Godfrey Brings Flexibility to Panthers Secondary

Former Iowa Hawkeye and Panthers 3rd round pick Charles Godfrey (5-11, 205) brings more than speed (4.38), strength and ball-hawking ability to the Panthers secondary. He also brings the experience and flexibility to play corner or safety. It’s pretty safe to say the Panthers do not need another CB but would instead move him to free safety. The Panthers did sign free agent S Terrence Holt this off-season who more than likely will be the starter come game one. Even if he doesn’t start right away Godfrey could have an immediate affect on the Panthers in another area:

That is one thing about Iowa, we take a lot of pride in special teams. I started playing my freshman year. They tried to take me out a little my senior year, because I was starting at cornerback, but I told them no. I trained and I've been training all year to handle that load. I played all four years, and it was great. I'm looking forward to being able to play special teams right away also.

I’m assuming he plays coverage because I’ve heard no mention of him returning kicks. The word is he is ‘gunner’ material. Between he and Richard Marshall be should have a couple guys who can get downfield and make plays on coverage. Godfrey also brings good hands, a quality the Panther secondary could sorely use. He recorded five interceptions in 2007 as the Panthers recorded 14 as a team to tie for 23rd in the NFL. If Godfrey does move to free safety he should certainly provide an upgrade in the INT department over last season’s starter Deke Cooper

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Former Scout Tom Marino Give the Panthers an A

Tom Marino is the guy I posted about a few weeks ago who did an amazing job of predicting the 7th round of the 2007 draft. Marino is a former scout who graded each teams recent draft performance. Add Marino to the list of people giving the Panthers an A.

The Panthers addressed some offensive concerns with the first two selections and got excellent value. Although he possesses excellent straight speed and size, I was disappointed in Godfrey's man-cover skills. I'm a big fan of Dan Connor and it wouldn't surprise me to see him in the starting lineup by the midpoint of his rookie season. Barnidge was a very underrated TE who is an excellent receiver. From the late rounds, Hayden is a steady inside player and run stopper, Taylor a nifty nickel-rusher and Schwartz is a massive, wide body. All are solid picks, but in my opinion none will contribute significantly in 2008. The Panthers' seventh selection, Mackenzy Bernadeau from Bentley College, was injured and missed the second half of the '07 season. But I really like his game and playing potential. A solid well planned draft overall.

The Panthers could have four starters from this draft starting by mid-season. If Jonathan Stewart makes a splash it will lessen the sting this time next year when the draft rolls around. The true test of this draft, for the Panthers anyway, if whether they make the playoffs. It’s a relief though that at least on the surface it looks like Fox and Hurney did a good job.