Showing posts with label OT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OT. Show all posts

Draft Study Guide: Panthers Mock 5.0

Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 by with No comments
This mock is all about Cam and his future in Carolina. The more I think about this offseason and the future of the Carolina Panthers, I keep coming back to the fact that Cam is not signed past next season. All we ever hear about contract negotiations is that the front office should get something done eventually. This coming season could end up being make-or-break for Cam's future in a Panthers uniform. With that in mind, this mock draft focuses on surrounding him with weapons and protecting him.

Round 1, Pick 25: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford University

Peat is the final of the three offensive tackle prospects I feel that project to be above average left tackles in the NFL that I have mocked to the Panthers, and he may be the most viable the more I watch his tape and read about him. The Stanford product is a massive man and should be an immediate asset in the power running game that the Panthers employ. With improved technique and consistency, he can also become an asset in the pass game. I think that Peat would start out on the right side opposite of Michael Oher but could push for the left tackle spot in his second season.

Round 2, Pick 57: RB Duke Johnson, University of Miami (FL)

You want speed? Here is some speed for you. Johnson is a lightning playmaker and a threat to make a big play every time he touches the ball. His slighter frame means he probably cannot carry the ball 20+ times per game in the NFL, but the Panthers started employing a running back committee before it became en vogue. Johnson can also offer some special teams value to make him an even more valuable asset. This former Hurricane would offer excitement for Panthers fans each time he steps on the field.

Round 3, Pick 89: CB Alex Carter, Stanford University

Carter has faced plenty of NFL caliber wide receivers in his three years in the PAC 12 and should be able to excel in zone coverage where he can keep plays in front of him in the NFL, given his below average long speed. Carter is strong in run support and at 6' and about 200 pounds, he has the size to play on the outside in the NFC South. The signing of Charles Tillman allows the Panthers to be more patient about defensive back help, but I think that Gettleman would pull the trigger for a player of Carter's caliber if he falls here.

Round 4, Pick 110*: DL Mario Edwards, Jr., Florida State University

Yes, I realize that the Panthers pick at 124, not 110 in the fourth round, but I am projecting the Panthers to trade up for a player they covet with Minnesota Vikings, a team known for draft day trades and amassing picks (*giving up picks 124 and 161 in exchange). In this case, that player is Mario Edwards, Jr. - a big hog molly that Gettleman would be keen to snatch at the right point in the draft. At 6'3" and 280 pounds, Edwards can be used as a run-stopping defensive end and shift inside on passing downs. He is not yet dynamic as a pass rusher and seems to go through the motions at times, but I think falling this far in the draft and coming into a locker room with the veteran presence that the Panthers possess will allow him to flourish.

Round 5, Pick 169: C Andy Gallik, Boston College

A center? Yes, a center. I am well aware the Panthers have one of the best centers in the NFL in Ryan Kalil. The four-time Pro Bowler is also 30 years old, and it could be time to at the very least get some solid injury insurance. Gallik could be relied on as a spot starter in case of injury immediately along the interior of the offensive line, but he should be focused on developing his pass protection skills as a center. Drafting Gallik would ensure that the Panthers are not in another "We'll stick with Byron Bell to replace Jordan Gross" scenario when Kalil eventually retires. Center - quarterback relationships are very important, so why not introduce Cam to Kalil's heir apparent earlier rather than later.

Round 5, Pick 174: WR Titus Davis, Central Michigan University

Do not run away from the lesser competition that Davis faced in college, Central Michigan is the same university that produced Antonio Brown. Knowing that, it makes Davis's career even more impressive as he finished his Chippewa career as the school's career leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Davis may be the best outside route runner in this draft not named Amari Cooper and could immediately step in and produce opposite of Kelvin Benjamin. He may not have the deep speed to stretch the top off of opposing defenses, but Davis will provide Cam with a consistent possession receiver to rely on, especially on third downs.

Round 6, Pick 200: WR DeAndre Carter, Sacramento State University

If ever there was an undersized prospect from a small school to bet on, it has to be DeAndre Carter. His younger brother passed away at the age of 17 in 2013, and Carter vowed that he would make it in the NFL to honor his brother's memory. His measurables have been compared to longtime Panther great Steve Smith Sr., and Carter certainly produced in the Big Sky Conference with 99 receptions for 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while playing mostly on the outside. At just 5'8" and 186 pounds, he will never overwhelm a cornerback with size, but he has quickness, speed, and sheer determination to get open and catch everything thrown his way. Carter is dynamic in a way that no other receiver on the Panthers roster is, and adding his effort and work ethic to the receiving corps would go a long ways to improving the overall talent level.

Round 7, Pick 242: DT Louis Trinca-Pasat

At 6'1" and just 290 pounds, Trinca-Pasat does not have the size to hold up as a full-time starter in the NFL. However, his effort and experience will make him a quality backup and rotational defensive tackle. Trinca-Pasat showed he could compliment talent well last year with his play next to fellow DT Carl Davis. While his physical attributes might limit his run-stopping abilities, Trinca-Pasat's relentlessness should not be overlooked as a valuable role player this late in the draft. 
----------------------------------------------------------
Homework - You grade me!

Let me know in the comment section how I did.

Draft Study Guide: Panthers Mock Draft 3.0

Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2015 by with No comments
Pro Days are almost complete and the Panthers have made a couple more signings. Time for a new mock! I will continue to try and feature new players to offer different perspectives of how the Panthers's draft could fall out.

Round 1, Pick 25: SS Landon Collins, University of Alabama

So, I think I may cry - Mel Kiper listed Breshad Perriman as his #9 player on his newest Big Board. I really liked his fit with the Panthers and thought he was underrated as a potential day three prospect, but I never expected him to rocket this far up in the draft. I have moved on in this edition of the mock draft, selecting a player that may fall due to Perriman's meteoric rise: Landon Collins. Collins is unquestionably the best safety in this draft, not to mention the only one supposed to go in the first round. He is a strong, athletic safety who excels in the box but is no slouch in coverage either. Collins does not have elite speed, but his 4.5 forty time indicates he should have plenty of speed to play the strong safety position. Collins could develop into a leader of the defensive backfield.

Round 2, Pick 57: WR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State University

The Panthers have not had three players with 50 or more receptions since 1999. I turned 7 years old in 1999. With wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen, the Panthers already have two players locked down for the next three years that should be guarantees for at least 60 catches per season given good health. Lockett could be an excellent compliment to Olsen and Benjamin. Lockett excelled at the combine in the 40 (4.40 seconds), the 20 yard shuttle (4.07 seconds), and the 60 yard shuttle (11.14 seconds). Lockett produced huge numbers at Kansas State, including breaking his father's school records for career receptions and yards. He will most likely be relegated to the slot role in the NFL given his lack of strength, but Lockett possesses the speed, quickness, and route running abilities to be dynamic there. Lockett could quickly become the underneath safety valve that Cam needs (Jonathan Stewart cannot be counted on to provide that any more).

Round 3, Pick 89: DT Marcus Hardison, Arizona State University
Wow. Hardison is a freaking animal. Shifting between 4-3 defensive end and inside to play as a three technique defensive tackle, Hardison exploded last year to the tune of 54 tackles, 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. When you watch the video above, you will see an athlete with outstanding closing burst, good wrap up technique, and positional versatility. Hardison's 5 forced turnovers highlights his nose for the ball. The Panthers like defensive ends that can shift inside on passing downs, why not add a defensive tackle with those same pass rushing abilities, especially to allow Kony Ealy more time to develop. Hardison will not be an asset in the running game until he adds more lower body strength and improves his ability to withstand power guards' punches, but he is an excellent rotation and developmental pick.

Round 4, Pick 124: CB Ladarius Gunter, University of Miami (Florida)

I wrote that if Gunter could improve his 40 yard dash time, he could validate the comparisons to Josh Norman, and a 4.56 at his pro day yesterday did just that. Gunter looks big in the defensive backfield and his 6'2" frame carries the 200 pounds well. He excels in zone coverage and looks to swipe at the ball to disrupt receptions as well as cause fumbles. Gunter's experience as a single high safety and on kickoff coverage offer increased versatility and, therefore, value. Some draft analysts look at him as a safety, but I think he has the size and fluidity to excel for the Panthers from day one opposite Josh Norman.

 Round 5, Pick 161: TE Ben Koyack, Notre Dame University
Koyack worked out for the Panthers and at first, I wondered if the Panthers had a roster spot for a third tight end, given the 3 year commitments given to each Greg Olsen and Ed Dickson earlier this season (literally, I tweeted that question in reply to the original tweet above). Since then, I have realized just how much sense a Koyack selection would make. Brandon Williams has played in 23 games the past two seasons, and Richie Brockel participated in all 16 games in 2012 and 2013. Koyack is a strong inline blocker who has the natural athleticism to become a pass catcher with time and development (he was underused in this facet while at Notre Dame). He also has the size (6'5" and 255 pounds) to be a red zone weapon out of two tight end sets.

Round 5, Pick 169: OG Josue Matias, Florida State University

Andrew Norwell was impressive last year, but can the former undrafted free agent be counted on for the foreseeable future? Matias started 14 games per season at left guard each of the last three seasons in Tallahassee and would provide, at the very least, strong competition for Norwell and former second round pick Amini Silatolu. Matias is more technique than power at this point and could use some seasoning in a professional strength and conditioning program.

Round 5, Pick 174: OT Rob Crisp, North Carolina State University

 A former #2 OT prospect coming out of high school, Crisp has the requisite height and arm length to play offensive tackle in the NFL and may just need some more time to develop into a starting caliber left tackle. He already possesses the athleticism and footwork, but like Matias, Crisp needs to work on his functional strength to be able to drive back defenders in the run game. He could become the heir to Michael Oher at left tackle.

Round 6, Pick 200: WR Chris Conley, University of Georgia

I understand why the Panthers are high on Jarrett Boykin, but there is a reason that they were able to sign him so late in free agency and at such a discount rate - he is not a sure shot. Conley is also not a sure shot, but he has the size and athleticism to become a significant weapon opposite of Kelvin Benjamin. My favorite thing while watching Conley is how natural he looks as a receiver. He does not let the ball get in on him much. His production is lacking, but Georgia features a run-heavy offense. A summer competition between Boykin, Conley, and Stephen Hill for the starting spot opposite of Kelvin Benjamin would be worth watching. 

Round 7, Pick 242: RB Malcolm Brown, University of Texas

Like Crisp, Brown was a much-hyped prospect coming out of high school who failed to excel in the college ranks. I am not sure he would even be drafted without his improved 40 time at his pro days (4.50 and 4.52 seconds). He is a north-south runner with minimal wiggle but decent power and quick burst. Brown also has solid hands coming out of the backfield and can be an asset in pass protection. By all accounts a hard worker and high character person, Brown could compete with Fozzy Whittaker and Jordan Todman for carries behind Jonathan Stewart.
----------------------------------------------------------
Homework - You grade me!

Let me know in the comment section how I did.

Grade Reports: WR Jarrett Boykin and OT Jonathan Martin

Posted on Friday, March 27, 2015 by with No comments
After Alan Ball decided to sign with the Chicago Bears, GM Dave Gettleman responded by signing WR Jarrett Boykin from Green Bay and claiming OT Jonathan Martin from the 49ers. Let us examine these two acquisitions.
WR Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay Packers
Physical: 
Measuring in at 6'2" and 218 pounds, Boykin has a strong frame that helps him complete contested catches as well as make plays in the red zone. Boykin ran a 4.74 40 yard dash at the 2012 NFL Combine, so he is not likely to run away from anyone in the open field. The former Butler HS product is quick and is a solid route runner.
Play Style:
As I mentioned above, Boykin is a big physical receiver who is not afraid to go up and catch jump balls down the field or go across the field. Boykin played on every phase of special teams and displayed above average field awareness both as a receiver and on special teams. He looks to make the most out of every reception after the catch, fighting through tackles and diving forward rather than running out of bounds. On multiple plays in the highlight video above you can see Aaron Rodgers find an open Boykin when plays break down, additional evidence of Boykin's field awareness. 
What He Could Bring to Carolina:
Boykin's 2013 season showed the upside that he possesses, catching 49 passes for 681 yards and 3 touchdowns. 34 of those receptions went for first downs and 10 went for 20 or more yards. If Ricky Proehl and the rest of the offensive staff can bring out the best of him, Boykin can become a solid number two option in a strong passing offense. He probably will not be a huge playmaker, but opposite of Kelvin Benjamin, with Greg Olsen running the seam, and another receiver out of the slot, Boykin could provide a reliable safety valve that can also contribute on special teams. At worst Boykin will be a decent fourth receiver and special teams ace.
Contract Details & Grade:
1 year, terms undisclosed
B+; If Boykin performs like Ted Ginn Jr. or Mike Mitchell did on their respective one year, "show me" contracts, Gettleman will look like a genius yet again. The best part of that would be that Boykin is from Charlotte and the Panthers cap situation would likely allow them to retain him next offseason, creating a strong, young receiving duo for Cam to grow with.
OT Jonathan Martin, San Francisco 49ers

Physical:
Martin has a tall, long frame at 6'5" with 34" long arms, but he lacks some functional strength which can make him vulnerable to bull rushers. He is more athletic than strong, but has good knee bend and hand placement.
What He Could Bring to Carolina:
Pegged as having potential to start at LT early on in his career,  Martin cut his second season with the Miami Dolphins short after feeling uncomfortable with how some of his teammates were treating him; the bullying scandal should not be a worry in Carolina, whose locker room is filled with high character leaders like Greg Olsen and 2014 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner, Thomas Davis. He is being brought in as depth and competition at both tackle spots, but if he reclaims some of the promise he had coming out of Stanford, Martin could become a long-term starter at either tackle position. At worst, he could become cut if the team brings in more competition at the tackle spots and Martin is beat out.


Contract Details & Grade:
1 year, $1,000,000, non-guaranteed
B; Another low-risk, high-reward signing for the Panthers. Martin will come in with no pressure or expectations, which could be a recipe for success for a player that will be on his third team in four years since being drafted in the second round of the 2012 draft. Then again, Martin just might not have the strength to be a starting tackle in the NFL, especially given the Panthers preference for power running. In that case, the Panthers can cut him with no cap repercussions. 
----------------------------------------------------------
Homework - Leave a comment!

What do you think of the latest Panthers signings?

Draft Study Guide: Panthers Mock Draft 2.0

Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 by with No comments
It has been a week since I last released a mock draft and there have been a few pro days and the announcement of compensation picks during that time. Here is a new look at how the Panthers could be drafting in a little over a month.

Round 1, Pick 25: WR Breshad Perriman, University of Central Florida

Yes, I had him projected to the Panthers in the third round last week. But a sub-4.3 40, even if hand-timed, can do crazy things for a big receiver. Just look at the scouts reacting to the times they all have. So, this has led me to hope that the Panthers will draft a big bodied wide receiver from a school in Florida for the second straight year. Perriman possesses the aforementioned speed, to compliment a rock-solid 6'2", 212 pound frame that could make him a dynamic receiver on the outside. Riddle me this: if you have Kelvin Benjamin on one side, Breshad Perriman on the other, and Greg Olsen running up the seam, how do you stop Ted Ginn Jr. over the top or Cam taking off for a 34 yard scramble? You do not.

Another aspect of this selection is doubt about what tackle prospects could be available here. If DJ Humphries or Andrus Peatis available, I think the Panthers would pull the trigger there. However, I do not think that La'el Collins, Ereck Flowers, or TJ Clemmings can start on the left side from day one, which should be the expectation if we do take a tackle here. There are plenty of right tackles to be taken later in the draft. This mock anticipates four offensive lineman going before the Panthers select (Scherff, Humphries, Peat, and Fisher).

Round 2, Pick 57: OT Ereck Flowers, University of Miami (FL)

I know, I know - I said that right tackles can be found later in the draft, but right tackles who could transition to the left side after a year or two of NFL seasoning are worth second round picks. Flowers is a mauler first and foremost, which is why he can start from day one on the right side. His pass protection is a work in progress, however. His footwork can be sloppy and his hands do not carry the same power he displays in the run game. Michael Oher has been declared the de facto starting LT for 2015, and the Panthers have historically stuck with their declared LT (looking at you, Byron Bell), regardless of fan response or perceived ability. Flowers would be the BPA here and fits an important need down the line.

Round 3, Pick 89: DT Grady Jarrett, Clemson University
Offensive linemen do not look forward to seeing Grady Jarrett line up across from them. He has great off-the-snap quickness and combines it with good awareness and timing to explode at the snap and disrupt plays in the backfield. He is not a huge man, but he could instantly be the second best run-stopping defensive lineman for the Panthers. Putting Jarrett and Star side-by-side on rushing downs could force opposing teams to try running outside ("Go get 'em, Luke and TD!"). Keeping Jarrett in the Carolinas will be beneficial for both sides.

 Round 4, Pick 124: DB Eric Rowe, University of Utah

 I highlighted Rowe a couple days ago as a possible Day Three target, and here he shows up, as the Panthers's first selection on Day Three. His interception numbers are lacking (3), but Rowe has broken up 34 total passes. Rowe only has one year of experience at cornerback after playing at safety, he could potentially start at either role in the NFL.  Rowe has the size and potential to become an upper-echelon CB capable of defending the big-bodied receivers that the NFL is falling in love with.

 Round 5, Pick 161: RB Mike Davis, University of South Carolina

 Davis disappointed last year; he looked out of shape and played with a degree of nonchalance that has plagued recent South Carolina prospects (Jadaveon Clowney and Alshon Jeffrey come to mind). However, his 2013 season was impressive, and if motivated he could be a legitimate starting running back in the NFL. He could certainly spell Jonathan Stewart from the get go and develop into the lead back as Stewart's contract comes to an end.

 Round 5, Pick 169: OT Jarmon Brown, University of Louisville

 Brown is a big, big man and could develop into an asset on the right side of the offensive line given his quickness and frame. He struggled in pass protection in college, but his issues are with technique and could be coached up. The Panthers can certainly use depth along the offensive line, and Brown's floor is as a backup interior lineman. GM Dave Gettleman is loving these compensatory picks.

 Round 5, Pick 174: OLB Jake Ryan, University of Michigan

 Ryan has a similar physical profile to A.J. Klein with perhaps a bit more straight-line speed, but whereas Klein is heady and instinctual, Ryan's play style focuses on his competitiveness, effort, and physicality. Ryan would provide immediate depth both inside and outside at the linebacker position, as well as contributing on special teams. These extra picks have given the Panthers the luxury of drafting for reliable depth with decent starting potential, moves that can complete a roster cheaply.

 Round 6, Pick 200: CB Garry Peters, Clemson University

 How does a cornerback that has not allowed a touchdown in almost two years sound? Peters was First-Team All-ACC this year as a fifth-year senior. He will turn 24 during the season but has the physicality and bump-and-run mentality to contribute quickly in the right scheme. I think the Panthers play just the kind of scheme to benefit Peters, as they generate their pass rush via the front four and timely blitzes, meaning there is often deep coverage to help over the top. Peters ran in the same range as Josh Norman and could develop into a similar level player with patience.

 Round 7, Pick 242: WR Mario Alford, West Virginia University

 You want speed? Here you go! Alford ran a blistering 40 at his pro day that was hand-timed in the 4.3-range. He is small but could become an offensive weapon rather than a position-specific player. Panthers fans will doubt that Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula will know what to do with such a weapon, but I have faith in the Panthers organization that they would not let talent go to waste. Alford is also a weapon on special teams with home run capabilities. He has even been compared to T.Y. Hilton - one can only dream.

 There you have it. Two wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two defensive backs, a defensive lineman, a linebacker, and a running back. A (what I believe to be) balanced draft focusing on players with modest ceilings but solid floors, but with a couple of possible hidden gems mixed in to ruffle the feathers a bit. What do you think?
----------------------------------------------------------
Homework - You grade me!

Let me know in the comment section how I did.