Hey Panthers fans!  Hope everyone is getting ready for a crazy draft season surrounded by questions about the collective bargaining agreement and lockout looming.  However, I’m staying positive and hoping the billionaires and the millionaires learn to play nice so we can watch some football.  Anyways, here are some moves that the Panthers Front Office should make before we win the super bowl next season :)

Our free agents:

DeAngelo Williams -  No doubt we should resign this guy.  He was hurt last year, but he was been the anchor of our running game for the last couple of years.  D-Will/Stew/Gooden will be the best combo in the NFL.

Ryan Kalil – Franchise Tag

Charles Johnson – We really need to resign this guy.  Last year he was a pro-bowl player on a horrible d-line. 

Thomas Davis – I think most people are focusing on D-Will, Kalil, and CJ over TD.  Good player, but he is kind of injury prone.  I would consider resigning him if he is willing to take less money. 

James Anderson – Another overlooked FA.  He was a first-year started that had a borderline probowl year.  We should definitely re-sign this guy.  We need to keep the talent we have in our linebacker corp. 

Nick Hayden – provide good depth.

CJ Wilson – Good for depth

Other Free Agents

Jonathon Joseph – We need a good cover corner with all the blitzing that Rivera will incorporate.  Joseph is a local product that can play opposite of Chris Gamble.

Marcus Stroud – Huge force in the middle of the line that can be very effective against the run.  He is a veteran presence that we need on Defense.

Jeremy Shockey – From what I’ve been reading, Panthers are thinking about giving him a shot.  Do-it-all TE that Rivera wants to use in his offense.  Will be a great tool for a QB.  He can also help Gary Barnidge develop, as well as, bring some attitude to our offense.

Brad Hoover – Hoov should have never been released by the Panthers.  End of story.

Bob Sanders – This is my darkhorse free agent pickup.  I’m really surprised that more people aren’t talking about the panthers going after this guy, especially considering Meeks in our secondary coach.  I know he is injury prone, but he is a difference maker on defense.  I think we can definitely give him a shot in Carolina and we have the depth at safety if he gets hurt.

Draft

1st round pick – QB Blaine Gabbert, U of Missouri– I think Cam Newton can be our best friend in the draft.  I think he is too big of a risk to draft but some team will fall in love with him, so we can trade back and pick up another 2nd rounder. In my ideal situation, the bills are that team.  I think we should trade back to #3 and draft Blaine Gabbert.  Gabbert had good numbers in college, great size (6’5,235lbs), and good foot work.  At first, I wasn’t for taking a QB in the first round, but we NEED a franchise QB, and I don’t think Jimmy is that guy.  I was really impressed by this video of Gabbert’s preparation for the draft, it speaks volumes of his work ethic and confidence. 

2nd round pick – OG Orlando Franklin, Miami – Potentially the best guard in the draft.  He played LT at Miami, but I don’t think he has the speed to play that position in the NFL.  I feel like we need some more size on our O-line.  Franklin stands at 6’7, 318 lbs.

3rd round pick – DT Marvin Austin, UNC – It might be wishful thinking to hope that Austin falls this far in the draft.  His ability/potential is definitely first round material.  He is a poor man’s Ndomokung Suh with a bad attitude.  His value at this pick will be worth the risk. 

3rd round pick (J.Peppers Compensatory pick) – CB Shareece Wright, Southern California – We need another cornerback.  Wright has pretty good speed/size.  Competes very hard.  He will be the best CB available

4th round pick – OT Marcus Gilbert, Florida – Hard-working lineman that can play both tackle and guard.  Will bring depth to our O-line.

5th round pick – DT Sione Fua, Stanford –  Outstanding player from Stanford.  He’s a big guy with great quickness and initial burst.  Pair him with M.Austin/C.Johnson/G.Hardy/E.Brown and you have a strong D-line for the next couple years. 

6th round pick –  PK/P/ Alex Henery, Nebraska – Let’s face it,  Kasay is not the player he used to be.  We need to groom another kicker to take over after he retires.  Henery is one of the best kickers of all time.  Let Kasay finish his career as a teacher for Henery.

7th round pick –   TE Zack Pianalto, UNC – Talented but injury-prone tight end.  Would be a good second string TE.  Another weapon for Gabbert to use in the passing game.

Depth Chart

• Quarterback
• Blaine Gabbert-R
• Jimmy Clausen
• Tony Pike
• Running Back
• DeAngelo Williams
• Jonathan Stewart
• Mike Goodson
• Tyrell Sutton
• Full Back
• Brad Hoover
• Tony Fiammetta
• Wide Receiver
• Steve Smith
• Brandon LaFell
• David Gettis
• Armanti Edwards
• Left Tackle
• Jordan Gross
• Left Guard
• Travelle Wharton
• Duke Robinson
• Center
• Ryan Kalil
• Chris Morris
• Right Guard
• Orlando Franklin - R
• CJ Davis
• Right Tackle
• Jeff Otah
• Marcus Gilbert-R
• Tight End
• Jeremy Shockey
• Gary Barnadge
• Zack Pianalto-R
• Defensive End
• Charles Johnson
• Everette Brown
• Greg Hardy
• Eric Norwood
• Defensive Tackle
• Marcus Stroud
• Marvin Austin - R
• Sione Fua – R
• Nick Hayden
• Middle Linebacker
• Jon Beason
• Dan Conner
• Outside Linebackers
• Thomas Davis – WS
• James Anderson – SS
• Thomas Williams
• Jordan Senn
• Nic Harris
• Cornerbacks
• Jonathon Joseph
• Chris Gamble
• Captain Munnerlyn
• Sareece Wright
• CJ Wilson
• Safeties
• Bob Sanders
• Sherrod Martin
• Charles Geodfrey
• Jordan Pugh
• Kicker
• John Kasay
• Alex Henery
• Punter
• Jason Baker
• Long Snapper
• JJ Jansen