod Martin, Haruki Nakamura, and other jags the franchise has brought in to play the position. Give in mind DJ Campbell is a nice bright spot going forward at one of the safety spots opposite of Charles Godfrey. I like Campbell going forwards with this team but Godfrey on the other hand is a different ball of wax all together.

Speaking on Charles Godfrey I don't see him being on this roster after this year. He is payed like the best safety in football but plays at a mediocre level at best. Marty Hurney's decession to pay him more in value than a player of the caliber of an Earl Thomas is the kind of mess Gettleman has the task of cleaning up even beyond what he has accomplished so far this off season. Drafting Cyprien can kill two birds with one stone for Gettleman. First he can dump Godfrey in 2014 and get out from that absurd contract. Plus he provides an upgrade at a position for the future of the team. Cyprien can play the strong safety and Godfrey and Campbell can go into camp battling it out for the starting free safety spot. If Campbell wins out then you have two young stud safeties patrolling the back end of that defense for the years to come.

Cyprien would be the no nonsense type of pick Gettleman would make being this is his first draft as the Panthers trigger man. Also with all the wide receivers we have looked at under the sun. Many of them fall into that second round range with the likes of Patton, Bailey, and Hopkins. This is who I believe the Panthers have at the top of there draft board at this moment. Plus come draft day Cyprien could still be had if there is an unforeseen trade back brewing on the phones come that Thursday night in April.

A couple of prospects that maybe not on fan's radars but definitely on the Panthers.

Smokewagon — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:52:46 -0000

With all the possibilities swirling around of players that many on here at CSR think the Panthers will take with their limited number of draft picks. Five picks to be exact. I thought I would shed some light on two players that are very much on the Panther's draft board in this upcoming draft.

Sanders Commings CB Georgia

The organization has spent a lot of pre draft time and resources in scouting this young man. It is evident in what I found while looking for possible meetings with players and teams far as pre draft scouting is concerned. This is what WalterFootball.com has on him. Sanders Commings%, DB, Georgia (PRI) (SR). That is the most time as of now spent with any one prospect in this draft by this team. The % sign means multiple meetings with a prospect by that team. Plus the Panthers also met again with him at Georgia's pro day. Commings has great size at 6'2" at 216 lbs. He is a big corner that could come in and add more talent to the secondary on draft day. It is obvious the Panthers have taken special interest in this player based on the time already spent on scouting and vetting him.

David Bass DE Missouri Western

Here is player I could see coming in as another pass rusher along that defensive line. Bass is the kind of small school prospect that could pay dividends to the team that takes him and the Panthers have some love for this kid cause they used one of their private visits on him, David Bass, DL Missouri Western (PRI) per WalterFootball.com. Bass is listed at 6' 4" at 262 lbs. The Panther's will be looking at another DE in this upcoming draft especially with the Greg Hardy contract situation coming up after this season. This could be an option for Gettleman to snag a guy like Bass with say our 5th round pick so he has a rotation of pass rushers on the roster.

To look at how the Panthers are going to draft through rose colored glasses and visions of grandeur is not realistic. Yes we will get an elite talent with our first rounder. After that you want to fill your roster with sound football players and depth to develop for the future. The two players I have listed above would fill out the back end of our draft nicely. Gettleman has stated he was a grinder and watched endless hours of tape. If the scouting department and him have already spent private visits on these two prospects you better believe they had some good tape that Gettleman has reviewed and might just take with two of our five picks.

Sanders Commings CB Georgia

David Bass DE Missouri Western

Dave Gettleman Edition Mock Draft

Smokewagon — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:12:35 -0000

Yes, my CSR faithful I wanted to get in this whole mock draft thing and show the players I would take in this years draft. This is a "Mock Draft" right? So no other GM should look at this and think this is how the Panthers are going to draft this upcoming spring, "wink wink". So without any more hesitation let me put it out there on who I will be taking with the Panther's draft picks.

Round 1: Tavon Austin wide receiver WVU.

Let me explain this pick. First off I could not afford an upgrade at wide receiver during free agency of the likes of Mike Wallace who got his pay day in Miami. Plus the current coach I have working for me spilled the beans on what I was looking for in a player for the offense. Tavon Austin could bring the same thing to the table for me for a much lesser cost than Mike Wallace. That is a receiver with the ability to blow the top off of opposing defenses. I want touchdown scorers as I have said before and Austin can score from anywhere on the field when the ball is in his hands. Plus Austin has speed to burn and can be used not just on offense but also on special teams. I want touchdowns and Austin can give them to me.

Round 2: Jordan Poyer CB Oregon State.

This one should be a no brainer. I had to cut Gamble and all I could afford was a one year aging veteran in Drayton Florence. You really think he is the answer for the future. I think not that is why I only gave him a one year contract. The Panthers are going to have to replace the loss of Gamble with a talented cornerback going forward. Poyer will be on the board when I pick and you can believe I'm taking a corner.

Round 4: Reid Fragel OT Ohio State.

Jordan Gross can't be here forever and I don't want the headache of continuing to restructure his insane cap number. Bringing in an athletic tackle that could have the ability to man the left side going forward is a need for the Panthers and my spending budget. If Fragel can not become a left tackle at least he will be a solid right tackle until I can get my hands on the future franchise left tackle. I think Fragel can transition to the left side cause he is very athletic and is a sleeper prospect just the kind of hidden gem I covet.

Round 5: Cornelius Washington DE Georgia.

This is adding a pass rusher while at the same time preparing for the future. After Paul Kruger set a market for pass rushers, I have little to work with in trying to retain Greg Hardy after next season when he hits the open market. Charles Johnson is commanding all the money at that spot for us. I would like to have an offer for Hardy but it might be out of reach. In the meantime I'll take a solid pass rushing DE in Cornelius Washington who in turn caught a lot of eyes at the Senior Bowl especially mine. Washington was just buried behind all of the other defensive prospects on that Georgia defense but has solid game in his own right. Washington has huge upside and could be a real steal if he is still here when our pick comes up.

Round 6: Jelani Jenkins OLB Florida.

Yes, OLB depth is a certain option since it is known that we have had private workouts with Zaviar Gooden and Jelani Jenkins so far. We had to release James Anderson and Jason Phillips went to Philly. Plus with Jon Beason who knows if he ever gets healthy or how long do you think I am going to put up with that contract number. Bringing in a player like Jenkins will help fix some of those issues now and in the future. If nothing else he will help strengthen the linebacking corps and provide a solid talent in that dept.

This is a mock draft I hope the readers of CSR enjoys. By the way the draft might just turn out like this you never know. I do know this draft means everything for the future of this team no matter who they decide on they have to hit on these picks until our salary cap situation can be improved.

NOTE: Dave Gettleman had nothing to do with this mock draft.

Round 1: Tavon Austin wide receiver WVU.

Round 2: Jordan Poyer CB Oregon State.

Round 4: Reid Fragel OT Ohio State.

Round 5: Cornelius Washington DE Georgia.

Round 6: Jelani Jenkins OLB Florida.

NOTE: Dave Gettleman had nothing to do with this mock draft.

How will the Panther's fill the void left after Chris Gamble's release?

Smokewagon — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:59:57 -0000

With the release of Chris Gamble due to the salary cap situation the Panthers were in, the organization could go in a couple of directions to fill his spot on the roster. Here is a couple of realistic scenarios I could see playing out going forward.

Aaron Ross free agent formerly of the New York Giants/ Jacksonville Jaguars.

This could be a realistic move considering he has history with Gettleman and could be had at a much cheaper cost than what Gamble was going to cost us against the cap. Ross is 30 years old and still has some value to a team like the Panthers who will need to bring in someone to compete at cornerback opposite of Dockery, Norman, and Thomas. Ross here would not be a splashy move and will be nothing more than a veteran stop gap until we have a solid pair of cornerbacks going forward. If Gettleman thinks his former Giant player would come in here and sign a modest contract this could be a decent pick up going forward.

Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State.

With the 14th pick in this years upcoming draft the Panther's could use it on Xavier Rhodes cornerback out of Florida State. Rhodes is a big physical corner (6'1 at 210 lbs.) that could be an answer going forward in the division matching up on wide receivers of the likes of Julio Jones or Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons, Vincent Jackson of Tampa Bay, or a Marcus Colston from the New Orleans Saints. Rhodes would be perfect value at this pick using the BPA model with player of need. The Panther's need to draft an elite cornerback to add to the defense being that the NFL has turned into the old AFL and become a pass happy league especially with how the rule changes have favored the offenses. If not Rhodes in the first maybe another corner at that same spot or in the second round. I think it would be wise to address this position early in this draft.

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Cornerbacks are a premium in today's NFL. The Panther's will have to fill this spot with someone they see fit. I just can't see them going into next season putting all their eggs in one basket with fielding only Norman, Thomas, Dockery, or Munnerlyn as their cornerbacks of the future. Yes they played solid at the end of last season but don't be fooled into the fact that any are considered number one cornerbacks in this league.

Aaron Ross free agent formerly of the New York Giants/ Jacksonville Jaguars.

Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State.

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First look at the way the Carolina Panthers draft might shake out.

Smokewagon — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 03:00:03 -0000

The 2013 NFL draft is just around the corner. This will be the first draft of the Gettleman and Rivera era. I for one am excited to see how Gettleman drafts players that he sees improving this team moving forward. The Panthers really have to hit on their picks this year seeing that Gettleman and company will have to fill holes left from the personnel change over from the cuts he will have to make just to get under the salary cap for this upcoming league year. Here is a first look at the way the draft could shape up nicely for Carolina for now and going forward for years to come.

Round 1: 14th overall, Kenny Vaccaro free safety University of Texas

This would be perfect value at this point in the draft, It goes by the best player available (BPA) model for success. In the 2012 NFL draft even though the Panthers decided on a stud linebacker from Boston College in Luke Kuechly who just won the 2012 DROY the Panthers also courted the idea of taking Mark Barron with their first rounder if he would have been sitting on the board when it came time for the Panthers to use their pick. As we know he was taken two spots earlier at no. 7 overall to Tampa Bay.

Vaccaro is ranked the number one safety prospect in this years draft. This team took the best linebacker prospect in last years draft so in turn if the scouting department can convince Gettleman this would be the best pick for the Panthers going forward and taking another prospect that is the best at their position would be a smart move. Vaccaro also fits well with what Gettleman's approach could be in drafting players that he learned while with the Giants. That is wide receivers, pass rushers, and defensive backs.

Bringing in a safety of Kenny Vaccaro's skill set would give the defensive backs a leader back there just like Kuechly is now the leader of the defense. Plus Having some talent back behind Kuechly would make the defense even better going forward. Vaccaro could end up being to Kuechly as Ed Reed was to Ray Lewis.

Round 2: Kawann Short defensive tackle Purdue University

The Panthers take Kawann Short a solid defensive tackle prospect at good value here in the second round. This draft is deep at the defensie tackle spot and Short would help address the pass rush in the middle of that defensive line while being able to help in stopping the run. This addresses an area that the Panthers have not seriously addressed since the like of Kris Jenkins. Kawann Short is a first round caliber player but falls to us just at the right spot.

At 6'3" and weighing in at 308lbs Short has the frame to add 10 to 15 good pounds of muscle in a NFL strength and conditioning program. That would in turn put him as a load to handle at the NFL level. Gettleman would like this pick cause Short has the ability to be disruptive in the backfield and cause sacks and pressures on the QB from the defensive line.

The team will have to look at a defensive tackle somewhere in this draft. Ron Edwards most likely will get his release and Dwan Edwards will see what the open market will be willing to pay for his services. Out of all the defensive tackle prospects that the Panthers could look at taking with a pick, Short gives you the most bang for your buck if he is sitting there win Carolina picks in the second round.

Round 4: Da'Rick Rogers wide receiver University of Tennessee / Tennessee Tech

Yes, the Carolina Panthers get lucky and get the steal of this draft. Da' Rick Rogers was the best receiver at the University for Tennessee before he got kicked off the team for is very own stupid actions. Rogers was the best receiver in the SEC two years ago and one of the best if not the best in all of college football. He seems to have learned from his mistakes as he moved onto Tennessee Tech to continue playing football and cleaning up his act at the same time.

Rogers has the size at 6' 2" and a solid weight of 206 lbs. He is a touchdown scorer that Gettleman covets. If the coaches and Gettleman believe Rogers is on the right path and has matured to their liking this would be a goldmine pick from the stand point of talent wise. If Rogers did not get kicked off the Tennessee football squad or even got into trouble like he did Rogers would be the top wide receiver prospect on the board. Just the baggage will make his draft stock slide to the 3rd or 4th round.

Cam and the offense now under Shula could use another stud at wide receiver to open up the field for Cam. The team will look at a receiver early in this draft based on Gettleman talking about touchdown scorers on different occasions. Especially when questions have been brought up on what kind of players he wants on his teams. I am putting the wide receiver pick in the fourth round just based on how the previous two picks in this mock fell for the Panthers.

Round 5: Sio Moore outside linbacker University of Connecticut

If the Panthers release James Anderson and not knowing what will end up with Jon Beason far as him remaining a Panther or how he will hold up physically Carolina could be looking to draft another linebacker around this time in the draft to add depth and talent to the defense. Sio Moore would be good value at this time assuming he last this long draft weekend. Moore really helped his stock at the Senior Bowl and could be gone by the time Carolina is picking in the 5th. Carolina could go with a number of mid round linebacker prospects at this spot. Sio Moore could be a nice fit with the mixing back and forth from the 4/3 to the 3/4 looks that coach McDermott stated he was going to focus on this upcoming season.

Moore offers the ability to rush the passer and also is very good as a pass coverage linebacker. Those attributes will be coveted by defenses going forward with the NFL turning into the passing league that it has become. The teams LB corps could be decimated in a blink of an eye. With the like of Anderson gone, Beason remaining injured or just never the same and say Davis was to go down (Hoping this never happens) with another knee injury the team has our leader in Kuechly and throw in a Jason Phillips as our only other viable linebackers. It would best Gettleman to get another linebacker on this alone.

Round 6: Manase Foketi offensive tackle Kansas State / West Texas A@M

With the last known pick in the 2013 draft for the Panthers (subject to change). The Carolina Panthers take offensive tackle Manase Foketi from West Texas A@M and previously 3 years at K-State. This could be that diamond in the rough type of player that could come in and compete for the right tackle position. Foketi got injured while at Kansas State during his senior season. He finished his education there but wanted to use his last year of eligibility to go play somewhere else. So he ended up going to West Texas A@M to play one more year of college ball. I say this could be a later round offensive lineman that Carolina might use a pick on to help bolster the right side of the offensive line.

Foketi played left tackle in college. He will not be a left tackle in the NFL but he does possess nice size at 6'5" and 330 lbs. Foketi could be tried at either right guard or right tackle.

Hopefully Rivera and Gettleman come draft day will have a single vision on the future of this team now and moving towards a Super Bowl run in the not so distant future. This team has some nice pieces in place. Now lets see how Gettleman handles his first draft and gets the players Rivera needs to make this team take the next step. This draft is going to be one that either takes two steps forward or takes three steps back for this organization.

Round 1: 14th overall, Kenny Vaccaro free safety University of Texas

Round 2: Kawann Short defensive tackle Purdue University

Round 4: Da'Rick Rogers wide receiver University of Tennessee / Tennessee Tech

Round 5: Sio Moore outside linbacker University of Connecticut

Round 6: Manase Foketi offensive tackle Kansas State / West Texas A@M

Foketi played left tackle in college. He will not be a left tackle in the NFL but he does possess nice size at 6'5" and 330 lbs. Foketi could be tried at either right guard or right tackle.

Scouting and Drafting under the Gettleman Way

Smokewagon — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 03:17:45 -0000

Owner Jerry Richardson hired David Gettleman as the GM to help turn this organization into a championship contender. All of us here on CSR and in the Panthers fan base have certain ideas on who the team should bring in during free agency and the players we should take in the 2013 NFL draft. It is obvious even to a blind mouse that we could use help at DT, OG, and in the secondary. The question is the way we have been accustomed to drafting under Hurney's tenure will be a 180 with Gettleman at the helm.

Looking at how the Giants brass has drafted over the last decade they put a strong emphasis in the first two rounds on three positions or types of players:

Pass rushers, wide receivers, and defensive backs.

This being Gettleman's first shot at his dream job of being a NFL GM he will most likely stick to what he knows for this upcoming draft and take players he would have had a say in for the Giants organization. Just think when you start a new job you stick with what you feel comfortable with until you get the routine of the new settings around you and start doing things differently. The same can be said for this first season under Gettleman.

One other item to take into account is like our very own scouting department has been scouting players they are familiar with over the past year. Gettleman also has players he might have gotten ideas about from the Giants scouting department or from his former colleagues Marc Ross and Jerry Reese. He could use this knowledge to help him out being this is his first draft making the final say on player personnel.

NYG Draft History view-source here

Based on Gettleman's history the positions I see the Panthers drafting from early in the 2013 draft are: WR, DB, DL

Though not in that particular order. How the Panthers fare in free agency before the draft might affect the order in which they draft those positions. Then fill in any remaining areas of need with blue collar free agents.

Looking at how the Giants brass has drafted over the last decade they put a strong emphasis in the first two rounds on three positions or types of players:

Pass rushers, wide receivers, and defensive backs.

NYG Draft History view-source here

Based on Gettleman's history the positions I see the Panthers drafting from early in the 2013 draft are: WR, DB, DL

My second look at the way the Panthers might draft post Senior and Shrine Bowls.

Smokewagon — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:37:14 -0000

Since the completion of these two post season college bowl games I am going to reevaluate my first predictions on how I think Hurney and Co. will draft this year. I think Hurney and Rivera gave some more concrete tales in the way they plan on going with personel. Not so much with the exact players they interviewed but with the positions of interest. This is just a more logical way to view how things might shake up for us. Now I do realize Hurney and Co. could throw a monkey wrench into my strategy with a trade back or moving back into the third round somehow also if they really think a certain player falls their way. I will just go on what is the scenerio now as it stands and try to point out the players that fit what we are trying to do and upgrade positions that are lacking so it can bring up the play of the entire side of the offensive or defensive sides of the ball as a whole.

Round 1: Morris Claiborne CB LSU. My belief is that there will be a definate shake up with the teams drafting ahead of us. With all the QB's that will be in play like Luck. RG3, and what is going to happen with Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn's futures after all the teams scramble to move around or give up a pick for a QB Morris Claiborne just some how slides to our spot. It always seems when teams ahead of you move picks it always really shakes the draft up. So for now I am going out on a limb and say Claiborne will fall right in our lap.

Round 2: Mike Adams OT Ohio State. We chose not to go with offensive line in the first cause Claiborne slid to us and that is fine. The team will still be looking for an upgrade at the OT position and I think after all the things shake out in the first round he slides into the second round just cause of the way the later part of the first round draft picks pan out. Adams would offer a viable insurance policy if Otah can't stay on the field. Plus he can play left tackle so he is very versitle. We don't want to go into next season with Otah's health concerns and Byron Bell being our only option. I think Bell is better served at taking over one of the starting guard spots. He would excell better fo the team at that position.

Round 4: Tim Benford WR Tennessee Tech. I think he is a suprise pick here. Out of the players that played in the Shrine Bowl I saw where the Panthers really liked this player out of that week of practice. This just screams to me a Hurney diamond in the draft kind of pick. When I looked into this guy he reminds me of a Greg Jennings type of player. I think this pick would really turn out to suprise alot of Panther fans and provide another weapon for Cam and Chud.

Round 5: Danny Trevathan OLB Kentucky. This is a decent OLB prospect that played well while he was in the SEC. We saw last year we really are not as deep at the LB position as we thought. Trevathan has the potential to come in and compete for that starting WLB position. This is a good pickup in this stage of the draft that could pay real dividends for us.

Round 6: Brandon Taylor SS LSU. We just flat out need more safety help. Martin was atrocious and everytime you looked around Pugh had a concussion. Godfrey would be alot better if he had some help back there with him. I do also think we will pickup an additional safety in free agency this year to bring in competition for the guys on this roster already.

Round 7: Drew Butler P Georgia. Jason Baker just does not have the leg he used to plus he will tske up to much cap space to keep him. This is just a no brainer.

This is just the way I think Hurney and Co. will draft as it stands right now. I also believe things will shake out differently when free agency and the combines come so anything could happen.

Round 7: Drew Butler P Georgia. Jason Baker just does not have the leg he used to plus he will tske up to much cap space to keep him. This is just a no brainer.

This is just the way I think Hurney and Co. will draft as it stands right now. I also believe things will shake out differently when free agency and the combines come so anything could happen.

The way the Panthers draft might turn out to be.

Smokewagon — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:57:09 -0000

It is interesting to read up on all of the CSR comments and ideas on who members think the Panthers will draft in this upcoming 2012 NFL draft. Some have us either going CB or DT. I was inclined in earlier comments and post that I have put my two cents in that I thought we should go after a pass rushing talent. I am still on board with getting a better pass rush with this team and I believe over the offseason Rivera will address this with new schemes or a free agent signing like a Cliff Avril out of Detroit would be a type of Hurney move. Not a big name guy but a good overall player. Over the last week after trying to pick up on hints that the organization has dropped either as being legit or blowing smoke I now have a better feeling how our draft might turn out. This will be my first attempt at a realistic mock draft.

Round 1. Riley Reiff OT Iowa. I think this is the best pick at our spot in the first round. When this team starts to have a better winning record it will insure us of drafting later on in the draft order in seasons to come. Besides the QB position, having a probowl caliber tackle prospect is always at the top of any years draft. We need to address this now and provide Cam a blind side protector for years to come. This pick at this point and time where we are drafting just makes the most sense from a team and organizational standpoint.

Round 2. Sean Spence OLB Miami . This might seem to be a reach to some of us on here but IMO besides Lavonte David of Nebraska, Spence will end up being the next best OLB we can get our hands on. I just think David will be gone before he gets to us. It is obvious with Davis's injury history and in all likley hood he will be not the same if he did resign after they released him. Yes they will release him first that is just a financial fact. What else do we have at WLB? Jordan Senn? Who else is there that really is a realistic durable playmaker. Answer is no one. Senn did play outstanding in his opportunities this year and he will be back but we have nothing behind him that really counts and we need to bring in someone on a higher talent level to compete for that position. In last years draft the team took Lawrence Wilson in the sixth round to be groomed as a potential WLB as an insurance policy against another Thomas Davis injury. Well we all know how that turned out. I believe Hurney and Co. will invest a higher pick on this postion this year to address the lack of durability that itself has lacked for the last two to three seasons.

Round 4. Brandon Boykin CB/PR Georgia. This pick is a double value pick. The Panthers aquire a good DB to groom along with Hogan towards the future. It also adds to the competition on who really is the better talented player to take over that number two CB position. On the plus side he is also a very explosive punt returner which this team is in dire need of. Boykin can make the first tacklers miss which is something Armanti can not grasp. If our special teams punt return blocking is not on a consistant level of play then we need a player that can make things happen without everything lined up perfectly for them. Boykin can bring two instant things to the table as depth in our secondary and possibly a special teams standout. Great value pick for the fourth round. This is as far as I am guessing how this draft will turn out. These first three picks should all bring an impact to our team as a whole. After that you try to find players that could provide depth and contribute on special teams in the later rounds and maybe land a diamond in the rough as Hurney has a time or two. I will also state we will draft a punter with a later pick. Jason Baker will just financially cost to much and his leg has seen better days. The Panthers future is bright with Rivera at the helm and Cam to lead us into the future.

What we should have learned over this past weekend.

Smokewagon — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:45:21 -0000

While waching the games this past weekend it is still obvious defense still wins championships. Even the Patriots defense stepped up and played well. I know alot of the fans on here want to go CB in the first round of the draft but after watching the front seven on the defenses this weekend play you would think the way still to stop a high powered offense is getting to the QB. A sold pass rush will always help the DB's in coverage look better. They will not be having to contain receiving threats for extended periods of time. I am not saying we should not address our secondary by no means. Just with our first two picks we should look at getting some better defensive line players to help out our one real pass rusher in CJ. He can not do it all by himself. I know alot of people like the Kracken on here but he really has not stepped up his game like I though he would. If we had a better front seven our secondary would seem to be better with one or two later round additions back there of finding a player in free agency. With that all being said getting the QB off his marks still is the way to go in this pass happy league. I believe we all saw bits of that this past weekend. Panther Nation I would like to have your thoughts on this.

It Should Be Easier Now

Smokewagon — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:55:16 -0000

Since tonight's breaking news of Micheal Vick getting a reported 6 year 100 million dollar contract with near 40 million guaranteed. I would think now the Eagles front office would be willing to take a more lesser of a deal to get Joselio Hansen of the books. We should try to work something out with them over the next 24 hours to acquire another corner for the defense. I am willing to bet his asking price now will be a sixth round pick. I am still of the believer we were hoping Brandon Hogan would have been cleared to play but in his best interest he should be put on IR until he is fully healed so he can be a big addition for us next season.