After writing a giant blog post - and interacting with several of you readers - I think it's only fair to talk about the NFL draft just one more day.
Specifically, how the Carolina Panthers did, since that's the local team and all. Here are a few of my thoughts, and I welcome yours as well.
The good
- Trading down. The Panthers obviously had a handful of players they liked and thought would be available 11 spots lower after swapping picks with the Jets. In doing so, Carolina also picked up a second rounder and essentially swapped a sixth round pick for a fifth rounder. Carolina used the two extra picks to draft Ryan Kalil and Tim Shaw.
- The plan. Carolina came in looking to draft the best available player. Although the team didn't net a safety, the team's talent level swelled greatly.
- The second round. After a run of wide receivers, Carolina took Southern California receiver Dwayne Jarrett in the middle of the second round, after guys like Craig Davis and Sidney Rice. Using the pick from New York, the Panthers took Kalil, a center from USC. Kalil was the highest rated center in the draft, and should have gone in the first round.
- Tim Shaw. Just a great pick in the fifth round. The linebacker from Penn State is a pure football player and should be a great addition.
The bad
- Where was the safety? Carolina needed a safety more than any other position, and inexplicably didn't even draft one.
The iffy
- Jon Beason. I wasn't sure if that was a good pick or not. Panthers coach John Fox said Beason will be used at both the middle and outside linebacker spots, which is good for depth purposes, but intriguing because some feel Beason is too small for the middle. Part of me thinks Carolina really liked Brandon Meriweather or Michael Griffin. Griffin was drafted No. 19 by Tennessee, who most thought would take a receiver. But Beason does provide some much needed depth.
- Dante Rosario. Carolina drafted Rosario to be a pass-catching tight end. He can also come out of the backfield and play fullback. Guys who play two positions always worry me.
The grade
Taking absolutely everything into account, I'd give the Panthers an A-minus. This was an enormous draft fir Carolina, and as I mentioned earlier, the team brought in a ton of talent. Beason and Jarrett could see significant time next year. Defensive end Charles Johnson and Kalil should be full-time starters in a year or two. Punt returner Ryne Robinson will play immediately.
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3 comments:
Personally, I'm pretty upset the Panthers didn't draft a safety. I really wanted Reggie Nelson but our pick was just out of reach. So since we didn't draft a safety, does this mean we're looking in free agency? I thought this position was one of the obvious picks for us, but it looks like the Panthers felt differently. I am happy about drafting Jarrett. I think he'll be a great fill-in for Keyshawn and another nice compliment to Smitty.
Don't know if you heard, but Appalachian State's Marques Murrell agreed to terms on a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. App State represent!
I think Carolina HAS to look for one in free agency. But when the season starts, don't be surprised if it's Mike Minter and Nate Salley starting, which could be pretty scary considering Salley we on the practice squad that year.
It just seems like, to the Panthers, safety is a position where the team can just skate by with whomever.
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