I have some general comments from Sunday’s combine work outs and some comments related to potential Panther picks.

McFadden Burns it Up

Darren McFadden put up an impressive 4.33 in the 40 yard dash. Mike Mayock remains indignant regarding the ‘over-rated’ tag he has applied to McFadden. Last year Adrian Peterson ran a 4.4. I’m not saying that translates to what AP did last season, but I think it shows the kind of explosive burst this guy has. He’s a top 5 pick in my book.

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Moving Up Royally

Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal has to be moving up the charts by leading all WR in reps at 24 and posting a sub 4.4 sec 40 yd time (4.39). He looked real smooth in the passing drill as well. He looks like a really good 3rd round pick if he is there.

Andre Caldwell (4.37) and DeSean Jackson (4.35) both posted impressive times in the 40.

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Ripped RB’s

Both RB’s Rashard Mendenhall (24, 4.45) and Johnathan Stewart (26, 4.48) sizzled in the bench press. Both these guys have the guns, the thighs and the speed to warrant first round grades. They would both look great in Carolina blue if that’s what the FO is looking for.

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QB Drills

I really find a lot of field drills such as the pass and catch between the QB and WR to be mostly useless for evaluation purposes. If someone looks really good then that can help their draft position. If they look bad it’s easy to explain away given the players are unfamiliar with each other and how nervous everyone is. I will say I think Colt Brennan has an irregularity in his throwing motion and did not help himself. I thought Chad Henne looked real good and I’m still not impressed with Joe Flacco. If the Panthers were to take a late round flyer on a guy I hope its Erik Ainge.

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Catch Me Now I’m Falling

I think OL Ryan Clady is dropping down boards and may now be available to the Panthers at #13. If so I stay stick with Chris Williams if a LT is the position of choice. Clady is dropping for a reason and this is one pick the Panthers FO can take no risk on. Stick with the 4 year guy from the SEC versus the 3 year small-school guy who has a questionable injury history. Also, I always question guys from small schools who don't participate in the combine.

Michigan WR Mario Manningham put up a disappointing 4.6 in the 40. Add in his skinny frame and legs and I see him dropping to the 3rd or 4th round.

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Top 10 Moments for Sunday

10. Vandy LB Johnathan Goff 28 reps

9. San Deigo QB Josh Johnson 4.44 40

8. Dl Sedrick Ellis 34 reps

7. Purdue LB Stanford Keglar 29 reps (led LB’s)

6. Iowa St DL Ahtyb Rubin 35 reps

5. DL Trevor Laws 35 reps ( I really like this guy)

4. App St. WR Dextor Jackson – 4.27 (Led WR’s)

3. McFadden 4.33

2. OSU DL Vernon Gholston 37 reps (This guy is a beast)

1. E. Carolina RB Chris Johnson sizzled at 4.24 to lead all RB’s