2012 Panthers Draft prospect thread

if those are my choices, i trade down. but, i would be tempted to take Still at this point (maybe Decastro) if i really don't like Still.

 

on passing downs Coples and Johnson could line up inside, with Hardy and Applewhite on the outside. Or Hardy could go inside to leave Johnson outside, whatever...it sure gets alot of pass rush talent on the field.

 

I know STL has had problems protecting Bradford, but they still spent high picks on those tackles. I just cannot see them taking Kalil over Blackmon when they have nothing at WR. Much more likely that Blackmon goes to the Rams and Kalil goes to the Vikings.


Oh, and fuck me with a rusty screwdriver if Kirkpatrick and Coples are both gone. Ugh. Reiff, Martin, and DeCastro are fine prospects, but they're not elite. I don't see how you go offense with the first if they're not elite. The only good option left would be to trade down, so I hope it doesn't work out like that. Pray that Carolina wins the toss over Miami because that projection looks plausible for the first eight picks.

 

There were concerns about his effort coming into this year, some suggest he didn't give all this year, he's played out of position at DT for a lot of his career. For me, a big concern is a lack of explosion and athleticism, where he looks the part 100% but is more just a very solid player than any level of star.

He can bend the edge, and has a good first step, but he's not the fastest around the edge. That's not the type of player he is necessarily, but then at 280-290, you have to be nastier. He can go from edge rusher to an inside move fairly easily, and if you negate any worry about effort or worry to not get hurt (some criticisms he's had), you have a guy who can rush from either end or can play the 5 technique, and the 3 if you are in rush mode. I don't have a good feel for how athletic he is in his drops, or instinctive in space. Those are legimate

It's not his fault he's more Charles Johnson than Peppers, but that doesn't make him a better value, either. And while I like that he's versatile enough to play inside against the pass, that wasn't the bigger problem at DT.


Still do like Upshaw - WLB is WLB to a point but if you know Anderson needs to be told what to do, assign him some responsibility. Upshaw could still play down, giving you on passing downs what Copes does, but he's more explosive even if not rated as high - which changes regularly anyway. It's an adaptation, and it might be an odd fit for the 4-3, which is something we still are, but teams have done things like this in the past to get good players on the field and on the team. Upshaw wouldn't give you anything at DT either, but he's a rush OLB that can put his hand on the ground and not give up a ton there either, which at least gives you more at LB and more in rushing.

 

Do not agree with that at all. Upshaw is definitely faster and more explosive, but Coples is a dramatically better pass rusher. Upshaw would be nice on blitzes, but can't even compare to Coples when it comes to engaging and shedding blockers while rushing the passer. Quinton is unusually good at using his hands for someone coming out of college.

 

From draftinsider.net:

- Staying on the Tar Heels, the news has not been positive for defensive lineman Quinton Coples. Considered by just about all, including yours truly, as the top rated senior entering the 2011 campaign Coples watched his play and production slide. Its obvious on film Coples did not play with a sense of urgency last season nor really went after plays not in his immediate vicinity. While Coples turned it on late in the year scouts were given the word from those inside the North Carolina program that Coples was “playing not to get injured” for much of the year and was preparing for the draft rather than playing for the season.

 

well, then we disagree.
But do agree that Coples is more rounded.

 

So who else is projected high on the DL?

 

Generally don't like taking someone with Coples' questionable attitude, but the talent is there.

 

THank you very much. Ugh, I have no idea about any of these guys coming out. Upshaw, ok. Time to go look him up, and watch lots of youtube. Wish I could access games, so I could see more than the fucking highlights.