If you're the new GM...

Talent difference is small, replacement difference is vast. 2.3 mil before adding the cost of a new player. It isn't out of the question, but is that worth cutting Ron Edwards to achieve? Edwards costs 2.4 mil in salary. The overage does have to come from somewhere.

 

stop worrying about WR? sorry, just cant do it. I was screaming for them to draft a new WR prospect the past two years, and will be again this year.

Hopefully Gettis will come in and prove my point going forward. I would like to keep this offense, maybe even have Norv come in and run it.Look at San Diego's receiving core...Malcom Floyd, Tutu, & Danario Alexander are all 6'4", then you throw in Eddie Royal in the slot. These big guys play the outside and stretch the field for the slot and tight ends to work. Smitty's days playing mostly outside the hashes are over, IMO, and they should be. We need to add the #1 of the future at some point, sooner rather than later. I would love to add a second legit tight end, as well. Gotta keep surrounding Cam with weapons.

 

Sure. Ron Edwards is going to be 34 and in the last year of his contract. He's not part of the future, so if your goal is to make the team competitive as quickly as possible then it makes sense.

They already have plenty of WRs, though.

Could you explain your reasoning? Looking at his receiving splits it sure looks like he's more effective outside than when coming across the middle. Just because a guy is short doesn't mean he should be playing in the slot. I do agree with magnus about putting him in motion, which can be difficult at the X, but that depends on the rest of the formation.

I can't think of any team that successfully used two mostly receiving tight ends. I'm all for having an all-around guy like Shockey was who could block or be a safety valve underneath, but it would be hard to employ another downfield guy besides Olsen.

 

Mel Kiper's midseason needs report:

Top emerging needs: DT, WR

Analysis: The Panthers are among the worst run-stopping teams in the NFL, and it starts in the middle of the defensive line. They don't get a lot of penetration there, and also don't consistently keep blockers from getting to the second level. I think that has to be one of the first areas new decision-makers in the front office look at with an early pick. As well, Cam Newton has struggled this season, but he needs more help at wide receiver. Steve Smith still makes plays, but the drop-off from him to the rest of the personnel is a significant one. Given how the money has been spent recently in Carolina, the draft will need to be a place where the Panthers can create immediate solutions.

Drafting tomorrow: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

 

Mel Kiper is going off of last year, evidently. The Panthers are 15th in yards allowed per attempt at 4.2, and 16th in rushing touchdowns allowed. I'd definitely love to improve that area, but the Edwards duo has actually been a huge improvement over what was out there in 2011.

 

I have essentially oversimplified it to the point where, to me, playing in the slot means you're playing the position where you get to move around in motion and set matchups. Again, for me, playing outside is where you can get doubled the easiest, and you many times are going to either make plays down the field or stretch the defense for others to work underneath. Being small doesnt automatically mean to have to play the slot, but Smitty's ability to play outside at his size has always been more the exception than the rule.

 

1. Find a coach

 

Smith isn't getting doubled, though. Furthemore, it's not hard to give help on a guy in the slot, especially against offenses like Carolina's where the RB isn't a receiving threat. I just don't see where moving him inside makes any sense. Not only is Steve used to playing outside, but he seems better out there.

 

Three scots and three englishmen are traveling by train to a football match. At the station, the three englishmen each buy tickets and watch as the three scots buy only a single ticket.
"How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asked one of the three Englanders.
"Watch and you'll see," answers one of the Scotsmen.
They all board the train. The Englishmen take their respective seats but all three scotsmen cram into a toilet and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the toilet door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.
The English saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea. So after the conference, the Englishmen decide to copy the Scots on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Scots don't buy a ticket at all.
"How are you going to travel without a ticket," asks one perplexed Englishman.
"Watch and you'll see," says one of the Scotsmen. When they board the train the three Scots cram into a toilet and the three Englishmen cram into another one nearby.
The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the Scots leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the Englishmen are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, please."

 

Why don't you bitch more about Cam not going through his progressions. LaFell catches almost everything thrown at him. He's one of those guys who'd probably be putting up big numbers with a more developed QB.