Though several Panther rookies have played throughout the year we have yet to see so many of them perform in one game. This rookie class made a hell of an impact in the game against the Cowboys:

o MLB Jon Beason was his usual spectacular self. No play was more demonstrative of his talent then when he ran down Marion Barber from behind on an end around for no gain.
o WR Ryne Robinson is finally getting comfortable returning kicks and with Keary Colbert now on IR he is getting catches. That 34 yard return is something we have been waiting on all season. For the game he averaged 21 yards on 2 punt returns and 29 yards on three kick returns.
o DE Charles Johnson got the start at left DE in place of the injured Julius Peppers and finished with 2 tackles. I thought he played well though the D-line as whole didn't perform very well against the Cowboys
o S CJ Wilson got in on some dime packages. The Cowboys did pick on him when he was in there but he played ok and finished with 2 tackles
o TE Dante Rosario had another nice catch as he showed goods hands and speed (for a TE). I’m starting to think he could be an impact player next year
o C Ryan Kalil subbed for Justin Hartwig when he went down with injury. With C Justin Hartwig on IR we can expect Kalil to start the season finale against the Bucs.
o LB Tim Shaw is always active on special teams and had two tackles
o That leaves only WR Dwayne Jarrett who did get in the game but did not do anything to make the box score. Considering in this game Steve Smith had 9 receptions and no one lese had more than one, the Panthers sorely need a 2nd WR. If Jarrett can’t get on the field on this team he has got to be a bust.

As much as I have criticized the Panther brass for their past draft and FA failures I can’t find too much fault with this latest draft. Sure, we still need a #2 WR and a Safety but most of this crop has a chance to stay around a while.

The Panther draft position should be finalized next week so then I will begin looking at who the Panthers may target with their first few picks. Too bad that’s all we have to look forward to.