Wp28
I had that dream again...
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2003
- Posts
- 12,596
- Reaction score
- 60
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- 48
- Age
- 62
- Location
- Calypso, NC
- Website
- www.myspace.com
What are the needs?
Whenever free agency starts, the Panthers needs are clear. Here's a look at their offseason priorities, by position:
1. Defensive tackle -- They need a starter to replace Brentson Buckner, under the assumption Kris Jenkins is well again. Jordan Carstens played well in long relief last year, but they need an upgrade. La'Roi Glover makes sense if the money's right. But John Fox has long sought a wide-body in the middle, so don't be surprised if they make a run at Baltimore's Ma'ake Kemoeatu.
2. Offensive line -- Whether it's at center or right guard, the Panthers need to find a starter to shore up the inside of their line. Pro Bowl C LeCharles Bentley appears headed to Philadelphia, and Seattle put the transition tag on G Steve Hutchinson. A player such as New England G Stephen Neal or Tennessee C Justin Hartwig would fit the bill.
3. Outside linebacker -- With WLB Will Witherspoon headed into the market and SLB Brandon Short cut, they're going to need a pair. Figure Thomas Davis for one spot, but they'll still need to add another, since Chris Draft is best as the swing backup. There are a lot of comparable names out there (Nate Wayne, Na'il Diggs, Chris Claiborne, Shawn Barber), any one of which will probably work.
4. Second or third wideout -- Oh, they'll probably tell you they're confident Keary Colbert will rebound from his milk carton 2005 season. Figuring he can't be worse, coupled with the late emergence of Drew Carter, the need isn't as pressing as others. A David Givens or Joe Jurevicius is probably out of their price range, but a Brian Finneran might fit.
5. Experienced safety -- It doesn't appear they're in a hurry to retain Marlon McCree, for whatever reason. Even with Mike Minter and Colin Branch back, they need to add a cheap veteran (like McCree was last year) and possibly a draft pick.
-- Darin Gantt
Whenever free agency starts, the Panthers needs are clear. Here's a look at their offseason priorities, by position:
1. Defensive tackle -- They need a starter to replace Brentson Buckner, under the assumption Kris Jenkins is well again. Jordan Carstens played well in long relief last year, but they need an upgrade. La'Roi Glover makes sense if the money's right. But John Fox has long sought a wide-body in the middle, so don't be surprised if they make a run at Baltimore's Ma'ake Kemoeatu.
2. Offensive line -- Whether it's at center or right guard, the Panthers need to find a starter to shore up the inside of their line. Pro Bowl C LeCharles Bentley appears headed to Philadelphia, and Seattle put the transition tag on G Steve Hutchinson. A player such as New England G Stephen Neal or Tennessee C Justin Hartwig would fit the bill.
3. Outside linebacker -- With WLB Will Witherspoon headed into the market and SLB Brandon Short cut, they're going to need a pair. Figure Thomas Davis for one spot, but they'll still need to add another, since Chris Draft is best as the swing backup. There are a lot of comparable names out there (Nate Wayne, Na'il Diggs, Chris Claiborne, Shawn Barber), any one of which will probably work.
4. Second or third wideout -- Oh, they'll probably tell you they're confident Keary Colbert will rebound from his milk carton 2005 season. Figuring he can't be worse, coupled with the late emergence of Drew Carter, the need isn't as pressing as others. A David Givens or Joe Jurevicius is probably out of their price range, but a Brian Finneran might fit.
5. Experienced safety -- It doesn't appear they're in a hurry to retain Marlon McCree, for whatever reason. Even with Mike Minter and Colin Branch back, they need to add a cheap veteran (like McCree was last year) and possibly a draft pick.
-- Darin Gantt
