MY 2011 DRAFT, AT LEAST IN MY DREAMS

Panther fans,

Im sure we are all in agreement that our campaign last season left something to be desired on almost every side of the ball... The one thing we could count on i.e. the running game was mediocre at best from the two starters, however we did see some sparks of talent from the back-ups Goodson and Sutton.. We lost Thomas Davis again this season, but we also saw S Charles Godfrey really step up and make plays. We lost Julius Peppers, which would be impacting on any NFL team, but as far as I'm concerned Charles Johnson has showed that he has the potential to make me say, "Julius Who?"

My point here is despite the fact that we had an abyssmal season, it can be fixed. Having said that I believe I MAY have the formula and the key to it, is believe it or not, lies with the San Fransisco 49ers.

Lets start from the beginning.

Alot is going on with the Panthers this off-season. New coaches, which means new schemes, and general mayhem at practice. Outside of that, lets look at what makes it all come together under ANY scheme, the players. The 5 biggest team needs in my opinion are QB,DL,OL,LB,CB (In no particular order). We have players at these positions that for the most part have us standing on rocky ground. Were do the 49ers come into the equation you say? Well, the hold the key to it all. The lucky number 7 spot in the 1st round. They also lead the league in number of draft picks which means they have an abundance of the reasource and, in theory, are more apt and willing to make a trade. Now no matter what any coach or owner says, having that #1 sounds tempting to say the least. The 49ers have a new head coach just as we do and with that, I'm certain he'll be looking to shake things up a bit.

So, the trade package (hypothetically speaking of course) Would be as follows in this scenario.

CAR-2011 ROUND 1, PICK 1 TO SF 2011 ROUND 1, PICK 7:
                                    ROUND 2, PICK 13(45):
                                    ROUND 4, PICK 11(108):
I know I know, sounds a little farfetch'd, but i think just as plausible as it is appealing. That would then give Carolina a top 10 1st round, and a much needed 2nd. All together the Panthers would have:

Round-1 7th overall
Round-2 45th overall
Round-3 65th, 97th overall
Round-4 98th, 108th overall
Round-5 132nd overall
Round-6 166th overall
Round-7 244th overall

So i did some research, compiled spreadsheet after spreadsheet based on players projected draft position and grade vs. team draft position and team need and landed on the "sweet spot" with the trade with the 49ers. So, without further delay, I give you MY 2011 NFL Draft...

Round 1:7- Patrick Peterson CB (LSU)
Round 2:45- Cam Heyward DE (OHIO ST)
Round 3:65- Greg Little WR (UNC)
Round 3:97- Stephen Paea DT (OREGON ST)
Round 4:98- Bruce Carter LB (UNC)
Round 4:108- Colin Kaepernick QB (NEV)

After those 6 picks, its kind of hit and miss as far as getting good draft quality. Now, explanation of the picks.

Patrick Peterson CB LSU- This is the one i struggled with most, as i'm sure the majority of pro teams will as well. So much talent in the pool, someone's gonna slide. I like PP because of his ability to transition from island man coverage to zone coverage almost seamlessly. Good size, great speed and vision. We may very well be looking at the next Revis.

Cam Heyward DE OHIO ST- Tough one here having him slip past the first round, however the way teams are hyping players and counting their chickens before they hatch, i think stranger things can happen. Here we have a true DL in that he can stuff the run and get alot of pressure for someone who is his size. Look for him to really solidify the middle of our 4-3 (assuming we keep a 4-3).

Greg Little WR UNC- Due to his off the field issues, i can see him sliding to the 3rd round easily. On the plus side, he's got good size and excels at making the catch in traffic. The next Muhsin Muhammad? Very well could be. Paired with Steve Smith and newcomer Jeremy Shockey along with ever developing David Ghettis? Could be something serious here.

Stephen Paea DT OREGON ST- Now before anyone cuts off my head on this one, take into account one simple but true fact about drafting. No pick is certain, no position is solidified until you are chosen. Too many teams will take too many chances and i think Paea will endure the repercussions. Teams now are looking for a pass rush specialist in almost all linemen, which is the one factor of his game he needs to work on, however, if he slides this far, we are looking at our big bull to stuff the run.

Bruce Carter LB UNC- Coming off an injury, lowers his stock, but lowers it right into the Panthers locker room. In his tape i see that he does take excellent pursuit angles on run support, but he needs to bulk up considerably. However he will have a great teacher in Jon Beason and combined with a recovered Davis we could be looking at the tri'fecta of Linebacking corps.

Colin Kaepernick QB NEV- RAW RAW RAW talent.. However, i believe that he has the drive to really learn the ways of the NFL QB probably more than any other quarterback in the draft. Big guy with a big arm but needs to tighten the screws a little bit before we are plugging him into the starting position.

There you have it folks, i may be just a dreaming fan, but i think this formula will guarantee that we can all celebrate more than 2 wins in the 2011-2012 season. Later!