Fans of the Carolina Panthers and we the media who cover them are spoiled by Dave Gettleman. He doesn’t talk to reporters much, but when he does, he’s as transparent as a general manager can be. Sometimes he’s a bit too transparent (see: Steve Smith), and sometimes it takes some translating.
After breaking down the most important quotes from his press conferences at the NFL combine in 2014 and 2015, let’s keep the tradition going. Here are Wednesday’s highlights, translations and predictions.
“Yes, it’s a pretty strong defensive tackle draft. You know that doesn’t upset me. You’ve got to see how it all flushes out, but it’s strong.”
The Panthers have two young studs in the middle of the defensive line, but Gettleman very much believes in keeping his strengths strong. It’s WAY too early to tell what Gettleman will do with pick No. 30, but don’t be surprised if he uses it on a defensive tackle.
“There’s a nice group there. With a 4-3 defense they’re a little harder to find because there’s certain physical attributes you’re looking for right off the bat. There’s some interesting guys there, … And very honestly, I’m excited to see what Arthur Miley’s going to do. And what Rakim Cox is going to do.”
Even if the Panthers add a defensive end or two in the draft, that’s not a position where guys come in and produce right away. Considering they’ve never played in a regular-season game, Miley and Cox still have a ways to go, too. As excited as Gettleman may be about potential answers on the roster, this is a spot that needs at least one free agent addition.
“We’re drafting guys you’ve got to change their diapers, … When you have these guys, you have to develop them. We’re not getting instant oatmeal anymore.”
This doesn’t necessary need a translation or prediction, it’s just a great quote.
“Kelvin has worked his fanny off. He was jogging right after Christmas. He’s doing some light cutting. So we’re really pleased with his progress, … Kelvin’s done a great job with his weight. He’s still at 238. He really has taken the bull by the horns. Like any other young kid, it took him a couple weeks to get over the woe-is-me stuff and understand it’s time to go. He’ll be doing some things this spring, and he’ll be ready to go for training camp.”
Benjamin won’t do much during OTAs and minicamp, but that’s OK. He’s still on pace to return in Spartanburg.
“We thought very highly of him in the draft, so our thought process was, for a seventh-round pick? We feel like this guy is going to be a player. Who doesn’t want a player for a seventh-round pick? … Kevin really finished the season strong. The last six weeks of practice he really did some nice things, so we’re really looking forward to it.”
Norwood, who never saw the field again after a potential touchdown catch turned into an interception in Week 2, hasn’t been forgotten. He’ll get a shot this spring and summer, but expectations should still be tempered for the time being.
“We’re really pleased with the group. Jonathan (Stewart) had a heck of a year, missed the last three games. Cameron Artis-Payne got the opportunity to play those three games and we were very pleased. That snapshot we got of CAP, we were very pleased. He did a really nice job running the ball. The blitz pickup is the big thing the young running backs struggle with in this league. He did a fine job with that. He catches the ball real well. So we’re happy with him. Fozzy (Whittaker) is a nice third-down utility guy for us and Brandon Wegher, the kid we signed as a college free agent afterwards, is a big, strong, tough kid who just has to continue to learn.”
Any thought the Panthers may part with Stewart this summer should finally be put to rest. The team would like to find a veteran back to help shoulder the load, so that’s something to watch in free agency.
“It’s kind of a lost-art, dying breed kind of thing. But for us it’s a piece that we like and it gives us flexibility. … They’re hard to find. It’s not easy because you’ve got to remember there aren’t any fullbacks at the college level.”
If you noticed in the quote before this one, Gettleman didn’t mention Mike Tolbert. The pending free agent wants to return, but his future’s a toss up right now. The Panthers like his versatility and his value inside the locker room. Gettleman likely has a number in mind for how much that’s worth. Tolbert’s going to have to be on the same wavelength.
“We feel fine. Here’s what I’ll say: We’ve won 22 of our last (26) games with Mike Remmers starting at right tackle. We’ve done that. And you know I’m not a knee-jerk guy — I’m not going to do it. I will not do it. I believe in our ability to evaluate our players … It’s like anything else. You always want to get better. I don’t know what position it is — you’re always going to look to get better. But he’s young in his career. Give the guy a chance. Don’t take one snapshot and then decide we need a right tackle.”
Gettleman isn’t going to ditch Remmers because he struggled in the Super Bowl against red-hot passer rusher Von Miller. But it’s not like Remmers can Sharpie his name into a starting role next season. Daryl Williams will push him and the Panthers could draft another young guy to groom.
“We’re still going through that evaluation. It’s hard because he got hurt. He starts out; he got hurt. Then he’s working his way back, and it’s like, all right, when is he 100 percent? So we’re still going through the process.”
“Evaluation” and “process” are trigger words for Gettleman at this time of year, but Johnson isn’t getting the Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams treatment. The Panthers want Johnson around at least another season. They just want him to cost less. He doesn’t have much leverage, but he does have a choice.
“I don’t believe in drafting (and) developing players for other teams. For some reason, it doesn’t make sense. So yes, we’re going to have the conversation and do the best we can. We’re going to try to get a deal done. And if not, there are options, and maybe the tag gets used.”
Gettleman was actually a bit more forthright than expected. He at least held back from coming right out and saying the Panthers are going to use their franchise tag on Norman, even though the entire league assumes that’s where this is headed.
“Of course it’s nice, but you know, we shopped at Tiffany’s last year. (Thomas Davis), Greg (Olsen), Luke (Kuechly) and Cam (Newton). That cost more than a bag of doughnuts, … You guys have seen my act for three years. I’m methodical. I’m intentional. And that’s the approach I’m going to take whether we’re $16 million over or we’re $25 (million) under. I’m not going to change. I think it’s kind of working, … We have not spent big money on a free agent; you guys know that. It’s about your own, your core.”
Gettleman will do some shopping over the next few weeks, but when free agency opens and you hear people wonder why the Panthers aren’t spending money, remind them about the $14 million it took to keep Norman from hitting the market as the top available cornerback. Guys will be added, holes will be filled, bad grades will be given … just like the past three offseasons.