2004 Draft main discussion

My point was more about the #32 than the "best available"

And I haven't been all up in this thread, carry on...

 

Do you guys think the Panthers have shot at getting Gamble? If so they better take him, he may be raw but that sum bitch can play. I like Will Poole alot, any idea when he might go? I kinda of thought he might be there for us in the 2nd but alot of people seem to be pretty hot on him.

 

Troupe could be a great TE but when I see Seidman (rookie) and Wiggins (4th season) - I don't think its a big need. You can always upgrade anyway because neither of those guys blow you away but I just think right now that Troupe is as similarly unproven as those two guys.

I'd look for OLB or CB or WR in rounds 1 and 2 (depending on FA).

If Moose is released, which I doubt with his post season being so good, then WR goes to #1, otherwise its below the other 2 needs.

I don't think we can under estimate the importance of signing Smith to a long term deal. He has gone from fringe, to 2nd WR to go to #1 man in one season. Loose Moose or not, we have got to sign Steve Smith.

 

Unproven in the NFL, but certainly more talented. And faster. My biggest beef with Seidman was that he was slow then, and now he's coming off a knee. I certainly want Wiggins to stay.
We don't use the TE at all this year, but my hopes are nonetheless that we could improve the talent.
My view on it, anyway.

 

Sure, and I certainly think Troupe has the potential to be great. Being that the guy has super hands and still goes 260 - he fits what we'd be looking for.

Totally agree that we need more production at TE. That would help the offense immensely.

I wouldn't be hurt getting a impact guy like Troupe at all. I do want an impact CB and OLB in the offseason though.

Does anyone know the status of Mark Fields (as far as playing next season)?? He might solve one of those problems if he can return.

 

Well, having assumed Fields is returning, since that's all we've heard - I'd always looked at the LB pick as an impact/backup/replacement type thing, or at least as long as I've been able to re-rationalize that Morgan should be here.

Same for Moose. I've expected he'll be here and should be.

But both guys are aging, and that does leave room for a strong replacement, in the draft. But I don't know that a first rounder is necessary for either.
At TE we don't have that immediate guy, or that veteran the team likes so much. Unless you count Mangum.
Maybe we'll go FA there instead, but right now TE looks more like a young blue chip/possible starter spot than LB or WR.

My fear is that we'll wait at CB and hope one drops, instead. And then fill the other needs behind that.

 

There are a few safety prospects I like very much too. Matt Ware of UCLA is very interesting. If he shows he can cover at CB - I maybe take a chance on him in round 1. Worst case he backs up FS (or takes over when he's ready). He seems to have a ton of ability. Sean Jones of GA is another FS I like a lot. Taylor kinda overshadows those 2 with his special tools but those 2 guys are bigtime talents.

Safety is a need in terms of backups as well. I'm not sure that the Panthers believe Branch or Tillman are ever going to be starter level talents.

 

IF we don't keep Grant?
Ware might not be a terrible first rounder at S.
Sean Jones would be within that range. Some feel like Schweigert is there.

behind them, I like Jason Shivers, Will Allen, Everage I guess. Can't place them well in a specific round.

S actually represents a pretty strong known place to get a decent player in the 1st.
But still prefer keeping Deon.

A backup S wouldn't be bad. I have a feeling that Cooper will be allowed to leave in RFA for the 5th, so I'd probably consider pushing Branch to SS and drafting a backup FS, or pushing Wesley there. If we drafted, 4th or later might find an Etric Pruitt or Arnold Parker as raw FS.

 

I pretty much agree there. Grant has stepped up a bit and doesn't stick out as a weakness as much anymore. OT and G look like big needs too. Stuessie and Donnelly are vets but declining quick (esp Donnelly). A RT/G type would be a welcome addition too.

 

Matt Ware

My thoughts on Ware are well documented, I think he;s the most complete DB in the draft and would provide us with outstanding leverage in the secondary. I'm warming to the thoughtof Vilma in the first, he's a guy that like Ware can provide versatility and flexability to our roster. he can fill in at any of the 3 positions, if its one thing we learned this season we could sure use depth at LB. I had Colbert all slated for us in round 2 but he's having a terrific post season from all the I've read and maybe moving too far up the charts. really we're in uncharted waters this season having the low pick and depth at our needs in FA and Draft. we'll certainly have a better idea of the direction somewhere around April 1st.