The Carolina Panthers’ 2009 draft was supposed to be a fairly quiet affair, with the team making a splash in 2008 trading their 1st round pick in 2009 to
Many of
Today we're going to look at how the 2009 draft panned out, and how I grade the players after their first season...
After the jump...
Rd |
# |
Name |
Pos |
2 |
43 |
Everette Brown |
DE |
2 |
59 |
Sherrod Martin |
S |
3 |
93 |
Corvey Irvin |
DL |
4 |
111 |
Mike Goodson |
RB |
4 |
128 |
Tony Fiammetta |
FB |
5 |
163 |
Duke Robinson |
OT |
7 |
216 |
Captain Munnerlyn |
CB |
Everette Brown – B+
Though Brown only had limited playing time in 2009 he made the most of the snaps he took. Brown finished 3rd in QB pressures among Panthers and led all rookies in forced fumbles. Brown has vicious speed off the edge and was a highly effective 3rd down pass rusher. He should be utilized a lot more in 2010 if Tyler Brayton and/or Julius Peppers do not return. Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks is hoping he can hone some of Brown’s skills to turn him into another ‘undersized’ pass rusher he has coached- Dwight Freeney.
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Sherrod Martin – B
The Panthers tried an experiment with the safety from
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Corvey Irvin – N/A
Irvin was a victim of circumstance. All accounts said he had a fairly good training camp but was forced to IR immediately following the Panthers’ first preseason game. With more depth at the position since his injury it will be harder for Irvin to fight his way onto the D-line in 2010.
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Mike Goodson – C
Goodson was the toast of the Panthers during the 2009 preseason. An electric runner who dares people to catch him oftentimes Goodson lacks a solid move that allows him to hit the next level. Goodson is a project for the Panthers and the jury is still out. His hands aren’t sure enough to be an effective KR or PR and he cannot be an every down back. However, figure Goodson to be a threat in the passing game and the wildcat in 2010.
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Tony Fiametta – C+
FB is one of the most underrated positions on the field and one of the most difficult to pick-up and play. Fiametta was a pick for the future as he will be required to step in and fill Brad Hoover’s large shoes when he retires. When
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Duke Robinson – D
Robinson was thought to be a 5th round steal but saw no playtime in 2009. He’s still a work in progress.
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Captain Munnerlyn – B
This was the steal of the Panthers’ draft. Once thought to be a long shot to make the team Captain Munnerlyn stepped in and was willing to do anything the Panthers needed of him. He returned punts, tried his hand at kickoff returns, and worked his way into being the Panthers’ nickel back. This culminated towards the end of the season with Munnerlyn working opposite opposing #2 receivers admirably. The future is bright for this young DB.
What are your thoughts? Was I too soft on some players? Too hard on others? Let me know!