#74 - LB Dan Connor

I am not changing Beasons position. That was just a "shot in the dark" I am advocating rotating Beason and Connor with Beason getting 75% of the snaps. Keep him fresh (as best as can be) in December and hopefully January

 

You don't want one of your best defensive players and the guy who calls your signals to be off the field for 25% of the snaps. He gets to rest while the offense has the ball.

 

Damn

 

Its not often I wholeheartedly agree with Collin, but in this case I do. Beason looks like a perennial pro bowl player for the next 8-10 years. You don't fuck with that to accomodate a 3rd rounder.

The best we can hope for is Connor plays special teams this year, and beats out Johnson for the weakside spot next year. Otherwise, its a waste of a pick.

 

Well, I think it's good to have guys as depth. I don't see Connor being a wasted pick regardless.

 

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8080452c

 

On if he was surprised at being picked by the Panthers: A little bit. I talked to the coaches down at the Senior Bowl and I think I had a meeting at the combine with them. But I was a little shocked.

On what position he expects to play for Carolina: I'm not sure yet. I expect to talk to them a little bit later today and get more information. I'm able to play a couple of different positions at linebacker, so wherever they would need me I think I could plug in.

On which of the three linebacker spots he plays best: This past year I played middle, but the three years before at Penn State I played weakside. So it all depends. With (Jon) Beason there, I could add depth behind him or at the weakside. It really would be up to the coaches, and I'm open to anything.

On being selected in the third round after being projected to be drafted in the first or second round: I didn't expect it. But I'm still excited to be on the team right now and have mini-camp coming up. I don't think it's the worst thing in the world. I'm more excited about this being the start of a long NFL career.

On if he has talked to Panthers linebacker Tim Shaw, who played with him at Penn State: I haven't talked to Tim in a little while. I've thought about giving him a call and getting the inside information on everything. I got to talk to Jon Beason just a few minutes ago through my agent, and he seems like an unbelievable guy that's willing to help me out. It seems like a really great place, great coaching and great fans. I'm looking forward to getting in there and meeting the guys and getting a shot to play.

On if this was a value pick by Carolina because the team already has depth at linebacker: There's a ton of talent there and it's going to be great to be able to learn under a bunch of great linebackers. There are some guys with a lot of experience. I'm just looking forward to that and taking it all in and learning from these guys who prove themselves every week on Sundays.

On following in the tradition of a number of great linebackers from Penn State: There's a ton of tradition there as a Penn State linebacker. With names like LaVar Arrington, Shane Conner, Andre Collins and Jack Hammer, the list goes on. To get to play with the same jersey under the same coach is unbelievable. You get in that mentality and play blue-collar like they did back in the 1970's and 1960's when Coach Paterno started.

 

Jack Hammer, he didn't really say that did he?

 

I can't imagine them moving Beason out of MLB. He was pretty impressive there and lets just keep his ass there and let him get better. Connor should back him up. Thought they have done stupid things before so making room for Connor by moving Beason isn't out of the realm of possibility for our coaching staff. I think half of us would have a coronary.

 

I think they're finally doing what they should have done with Danica, getting a legit backup. Seward can't stay healthy.