Some main take-aways from Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman’s pre-draft press conference:
The Quality of This Draft is Somewhat Suspect
The Panthers had one of their most successful drafts in 2014, so Gettleman is admittedly partial to the talent he was able to find.
“Last year’s draft was special. It was really a good draft … [This year’s group] is not as strong as last year’s. I think it’s a little stronger than the ’13 draft.”
Many around the league believe there are fewer than 20 first-round worthy guys. So how many first-round grades have the Panthers given out?
“Enough. Enough for us.”
Since he’s sitting at No. 25, Gettleman hopes teams in front of him “will make a mistake” so he can grab someone worth that first-round pick.
Expect a Trade or Two
Gettleman is armed with nine picks this year, two more than he had in 2014 when he had two more than in 2013. Two of those picks are compensatory choices at the end of the fifth round that can’t be dealt. Since the Panthers will add some undrafted guys and perhaps a few other free agents down the line, Gettleman implied nine drafts picks would make things a bit too crowded. And with added ammunition, he has flexibility to move around.
“It gives you pause and it makes you consider those things. It’s something we’ll have in our heads. It’s definitely doable.”
But Gettleman is still unlikely to make a move, at least a big jump, in the first round. He remains steadfast in his belief that it’s not worth giving up multiple high choices for just one player.
Tackle Possibilities Remain a Toss-Up
Most mock drafts have placed offensive tackles at Carolina’s first-round spot for months. But adding Michael Oher means left tackle isn’t as dire as it was heading into the offseason. Still, there’s no guarantee Oher will be able to revitalize his career in Carolina. Gettleman doesn’t want a “revolving door at the position,” but if a tackle he wants is there at 25, that would be the smartest pick … if he’s also the best player available.
“Is there a long-term guy at the left tackle spot that could be available for us? Yes, at 25, there could be. But, who else is available? Who else is there?”
If the Panthers draft a tackle in the first round, it will be one they think can play on the left side. Some tackles listed as lefts are better-suited as rights. Gettleman estimated four to five guys are true left tackle prospects.
Panthers Have Fewer Needs
Last year at this time, Gettleman was rebuilding the offensive line, receiving corps and secondary. 2014’s draft and post-draft additions have put the Panthers in a better spot. Plus, they “hit checkboxes” by adding Oher, more speed and special teams help during the most-recent free agency period.
“We’re not walking into this draft like we were last year at wide receiver … I feel a lot better going into this draft right now than I did last year … With the things that we’ve done this offseason, I’m not saying we’re perfect, we have a long way to go, and this draft has to help us now. We’ve got to get value out of this draft. But I feel good about where we’re at a lot of positions.”
Not All Character Concerns Are Alike
Drafting a player who has a domestic violence incident in his past like receiver Dorial Green-Beckham was always unlikely. “In terms of domestic violence, we made our statement,” Gettleman said, perhaps implying the statement was not bringing back defensive end Greg Hardy.
But guys like defensive ends Shane Ray and Randy Gregory, who have had marijuana incidents pop up lately, aren’t necessarily off Carolina’s board. Gettleman admitted the Panthers have “more discussions” about prospects with character questions, which is one of the reasons he used all 30 in-house visits for the first time in three years.
“It’s take no prisoners now. When they come in here, they get grilled pretty hard. We’re not hitting them with feather dusters; it’s two-by-fours. We have to find out what it’s about, what he’s about.”
Anyone think Gettleman will/should try to swing a trade for Swearinger? One up season one down in Houston. Low cap hit, I see potential in a spot of definite need.
Another team draft your man crush, get over it. Swearinger’s just another S with no speed (4.67-40), they’re a dime a dozen. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh, I don’t mean it that way, I just don’t agree with the need for Swearinger. You have the courage to offer your ideas, and most posters never do.
Man you have got to get out of the numbers game, it just isn’t a good measure of a player. Rember jerry rice had slow times and warren sapp had a poor bench press. Strait line speed is nothing but f reaction is slow or the ability to read a defense is lagging. I appreciate that you can look at the numbers and make a decision but if it were just that then yhe best players would be obvious and the draft would be nothing more than going down the line of the best combine performance. Results are far more impressive. As far as the need, the draft is weak in safteies. This guy had a productive year in Houston his rookie year, switched coaching staffs and struggled the next year. He is cheap and available and at his price not a big d sk when we have excess dradt picks. Not every player stands on the combine numbers, as they train in the systema they will improve and eventually erode. Fact, Harper damn sure isn’t near his combine stats.
http://www.topendsports.com/sport/gridiron/nfl-draft-results-best.htm
How many on this list are perennial probolwers? Better yet, how many didn’t make it in the nfl despite great numbers?
Anyone think Gettleman will/should try to swing a trade for Swearinger? One up season one down in Houston. Low cap hit, I see potential in a spot of definite need.
Another team draft your man crush, get over it. Swearinger’s just another S with no speed (4.67-40), they’re a dime a dozen. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh, I don’t mean it that way, I just don’t agree with the need for Swearinger. You have the courage to offer your ideas, and most posters never do.
Man you have got to get out of the numbers game, it just isn’t a good measure of a player. Rember jerry rice had slow times and warren sapp had a poor bench press. Strait line speed is nothing but f reaction is slow or the ability to read a defense is lagging. I appreciate that you can look at the numbers and make a decision but if it were just that then yhe best players would be obvious and the draft would be nothing more than going down the line of the best combine performance. Results are far more impressive. As far as the need, the draft is weak in safteies. This guy had a productive year in Houston his rookie year, switched coaching staffs and struggled the next year. He is cheap and available and at his price not a big d sk when we have excess dradt picks. Not every player stands on the combine numbers, as they train in the systema they will improve and eventually erode. Fact, Harper damn sure isn’t near his combine stats.
http://www.topendsports.com/sport/gridiron/nfl-draft-results-best.htm
How many on this list are perennial probolwers? Better yet, how many didn’t make it in the nfl despite great numbers?
So Gettleman said he’d be willing to draft a player coming off an ACL injury…hmmm….Ogbuehi?
So Gettleman said he’d be willing to draft a player coming off an ACL injury…hmmm….Ogbuehi?