I know you’re as excited as I am to get this season started, so let’s do this thing the right way. I thought it would only be appropriate to begin by discussing what has always been one of the hottest subjects in our sport: Draft strategy. But before we begin discussing potential draft partners, let’s turn our attention to the race track to see who will turn in the fastest time of all, because the festivities are about to finally begin. Gentlemen(Ladies), start your engines! Boogity, Boogity, Boog….Wait. This is CSR, isn’t it? CarolinaSpeedRacing? Oh snap. Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.
All jokes aside, while the good ol’ boys(and girls) were practicing draft strategy on the race track in the Daytona 500 tonight , I thought I would try my hand at some draft strategies of my own. Can you imagine that? Pantherboy is posting another Carolina Panthers mock draft. I apologize if you’re tired of these drafts. I have no problem telling you that I’m addicted. Maybe I need to enter rehab, but I don’t think I can do it on my own. Maybe I need an intervention, CSR style. But before you do, I’ve got to do just one more. I digress.
It’s becoming clearer by the minute that the Rams, who are sitting there with the number two pick, won’t be sitting on that selection for long. I have a feeling that the Redskins are going to be the team that is most willing to give up what it takes to obtain the Rams number two pick, and therefore draft RGIII. With that being said, let me introduce to you the latest Panthers trade partner: The Cleveland Browns. After losing out to the Jets, Dolphins, and Redskins on the Peyton Manning-Matt Flynn-RGIII sweepstakes, they turn their attention to next best quarterback in the draft: Ryan Tannehill. Even though it may seem a bit early, the Browns decide to go ahead and pull the trigger on Tannehill with their # 4 pick.
Upon coming to the realization that Quinton Coples, a player they've coveted for a long time, isn't going to last until their next pick at # 22, Cleveland decides that they must do whatever it takes to improve their 30th ranked rush defense. So, in order to ensure that the Bills, who have the 28th ranked rush defense, are unable to grab their guy at # 10, they come to the conclusion that they must trade for the Panthers #9 pick. This is when it gets interesting for the Panthers because the Browns were willing to trade their 1st , 2nd, and 5th for the right to obtain the Panthers # 9 overall selection. For any nitpickers that might be reading, this trade is within one point of equaling out. Here’s the proof:
|
Pick
|
Value
|
Panthers
|
# 9
|
1350 points
|
|
|
|
|
Total Value
|
1350 points
|
|
|
|
Browns
|
# 22
|
780 points
|
|
# 37
|
530 points
|
|
# 131
|
41 points
|
|
|
|
|
Total Value
|
1351points
|
The Panthers are now armed with the following picks: #22(1st), #37(2nd), #40(2nd), #104(4th), #131(5th), #135(5th), #169(6th), #199(7th). I’m going to throw in one compensatory pick in both the 6th and 7th rounds because I do believe this is what we will ultimately receive after the losses of Richard Marshall and Jeff King to free agency last year. Let me know what you think of this latest draft in the poll.
1st Round(22)- DE Nick Perry USC
Unfortunately, Melvin Ingram was snatched up earlier than the Panthers would have liked, but that’s just fine, because the Panthers think they can turn Perry, with his combination of athleticism, size, and strength, into a four down defensive end. For comparison’s sake, let’s look at Ingram’s combine numbers against Perry’s.
Tale of the Tape
|
Height
|
Weight
|
Arm Length
|
Hand Size
|
Melvin Ingram
|
6' 1"
|
264lbs
|
31.5 inches
|
9 5/8 inches
|
Nick Perry
|
6' 3"
|
271lbs
|
33 inches
|
9 1/2 inches
|
Combine Numbers
|
40 yard dash
|
Bench Press
|
Vertical
|
Broad Jump
|
3 cone drill
|
20 yard shuttle
|
Melvin Ingram
|
4.79
|
28
|
34.5
|
9' 1"
|
6.83
|
4.18
|
Nick Perry
|
4.64
|
35
|
38.5
|
10' 4"
|
7.25
|
4.66
|
2010/2011 Statistics
|
Year
|
Sacks
|
TFL
|
Tackles
|
FF
|
QB Hurries
|
PD
|
Melvin Ingram
|
2010
|
9
|
11
|
34
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
2011
|
10
|
15
|
48
|
0
|
6
|
2
|
Nick Perry
|
2010
|
4
|
7.5
|
25
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
|
2011
|
8.5
|
13
|
54
|
3
|
0
|
3
|
I actually think these two former USC defensive ends from opposite coasts could have similar career paths in the NFL. If they are drafted by a team that properly utilizes their pass rushing abilities, the sky is the limit for both of them. Even though I was never advocating taking Perry over Ingram, I came away impressed with Perry’s overall numbers in college and at the combine. I’ll let you be the judge.
2nd Round(37) from Cleveland- DT Brandon Thompson Clemson
Thompson is just what the doctor ordered for a Panthers team who had a tough time defending the run last year. Although Thompson isn’t much of a pass rusher, he makes up for it with his excellent run-stuffing ability.
2nd Round(40)- WR Stephen Hill
For those who have been clamoring for a tall burner with plenty of upside, here’s your man. I’ve been touting this guy ever since he declared a couple of months ago, but I’ll admit that I didn’t think he was second round material until he put on a show at the combine this past weekend. With that being said, he is poised to rise faster than almost anyone in this draft, and the Panthers would be lucky to get him here.
4th Round(104) CB Jayron Hosley Virginia Tech
We have another steal if this guy somehow falls this far. VA Tech has become somewhat of a Cornerback U as of late, and the Panthers have certainly noticed.
5th Round(131) from Cleveland- OLB Mychal Kendricks
I’m sure Rivera will take a special interest in players from his alma mater throughout the remainder of his tenure here in
5th Round(135) CB Josh Robinson
Why not keep the shelves stocked at cornerback? We need to take as many chances on this position in order to come up with the best combination of defensive backs to slow down Brees and Ryan, along with their formidable receiving threats. An added bonus to his game is that he is a dynamic punt returner.
6th Round(164)- DE
History repeats itself as we pick up another potential Greg Hardy in the 6th round.
6th Round(compensatory)- S Matt Daniels Duke
As a Senior he posted some solid numbers: 2 INT, 126 tackles, 4 TFL, and 14 passes broken up. I don’t have video to prove anything about this guy, but trust me, this is a nice pick-up in the 6th round.
7th Round(199) OT Rokevious Watkins
Very large developmental prospect whom has nice potential at the tackle or guard positions.
7th Round(compensatory)
A special teamer who can compete for a spot on the team in training camp.