I'm going to play off of a Charlotte Observer post by Joe Person and discusses some 'winners' and 'losers' from the combine. In this post I'm only going to discuss the winners plus I'll add some names to both lists I thought Person overlooked. I'll have the losers in a following post.
THE WINNERS
CB Janoris Jenkins
Combine notables:
Jenkins was grilled about his past transgressions: two marijuana-related arrests in a four-month span that got him kicked out of Florida. But he took responsibility for his mistakes, then went out and had an outstanding combine. Jenkins ran the 40 in 4.46, and his 10-yard split was the fastest of any defensive back. Jenkins looked like the second-best corner, behind LSU's Morris Claiborne.
So Jenkins showed some serious talent and measurables and apparently aced the interviews as well. I'm all about giving guys 2nd chances and I agree taking responsibility is a big step but for some reason I see this guy as still having red flags.
Regardless of that the bigger problem is I see him as a late 1st round pick who certainly will be gone by pick 40. With a trade back in the 1st round Jenkins probability of being a Panther upgrades into the realm of possibility but otherwise I don't see it happening.
DT Dontari Poe
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/02/28/3055020/winners-and-losers-at-the-nfl.html#storylink=cpy
Combine notables:
Poe won the combine's strongman competition by doing 44 reps on the 225-pound bench press. Poe followed that up by breaking 5 seconds in the 40 - a strong showing for the beefy, 346-pounder. But teams have to question Poe's production against mediocre competition in Conference USA. He had 33 tackles, one sack and eight tackles for losses in 12 games as a senior.
Poe was impressive with his strength and speed but does he now warrant enough for #9? I have two reservations keeping me from saying 'Yes': First is he seems better suited as a 3-4 NT and second is I think either Fua or Kearse would be adequate starters at the position in 2012 if we decided to go in a different direction. I think it depends on what type of role the under tackle plays in the Panthers defense. Getting a player like Poe or Jerel Worthy in the 1st or 2nd round would certainly say the shift to a hybrid 3-4 remains in the plan. If we instead go with the smaller DT like Devon Still or Fletcher Cox it shows a continued commitment to the 4-3 base.
One winner left out of the defensive line group:
We talked a lot about Ingram on Cat Scratch Radio last night but lets just say this guy could be another Dwight Freeney...or Everette Brown, just depends on who your talking too:
STRENGTHS
Versatility. Ingram has an uncommon blend of speed and overall athleticism for a big man. Parlayed with a strong motor and instincts that have allowed him to lineup in numerous positions across the field, Ingram is around the ball often. He is quick off the snap and technically refined working the line of scrimmage, the type of lineman who can continuously defeat blocks to play the run or pass and make plays.
I'm going with the Freeney comparison myself. My concerns with Ingram is again where he fits if he can't be a three down 4-3 end.
On the offensive side of the ball I have two guys I think moved into the realm of possibility.
This 6'4" receiver with great hands and a 40" vertical put up a blazing 40 time as well with a 4.30. He could be the next Randy Moss (without the attitude)...or Drew Carter depending on who you talk to:
STRENGTHS
Hill will be a legitimate deep threat at the next level -- by recording nearly 30 yards per catch as a senior, he showed he was capable of going deep and scoring on every play. He consistently runs past corners on deep routes and is impressive at the point of the catch, as he is able to lay out for the ball or rise above his defender. Hill is a very good blocker who uses his length well and surprisingly doesn't get off-balance often, something that is usually evident of players with his frame. Though it's risky to throw early comparisons of Hall-of-Fame-caliber players on prospects that don't even garner first-round consideration, Hill could remind some of Randy Moss when it comes to running a pure, one-on-one deep route.
Previously a solid possibility to be available at #40 Hill now might not make it into the 2nd round. If he should be available though the Panthers will have a tough decision to pass on him but I'm guessing they stick to defense with pick #40.
Glenn was first pegged as a 2nd or 3rd round pick who may have played his way into the 1st round who is also showing up in a lot of mock drafts late in the 1st.
STRENGTHS
Cordy is an athletic big man who is fluid when pulling and gets up-field with ease. He is an effective mirror blocker who uses good technique to sit into his base and control defenders. He is aware of stunts and blitzes and usually picks them up with ease. He is a big body who has been a durable starter for Georgia.
If he is there at #40 the Panthers might want to add the potential future starter.
I'll have the losers tomorrow...