Wharton - LG - smokescreen?

it was always an option situation. I think the most that was stated was that their preference to have him at guard.

Which is fine, I didn't want him put at guard because people romanticised 2004, but if they feel he has enough power inline, then I'll be OK with that. He has been a good inline blocker at tackle (2005, but not so much 2007) but guard's different - I felt he was a very decent tackle last year in the second half of the year, which is a big deal to a guy coming off injury.

I was and am fine with him at OT. The ideal of the line speculation as it's progressed was that we pick one of the top OTs. I feel there are plenty out there of good quality and when that lines up with need, opportunity, and value, you have to take it. I think that would make us legitimately better.



The idea of them drafting a RT specifically is another thing that seems speculatory. I'd be fine with starting a LT with Wharton inside him (I don't have time to word that better right now), especially a smart one like Williams. I'm also fine with starting a T/G guy like Nicks inside him. I don't like the idea of just pushing Gross to LT without thought but I'll guess that's as flexible as the rest of it.

 

If they move Wharton inside and draft a tackle then there will be lots of speculation that Gross will be gone after this season. Next year they could move Wharton back to tackle and let Gross walk. For all they say about locking Gross up long term that might actually be the plan.

 

maybe not moving Wharton to LG is a smokescreen
maybe making it look like they will not bring Gross back is a smokescreen

 

I think the interesting part (at least to me) is that they haven't locked up Gross long term and they did Wharton.

 

Wharton is reasonably priced.

 

absolutely, having 6 guards + Wharton on the roster and the oppurtunity to get a Clady, Williams, Otah. could that make Gross expendable? it sure gives the Panthers leverage in negotiations.

 

I would like Gross back if he will accept a reasonable contract. I do not want to make him the richest offensive lineman in the NFL. Hopefully this will prevent that.

 

Yeah I posted about these options before. If Gross is too high - he's gone for a rookie contract and a well-priced Wharton.

We have alot of options for the draft. That was my point regarding Mendenhall. We have needs, but we also have options. Lots of good talent should be there at 13. I like how they've set things up to have options.

 

Yup, I'm starting to see Mendenhall as a real possibility.

 

Odds they draft a kicker? They've got a assload of picks.