The Panthers gave up three picks (2nd, 3rd and 6th rounders) to move up 16 spots in the second round. It was a move I predicted but it was not the player I thought they would target.
Here's PFF's take on the pick:
Devin Funchess
Live Blog Reaction:
What He Brings: An ability to operate effectively from the slot. Classed as a tight end don’t expect too much in the way of blocking from him, as even when split out he really didn’t look all that interested. Did play hurt during the year so it’s hard to tell how much that impacted him. Was a big part of Michigan’s offense, with him targeted on 30.4% of all the routes he featured on.
Where He Fits: Likely as a pass play specialist who might feature far more as a receiver than he would as a tight end. Does give Cam Newton another big target with his ability to overwhelm defensive backs with his size a mismatch.
For our detailed scouting analysis on Funchess see our CFF Overview: WRs series.
Top PFF Tweets:
- Funchess was targeted heavily at Michigan:
- Sr. Analyst, Gordon McGuinness not a big fan of the pick:
Other Content Links:
Our Edge Defender Signature Stat Rankings:
We didn't have Funchess going until pick 92 in our 3rd Round Mock Draft
Just like last season only time will tell if this was a good pick. The Panther brass seems to really like it of course:
Panthers trade up, draft WR Funchess in second round
"When you look at the board and the way it was set, here's a guy that we have rated in the first round," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He's a guy that's going to bring something a little different to the table in terms of big catch radius, big size with a little bit more speed.
I think it's going to be interesting to see the combinations we'll be able to put out there on the offensive side. "He makes catches in traffic, presents a big target in traffic and takes a lot of big shots, similar to Kelvin. And then you watch him go vertical, and you realize he's a vertical threat, too, going deep and making plays. I kept thinking back to my time in San Diego when we had Malcom Floyd and Vincent Jackson going vertical - two big targets."
So there you have it. We were looking for a complimentary player to KB but RR instead wanted to clone him so as to have two twin towers on the outside. It's interesting they think he is a vertical threat as well. If he Pro Day time ends being more indicative than his combine time then I might agree.
So what grade do you give the pick?