Panthers 5 Round Mock Draft Discussion

WalterFootball.com has updated their mock draft and added a 5^th round so it seemed to be a good point for discussion (or argument). Those of you that know me are going to think I actually altered the Panther picks myself since it starts with a CB and then includes two GT players in rounds 5 & 6. I promise I didn't make this up. 

2^nd Round (#59) Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest

At this selection, Carolina needs to address the defensive tackle or corner position. Ken Lucas is gone, and Richard Marshall apparently doesn't have what it takes to start at corner in this league...Alphonso Smith qualified for the AP All-America First Team. That's not surprising, as he tied the ACC career record for interceptions (Dre Bly, 20)

I love this pick but not for the reason listed by Walter. I'm 90% sure Richard Marshall has what it takes. What I love is the fact Smith tied Dre' Bly's ACC career interceptions mark, not something to overlook. The Panthers tied for 21^st in the league in INT's last season so they need a guy that can anticipate where the ball is going. If the Panthers don't draft a CB should we consider bringing back Ricky Manning Jr?

3^rd Round (#93) Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly-SLO
With Muhsin Muhammad, 36 in May, likely playing his final season in Carolina, the Panthers could consider a young possession receiver to team with Steve Smith for the 2010 NFL season. Ramses Barden has re-entered Round 3 conversation with his 4.51 40; that's impressive for a 6-6, 227-pound wideout.

I don't like this pick, nope. I want nothing to do with a WR in this draft. We have our two starters and four decent guys vying for the 3^rd spot: Jason Carter, Ryne Robinson, Dwayne Jarrett and Kenneth Moore. Let's have them battle it out with maybe another free agent thrown in there for fun. Besides, I would never reach for a receiver unless elite speed was involved.

Instead I want a DT or DE here based on the Panthers need to groom some defensive line talent behind the veteran starters. I've seen some mocks having the Panthers drafting a C/G combo here but I instead think they look for a free agent to back up C Ryan Kalil. As far as DT's how about Alex Magee, Purdue (6-3. 298). He ran a nice 40 (4.82) and put up 30 reps so he has both strength and decent speed. He can also play DE which is nice given his size. The Panthers could add a veteran DT to the mix as well but I expect a younger player is preferred.

4^th Round (#124) Vance Walker, DT, Georgia Tech (6'2", 304)

Carolina missed Kris Jenkins' presence last year. They'll take a defensive tackle early in the 2009 NFL Draft if they don't get one in free agency...Walker's sack total is down (3) this year. He also has 8.5 TFL through 10 games. He should be able to play both the 4-3 and 3-4...5/9/08: Vance Walker made major strides in 2007, registering 8.5 sacks in 13 games. Oh, and he's just as good at stopping the run as he is getting to the quarterback.

This will surprise you but I'm actually not fond of this pick (and I'm not sure I would call #124 early). I've watched Walker play for several seasons and he was a good college player but I'm just not sure he has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL. He is strong with those 29 reps but his speed (5.33) worries me in a Cover 2 system. I'll be the first to say I was wrong if he succeeds. I'd like to go for a pass rusher at this point but this draft  is fairly thin at DE.  If the Panthers haven't picked a DE by the 3^rd round the pickings may be slim and there is no telling what position they might target here. If not a DT or DE here then OL might be the best route.

 5^th Round (#155) Andrew Gardner, OT, Georgia Tech (6'7", 304)

The loss of Frank Omyiale has left the Panthers pretty thin at tackle...Despite suffering a torn labrum in early November, Andrew Gardner was voted to the All-ACC First Team...5/24/08: Andrew Gardner is a very solid run-blocker who sparked Tashard Choice the past few years. He has 39 collegiate starts entering 2008...2007: Andrew Gardner has started every game for the Yellow Jackets the past two years. A bit light for a tackle, but his skills make up for that.

Now I do like this pick as Gardner was a three year starter at GT and was the anchor of the line. The injury mentioned above happened half way through his senior season so the fact he still made the ACC first team means a lot. He immediately had surgery so he could recover in time for the draft. I don't see why this kid couldn't develop into a starter in the NFL and I'm surprised to see him rated as a 5-6^th round pick.

I can't help but put up my own 6^th round selection. I'm thinking the Panthers love versatile offensive linemen and so I have found the guy.

 6^th Round (#189) Dallas Reynolds BYU (6'5", 328)

Voted to the All-Mountain West First Team, Dallas Reynolds was the leader of a unit that blocked for one of the top offenses in the nation...In addition to having solid workout numbers, Reynolds can play four positions on the line. He's also reliable; Reynolds has 37 consecutive starts.

 Reynolds has good size, nice strength with 20 reps and ran a 5.28. Just the kind of guy the Panthers would groom similar to the way they groomed Geoff Hangartner.

So what you think? Give me your preferences if you would change anything.