With the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

how far do you think we would have to move down to pick up a second rounder ? with this being a weak draft will anyone move up ?

 

Not a chance in hell. We're picking # 1, like it or not.

 

I don't want any part of Fairley, I don't think Bowers is a future superstar (like him, but DE isn't the biggest need), Gabbert is insanely overrated, Peterson is basically a much more athletic version of DeAngelo Hall, and I'm worried about A.J. Green adjusting to the physical style of the NFL. Julio Jones is my favorite player in this draft, but it sounds like you could trade down twice and still get him. Then I think Prince Amukamara is my favorite defender. The Panthers won't choose either, but I hope they do trade down and take BPA. As noted elsewhere, I hate that we lost #33 because that would be a perfect spot to take Nevis if he's still there. There are a number of solid DT prospects who would fit at that slot, which makes Hurney's continued employment all the more vexing.

 

Hell ATP I'd be happy with a trade down that involved a #2 this year and a #1 next year. Gives us 2 1st rounders next year with the possibilty of trading up to get Luck if we aren't in position. A #2 this year to get us something, and we get away from a weak #1 overall.

 

I could deal with that too, if the alternative were staying put. Won't happen though.

 

Holy shit, no. A drop from #1 overall to the second round in exchange for just another first next season would make us an even bigger laughingstock. I'm not expecting much in a trade down, but that's just way too large a drop. The front office could shoot for a drop into the teens for another first next season (Hurney is the only GM I know of who is eager to trade future firsts, though, and we can't trade with ourselves), but the more likely scenario is to just pick up a second rounder.

 

Panthers already doing their homework on Fairley

Panthers begin background work on Fairley

MOBILE, Ala. – The Panthers have begun the vetting process on Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, his high school coach said Tuesday.

Williamson coach Bobby Parrish said Panthers college scout Jeff Beathard called him recently to ask background questions about Fairley. Parrish said other teams, including Oakland, have sent him questionnaires about Fairley, but the Panthers are the first team to call.

It's a procedural move by the Panthers, and one they likely have done with other top-rated prospects, as well. But it suggests the team is serious about taking the junior with the top pick in the April draft.

“I get the impression that they really like what they see,” Parrish said. “You never know because you don't know what their needs are. But they definitely think he's a good ballplayer.”

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and the team's scouting department are in Fairley's hometown this week for the Senior Bowl. Fairley's high school sits across the railroad tracks a few hundred yards from Ladd Peebles Stadium, site of Saturday's game.

Fairley announced he was leaving Auburn a year early to enter the draft during a news conference at the school's gym. Parrish said Fairley is training in Houston, but might be in Mobile later this week.

--Joseph Person

 

Talent-wise, I see no difference between Fairley, Green, Peterson, or Bowers.

Fairley, DT: PROS: Quick, disruptive, and nasty. Cuts on a dime and can collapse the pocket. Plays with attitude. Multiple DTs needed. CONS: 1-season wonder? Dirty in a stupid way? DT is the draft's deepest position.

Green, WR: PROS: Best since Calvin Johnson or even Larry Fitgerald. big, fast, and catches everything near him. Perhaps the only #1 WR in the draft. CONS: None, other that the perception that WR is not a need at this time. WR is not usually a #1 pick, but this is a new era in draft logic.

Peterson, CB/S: PROS: Big, fast, and physical for a CB-the best since Revis? Great return man. Freakish athletic abilities. CONS: Will he have to be moved to S?

Bowers, DE: PROS: Huge and fast, with great change of direction. Dominant 4-3 DE who could pressure from DT if needed. Excellent run stopper who led the NCAA in sacks. CONS: Inconsistent at times, not a top need with Hardy, Brown, Johnson, Brayton, and Norwood at the position.

Panther NEEDS
DT: Nothing in the stable, probably a bigger need than QB just easier to fill. Panthers need a stud 3-technique and 2 penetrating 1-techniques. 3 DTs. Do we need superstars, or would role players suffice? I imagine the Panthers add a free agent, keep Landri and possibly Neblett/Hayden, and draft 1 or even 2 DTs. Very deep draft at DT, so expect one early and one late.

WR: We drafted 3 last year, and 2 showed progress. Smith is a stud. Why another? Because we are opening the offense and Smith is aging. Smith's effectiveness would be enhanced if moved into the slot. Imagine how much the QB play will be enhanced with Smith, Gettis, Lafell and Green out wide and DW or Stewart behind a healthy offensive line. Draft is not deep at #1 WR, and the only way I would draft a WR is to get a #1 WR that strikes fear in defensive secondaries. At the moment, we do not.

CB: All of our safeties were college CBs. Pugh showed signs last season that tells me he will be ready for more action. Look for him to be moved to CB in the new Johnson Defense and a later-round or free agent SS is added to the roster. In other words, not as big a need as it may seem. However, Peterson is the type of CB we hoped Gamble would become--and Gamble was avoided last season. Peterson could shut down one side. Not a huge need, especially if you draft a solid DT.

DE: We don't need a DE if you consider potential, but Brown and Hardy are unproven, as was CJ before last season. By the way, CJ could be a FA and Brayton is not what we need. DEs in a Johnson 4-3 must be awesome, but there will be help from blitzing LBs and Safeties. I would say the need here is minimal considering we could substatially upgrade a need postion with the pick.

 

Oh in general I agree with you. Just expressing my disappoint ment with this year's #1 overall pick. No real definative #1 overall. Frankly I'd rather be picking from #5 down.

 

Disagree