Apparently Panthers GM Marty Hurney doesn’t like bloggers tracking his every move:

Hurney won't reveal where he went and frequently said "Stop tracking us!" when asked for details of his whereabouts.

Here’s a list of prospects GM Hurney has paid extra attention to (so I guess he hates it when we post things like this):

March 3: Boise State tackle Ryan Clady.
March 18: Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and tackle Gosder Cherilus.
March 20: Central Florida running back Kevin Smith.
March 21: Vanderbilt tackle Chris Williams
March 25: Arkansas running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
March 27: Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall.
April 9: Pittsburgh tackle Jeffrey Otah.

If I really thought posting this stuff would hurt the Panthers I wouldn’t do it. There’s no doubt the internet makes this information more readily available but I would imagine the rumor mill has worked very in the NFL for many years. On top of that the multitude of mock drafts and trade rumors creates information overload. What the Panthers will have to do every year is look at so many prospects, attend more Pro Days and conduct more one-on-one sessions to cloud the picture of the Panthers true desire. I imagine every team plans for a number of draft scenarios but in the end it will be very difficult to predict even the first twelve picks much less the first few rounds.

Maybe Hurney is more scared of where all this could lead. Does he think that some day in the future bloggers will stalk his every move like paparazzi stalk Brittney Spears? We’ll set up hidden cameras in his neighborhood and at the airport to track his every move. We’ll swarm his limo when he pulls up to the stadium and jam a camcorder in his face. Yes I’m trying to be funny and I realize its not working. But I think we can all agree that the impact of the blogosphere of sports is still maturing. Pro athletes and NFL teams still don’t know whether to embrace the blogs or to loath their ‘interference’. Obviously I hope it the former is what gets embraced in time.

I have to make at least one comment about the players list above. I’ve posted on all these players except RB Kevin Smith.

Here’s his profile at Walter Football:

Kevin Smith, Central Florida
Height: 6-1. Weight: 217.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Combine 40: 4.43.
Pro Day 40: 4.47.
Benchx225: 15. Vertical: 33.5. Broad .
Projected Round: 3-4.

Kevin Smith ran a 4.43, sure, but his second attempt at the 40 resulted in a 4.56. Still, I don't think he hurt himself at all at the combine.

Talk about literally carrying a team - through the beginning of November, Kevin Smith has 1,448 rushing yards, 17 receptions and 19 total touchdowns. His 40 time is solid considering his size. Don't look at his weak conference either; Smith gashed Texas for 149 yards and two scores on 27 carries.

He has taken a lot of carries over the last few seasons but the Panthers will not need him to carry a heavy load. He will have time to learn and mature a little before getting thrown in the fire. If the Panthers pass on Rashard Mendenhall then Smith could be the real target in the 3rd or 4th round.