Hey fellow Panther fans. I've been waiting to do my first mock draft after the Combine. Now I've put one together I really like. Welcome your comments.

9--Quentin Coples DE Yes, I know there are questions, but think RR can get the most out of him. Elite pass rushing skills.

40--Donta Hightower ILB Smart dedicated stud who is a real leader. Great insurance for Beason

104--Dwight Bentley CB Don't let the small school fool ya. This kid can play

143--Joe Adams WR Great punt returner and lightning quick. A true game breaker

180--Jeff Fuller TE WR at Texas A&M, but at 6-4 and a frame to grow, can see him as a great pass catching TE for Chud's offense

207--Miles Burris OLB Very smart and aggressive LB. Could be a real sleeper

216--Chandler Harnish QB Athletic QB from the spread offense to back up CAM

I know we're all excited about Cam and the offense, but this is a must-win game coming on Sunday vs. the Jags.
We're already a game behind every team in our division, can't afford for 0-3 to snowball into a tailspin, and don't need to be in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.  I'm a little worried about our D against MJD running wild on us.  If we stop him, I don't think Gabbert will beat us.  No moral victories.  Let's jump em early and never let em up.  Go Panthers. 

Knowing the roster can still be changed, I thought I'd look at college team and conference connections for this year's Panthers, just for fun.  Don't look it up, and see if you can name the players that go with these schools and conferences.

If you really want a challenge start at the bottom and name the player associated with the conferences first.

Good Luck!  Go Panthers!

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It's interesting to see some differences in philosophy emerge under Ron Rivera vs. John Fox

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Here are three FA's that might fit really well with the Panthers once the market opens up after the lockout

1.  Tommie Harris--DT  Only 29, can pressure the QB.  Has played for rivera in Chicago and I think Rivera can keep him on the straight and narrow.

2.  Carlos Rogers--CB-- Good solid corner. 29.  With Gamble Hogan and maybe Pugh, would really help our pass defense.

One more after the jump...

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By now we've heard all the hero to zero arguments for and against Cam Newton for the Panthers.  As is no secret, I am totally against picking him and thought I'd lay out my case for the final time.  If we end up taking him,  I will support him as one of my Panthers, but I'm still hoping for sanity to win out.  Details after the jump.

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Thought it might be fun to look at potential draft picks if the Panthers trade-down out of #1.  For argument's sake, let's look at options if we trade with the Bills, Cincy, Arizona, SF, and Washington...................................

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Still hoping Hurney and Rivera are blowing smoke about Cam to trade down.  I really can't believe they hype about this guy.  Anyway, some of my picks in previous mocks have moved up the board and may not be available, though my first 3 picks are the same, and my TE I'm moving to the 4th pick rather than the previous pick of 5th as he moves up the board.  Generally, BPA philosophy to strengthen the team and not just 1 or 2 positions.

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Heavily weighted to BPA, but not totally ignoring need.  I've added a 2nd choice for each pick, as there is always a chance certain players shoot up the board earlier than pre-draft projections.  I'm becoming more and more convinced we shouldn't reach for a QB in this draft as the class is just not that good.  Better to get an NFL contributor at another position...............................

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Here is my second mock draft for the Panthers

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Here is my first mock draft for the Panthers.  I like picking BPA regardless of position.  Of course, things will change as we get combine results and more information.  I'm not exactly sure at this point the exact number of the picks, so going by round...........Welcome your comments

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There are not many teams that are consistent winners over multiple years..................................

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One of the arguments you hear against a Bill Cowher replacing John Fox is it would be a major transition from the current 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme.  Based on this past draft, I can see our defensive personnel fitting the 3-4 quite well

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After watching 3 games and reading all I can find on the Panthers, here is my current 53-man roster.  This is not a prediction of how I think Fox will pick em, but how I would pick em.  I'm sure there will be differing opinions, so let's hear it. 

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It looks to me that there are 5 bubble spots where the battle is to make the final roster.  Barring injuries (except for Davis), here's how I see it. 

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It's always risky predicting a roster before training camp, waiver claims, FA signings, and injuries.  Even then there are always surprises.  But CSR's are not faint of heart or short of opinions, so here goes a first take.

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A clear drafting priority for the Panthers was WR..............................................................

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Well, the good news is brief.  I nailed Brandon Lafell as our pick in the 3rd round. 

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Here are my final draft groupings for the Panthers draft.  Since you're never sure exactly who's going to be............

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In keeping with the "best player available" theme and using the CBS NFL Draft Rankings, here is my updated mock Panthers draft.................................

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Now that Donavan McNabb and Rex Grossman are in Washington, I think Jason Campbell would be a good veteran backup to Matt Moore.

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As you can tell from my previous posts, I'm in "the best player available" camp for the draft, though not totally unmindful of needs........................

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Every year there are first or second year players that have yet to contribute.  Some of them appear to be busts, like Eric Shelton, and others are either injured or in some stage of development, like Dan Connor.............................

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In looking at the upcoming draft for the Panthers, I think we should trade down in the 2nd and 3rd rounds if possible to get a couple of extra picks this year, say in rounds 5,6, or 7.  My thinking is that it's always better to take the best player available, and after the first round there are a lot of good players, but not that many great players.  At each draft position, I can see a cluster of 5 or so picks that have NFL talent and can play and contribute to the team, and eventually become starters.  So, as long as we only drop down a few spots, we can still get a good player.  Here's how I see it.

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For all the whining about Hurney and Fox, I think even the most cynical fan has to give praise to them for the last two drafts.  Every player drafted has made the team, including 1 6th and 4 7th rounders.  The only negative argument that could be made is the team is so bad that they have to keep draftees that otherwise wouldn't make the team.  However, when you consider 12-4 last year, I think it's hard to make that one stick.

Here's a review:

1st Rounders--Jonathan Stewart, Jeff Otah-One clear starter and one major contributor that would start for many teams

2nd Rounders--Everette Brown and Sherrod Martin--Brown is going to excel in Meeks system as a pass rusher.  Martin needs some development, but clearly has NFL talent.

3rd Rounders--Charles Godfrey, Dan Connor, Corvey Irvin--One starter, one good back-up and future starter, and one with upside potential after recovering from injury at a needed position.

4th Rounders--Mike Goodson, Tony Fiametta--Goodson is an absolute steal.  Fiametta is good blocker and special teamer and eventual starting FB after Hoover

5th Rounders--Gary Barnidge and Duke Robinson--Starting TE with field stretching ability and another steal gettting Robinson in the 5th.  Needs some development but has all the tools.

6th Rounder--Nick Hayden.  Obviously not a super stud at DT, but a solid situational player similar to Jordan Carstens a few years ago. 

7th Rounders--Taylor, Schwartz, Bernadeau, and Munnerlyn-  Wow!.  Terrific 7th round picks.  Most never make it in the NFL.  4 solid back-ups who all contribute.

Some might say we gave up too much for Otah and Brown, but what's wrong with getting next year's 1st round equivalent talent a year early.  I'll take that every year.

Welcome your comments.

QB--Both Delhomme and McCown looked pretty good.  McCown did a great job of hitting his targets, avoiding sacks, and scrambling when necessary.  I would still like us to trade Moore for either a DT or draft pick and keep Cantwell as developmental on the roster.

RB--Goodson is a real contributor.  WIth DWill and Stew, we are set at RB.

FB--Hoover and Fiametta continue to block well and play special teams.  Keep 'em both.

WR--Looks like the top 4 have emerged with Jarret and Moor joining the starters.  Only question is do they keep 5?

TE--All 3 continue to impress.  Keep all 3.  Rosario can back up at WR in emergency.

OL--Vincent had a rough night.  Back-ups seem to be improving.  Wonder if Bernadeau can catch in goal line situations when he reports as eligible receiver?

DL---Weak at DT.  Can Brayton move inside and let Johnson and Brown play end? Need a veteran DT before Philly.  Brown and Peppers will be tough for other QB's in passing situations.  Question is can we keep them in 3rd and longs?

LB--Much weaker without starters.  Anderson, Conner, Johnson, and Leman are keepers.

DB--Pretty set.  They just need to execute better. 

Overall:

Tackling has been awful.  Whole D needs to improve quickly.

Meeks scheme will give up longer drives this year, but less big plays. There will be more turnovers forced this year in his scheme IF the front four can get enough pressure on QB.  Looks to me the main problems are lack of starters and execution right now.  D will be better later in the season as players execute new system better unless we continue to have injuries. 

Too much made of 3 and outs.  Penalties hurt  a lot (many questionalbe ticky tack calls) and Fox is not going to show anything on 3rd and longs in an exhibition.  Goodson was getting 4+ yards per carry, so we would be running more in regular season and sustaining drives.

Looks like a great draft by Hurney and Fox this year.  Brown, Goodson, and Munnerlyn look very good for rookies.  Robinson will develop and be solid.  Martin and Irvin the same.  Fiametta is FB of the future.  Shows the wisdom of taking the best players regardless of position.  Goodson at RB is prime example.

There are definitely causes for concern, but I still don't put much stock in exhibition games.  Let's see where they are after the first 3 real games.  Recovery from injuries is the biggest concern.

Welcome your comments.

I think I read a brief comment where someone mentioned this, but what does the Panther Nation think about moving Rosario to the #3 receiver spot.  With Barnidge and King, we are pretty set at TE, and Rosario could still play as a 3rd TE in special situations.  I think it might be worth a look.  Add Moore as a solid # 4, and then decide between Jarret and Robinson for #5.

On another note, has anyone heard if Carter has landed with another team yet?

Can someone explain the process of putting players on the practice squad?  I thought I heard they have to clear waivers first, and then can sign as PS player with any team.  Is that how it works?  If so, I think we need to keep Cantwell as #3 QB and trade Moore for a DT.  I don't think Cantwell will clear waivers and if I understand the process correctly then he's gone.

Isn't it limited to 6 or so players?

Any help is appreciated.

DL  (9)  Peppers, Brayton, Brown, Lewis, Johnson, Taylor, Hayden, Favorite, Irvin

       Replace Hayden and/or Favorite with veteran DT (s).  Brayton and Johnson can pass rush from tackle if necessary.

LB  (6)  Beason, Davis, Diggs, Connor, Anderson, Leman

       Anderson and Leman are fast and good for Meeks offense

DB  (9) Gamble, Marshall, Wilson, Munnerlyn, Martin, Wesley, Godfrey, Harris, Teal

              Lots of Special Teams help here.  Trade Salley for draft pick if possible.

QB (3)  DelHomme, McCown, Cantwell

              Trade Moore for DT.  Makes sure we don't lose Cantwell on waivers.

RB (5)  Williams, Stewart, Goodson, Hoover, Fiametta

             Keep both FB's for this year.  Help on special teams

WR (5)  Smith, Muhammed, Jarrett, Moore, Robinson

              Moore and Robinson more versatile than Carter

TE  (3)  Barnidge, King, Rosario

OL  (9)  Gross, Wharton, Kalil, Vincent, Otah, Robinson, Cadogan, Bernadeau, Geisinger

              Swartz can't play OT, and OG is loaded with better athletes.  Cadogan needs work, but has better feet and  

               upside.  Wharton, Bernadeau or Robinson could be emergency OT until Cadogan is ready.

Specialists: Kasay, Rhys-Lloyd, Baker, Jenson

Fluid situation, subject to change with future exhibition games.   I welcome your comments.