This is my first post to CSR, and with the players beginning to arrive at indy for the combine, i figured why not mock the Panthers draft with a little bit of offseason moves. Here it goes:

CUT LIST: Clausen, Edwards, Nannee, and Baker. Davis, see below*

RESTRUCTURE LIST: Otah, Wharton, Mare, and give Smith a restructured extension to free up some current cap space

Cut Davis, and if he wants to play this year for us, then sign him to league minimum since he's already been paid very well for a few seasons to do nothing but rehab. Plus there is no guarantee that he's not going to tear the ACL again in the first week or 2. If he does well this season and actually makes it through, then give him a little bonus and extension.

RESIGN LIST: Schwartz, Applewhite, Thomas Williams, Derek Anderson (if he'll sign cheap), Senn, and if Shockey will sign cheap, bring him back aswell. If he wants to be paid, then I think let some other team do it. Olsen can start, and Barnridge can play behind him, so Shock could be a cap casualty this season.

DRAFT: Clayborne would be the ideal pick IMO, but since he wont be there, I think we should trade down to the Bears. We seem to have decent relations with them (Chris Harris back and forth, Olsen..) and get our 3rd rounder back along with their 4th rounder. I'd like to get a 2nd and 4th, but I don't think anyone else on the board will be worth that much, so for the sake of this mock, I'll take the 3rd and 4th. Take the jump and see the mock:

1 (from Bears) : DT Fletcher Cox - 14.5 TFL/5 sacks/ 2 blocked kicks this season in SEC

2: CB Chase Minifield - Solid corner who plays the pass AND run well.

3 (our original pick from Bears): LB Bruce Irvin - Great pass rushing LB with room for improvment. Somewhat of a project as a full time starter, but Lots of upside. 21 sacks in the last 2 seasons. After the combine, probably wont be available in the 3rd round

4: WR Joe Adams if available, or Jarius Wright - WR and ST help, both with elite speed

4 (from Bears): OL Nate Potter - Versatile lineman with good measurables. Can play G or T.

5: DE Jake Bequette - Not an elite athlete, but a high motor guy. Led SEC with 10 sacks

6: P Drew Butler - Maybe a reach here, but I dont think he'll be available in the 7th. Best punter in draft, and saves cap space from Baker being cut

7: QB Darron Thomas - Played at a very high level for the Ducks, and should be able to do the same in our current offense incase Newton is out with injury. I think of him as Newton light.

Probably not the prettiest of mocks, but it provides the defense with some immediate help, gives us another return guy who can be polished into a good slot/deep threat WR, OL depth, and gives us the Mighty Duck as a viable backup to Superman.