2003 draft -- panthers have no. 1

At this point, first level needs look to be definately DT, WR, and a strong possibility of QB. Second level need would probably include both OT and Guard, and maybe a host of other things like OLB or DE if Rucker isn't resigned. After that, we need depth.

I kind of wish there were 8 rounds, and we had two picks in each.

 

we'd need 16 picks if we had that many needs and didn't re-sign the guys we want to keep.

I dunno. If we couldn't keep Rucker I'd prefer a vet of some sort, a stable left end type player. It's a given, in my mind, that Rucker leaving means Peppers at right end permanently. Another starting level DE with good rush skills would be another big investment.

Not quite so at G, where I'd probably just start James and Donnalley and draft behind them.

We really have to come up with RB depth as well. Earneast Graham comes to mind as long as he's not a first day pick, which I've seen him rated in the 80s and out of the 100s sometimes. That and looking at backs just tends to be fun.

 

Anybody up for one big ass draft thread? I'm thinking make it sticky, merge 3-4 threads and get mileage out of it.

 

yeah, yeah, yeah!

 

Sounds like a plan... that way it'd be easier to miss. I love a good draft chat as much as the next guy, but I need at least one rege season game before moving on to the next marathon draft discussion.

 

I'll work on it tomorrow. I know that the threads have been spaced out enough that it shouldn't jumble much.

I'm intrigued a little more by thinking of getting Henderson as a strong side or getting a midround guy like Vilma weakside - I think he could work out well as a Polley style weakside in this cover 2. But I'd figure that if Witherspoon was drafted, they expected he could do one of those.

 

Sorry but Kelley Washington will do us alot with no one who can throw the ball to him. Plus he is hurt as we speak, got to see him play at 100% this year.
My first pick would be Eli Manning but Magnus is probably right about him staying in school. Unless he is the top rated QB in the draft I dont see him leaving either. Would almost certainly be NO1 in 2004

 

Manning would be the no brainer. If we can pick him - we should regardless of what happens this year. Leftwich is very close to that same level. If he does it again this year - he too is no brainer type.

I think Dorsey will bomb in the NFL. Mark my words. He doesn't have the arm strength to make it. Also, I am not as high on Grossman has some. His size limitation will hurt him in this league. Ragone has too show a little more consistency but he is a talent. Simms is 2nd rounder at best IMO. There a quite a few other QBs that should be available in round 2 or later.

The Cats still have a large amount of holes to fill. Picking QB would seem logical - but picking best available would probably be smarter ATP. Again, outside of sure things like Manning and Leftwich we can't afford a reach early in the next draft at QB.

 

The hope there is that Manning is as ready as Peyton was. He's mature, he's performed at a high level, he obviously has skills and a support group behind him. Not the cannon arm but more than plenty to get it done and I like his touch. If he does leave, he's the hottest commodity out there.

I don't feel that Chris Simms is even worth talking about right now. He's bad on good teams that have had pass protection for days on end.

 

True on Simms. He hasn't shown much at all. No college player has the kind of weapons he has enjoyed (outside of Dorsey) but he has done notta so far.

Fox seems content with a QB that doesn't lose games as much as one who wins them, so again, QB may not be the #1 priority. To me, Eli has everything needed to be a great one. His arm is definately strong and he is still growning (strength wise) and maturing. Leftwich has a freak'n cannon arm and shows very nice touch when he needs it. Those two are top shelf.

Their will be a variety of needs next year so reaching for position shouldn't be a problem. Outside of QB - WR, DT, CB and OL all look like positions where you would like some upgrades. We should have some room for movement in FA next yr too. As bad as we have looked this year, I am still excited about the future here.