2012 Panthers Draft prospect thread

who ya like?

looks like they're picking somewhere around 9th..

 

I have a feeling it will be Coples. He's not elite, but that wouldn't kill me. Trade down, Kirkpatrick, Coples, and Jonathan Martin would be my current order of preference.

 

yeah, I was thinking the same thing, I'm a heel's homer so I wouldn't mind the pick if a CB Blue chip CB isn't available, Coples seems to fit the versatile, athletic DL the Panthers seem to like.

 

I don't like either UNC guy that much. I liked that program, and I don't hold anything against either guy, but I don't like them. Not explosive players.

Devon Still seems to fit, and he reminds me a lot of what Rivera has said he likes. He's an OK fit around 9-14 based on some valuations. The two OTs, Reiff and Martin, make some sense for various reasons.

 

That's way high for Still, but some mocks are putting him there just because DT is so awful in this draft. If he's the preference then they definitely need to trade down.

 

you could say the same things about Coples. I've seen Melvin Ingram higher in a place or two, but I don't really like either.

 

Well, Coples was already projected at that level. I agree that he's not explosive, but he has an NFL body and I'm confident that he can be a solid starter at DE even if he lacks upside. Still was projected as a second or third rounder until the last couple of weeks when he has been flying up mocks for whatever reason.

Not sure how old this is: http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/player/devon-still-71/

Evaluation: Thickly built and well-proportioned with outstanding size and length, Still looks the part of a five-technique but lacks the mentality for it. Spends too much time on the ground and isn't stout against the run — too easily engaged, lets his pads rise, doesn’t use his hands violently and gets leveled by double-teams. Moves well and flashes some penetrating ability, but eyes and instincts are off, has lethargic feet and needs more glass in his diet.


and Coples: http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/player/quinton-coples-90/

Evaluation: A versatile, athletic, inconsistent big man, Coples looks the part — big frame with growth potential even considering he played at 275 pounds as a junior when he was forced inside because of Marvin Austin's suspension. Has long arms to gain extension and strong hands to jolt, stack and shed. Is disruptively quick to play in gaps and make plays behind the line and possesses intriguing athletic ability, movement skills and balance — light on his feet and closes in a hurry. However, he is unrefined, with inconsistent leverage, power, hand use and motor. Has a high ceiling given his outstanding combination of size, length and athletic ability which could enable him to excel as a 4-3 left end, 3-4 five-technique or inside nickel rusher if he overcomes an inflated self-opinion and continues to mature.

 

I disagree about Still being projected as 60 spots lower. Lower, yes. Granted, I've seen preseason #1 guys at DT not get drafted. The process isnt over. And I'm not willing to draft a guy I don't want - Coples - because some other people said a few months ago he was worthy.

I do agree that Coples can impact inside or out in our hybrid, but I don't know if you draft a guy top ten because he might play inside ten snaps. I liked that about Dareus, but in the end I was more interested in his ability to play inside than what he'd do for a few snaps as a five gap.

 

Coples really won't play DT except in pass rushing situations. The reason I like him is that he does use his hands well and would be a strong run defender at LDE, which in theory would free up Charles Johnson to beast on left tackles. Or they'd probably use both there, the point is just that he'd give another strong DE who can play either spot and be disruptive.


And yeah, Still was rated that much lower. I hadn't seen anyone even mention him as a possible first rounder until recently, and GBN had him as the 6th DT (right above Powell). I don't know what changed, since it's not like he even dominated at Penn State this season. Most think Coples was disappointing, but he still had more sacks and TFLs. I don't want any part of Still in the first round, as I think you could get an equal or better player in Chapman or Powell with the second rounder.

 

NFL evaluator: "(Penn State DT) Devon Still is a flasher. If you looked at his highlights, you'd think he's a surefire first-rounder. At our level, you need more consistency. There are times he just gets waylaid. He'll be drafted highly, but I'm not sure what you'll get. The light has to come on for him."