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.
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.
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-guaranteedB; 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.
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Homework - Leave a comment!
What do you think of the latest Panthers signings?
