Panthers always looking to stockpile running backs as draft approaches By: Steve Reed

Panthers always looking to stockpile running backs as draft approaches

By: Steve Reed
Gazette Sports Reporter

CHARLOTTE — There are very few givens in the 2005 NFL draft, but one thing we know for sure is that the first running back selected on Saturday is going to be an Auburn Tiger.
Now, whether that is Ronnie Brown or Cadillac Williams, who split time carrying the ball last season for the unbeaten Tigers, remains to be seen this weekend.

So who’s better? Well that depends on which team, or which player, you ask.

“I can’t really say who is better,” Williams said. “I’m sure if you ask Ronnie, he’ll say he’s better. If you ask me, I’ll say I’m better. I just feel like I bring something different. That’s just the way I feel.”

Along with Texas’ Cedric Benson, this year’s draft is generally considered to have three top-notch backs, although it always seems some sixth-round draft pick usually steps in and becomes a star for some team.

The Panthers have plenty of interest in where Brown, Williams and Benson go.

While DeShaun Foster has recovered from shoulder surgery and will be ready for rookie minicamp, there’s no guaranteeing he will make through the entire season, having finished two of the last three on injured reserve. As for Stephen Davis, he is still a long ways out and may not be ready for the regular season opener following knee surgery. Nick Goings proved to be a quality reserve, but he’s not considered the answer.

Panthers director of college scouting Tony Softli made it clear the team likes all three backs.

“But there are a lot of backs out there we like,” Softli said.

Softli seemed to suggest at some point this weekend the team will address that position.

“We are a run-dominated team, so you always need some backs,” Softli said. “When you have a run-dominated team you are always looking to stockpile backs.”

If the Panthers pass on the top three backs — or if they are all gone by the time they pick at No. 14 — then they may consider adding someone like Louisville’s Eric Shelton, California’s J.J. Arrington, Louisiana Tech’s Vernand Morency or Syracuse’s Walter Reyes in the second or third round. Shelton could be of particular interest since he visited with the Panthers two weeks ago at Bank of America Stadium.

As for the Auburn backs, Williams believes sharing carries only helped both he and Brown get better.

“It was real competitive. We both pushed each other,” Williams said. “Just knowing you have another great player on the team like him, it made both of us compete and we both got a lot better.”


4/22/2005

 

Uhm ... if Miami doesn't take Ronnie Brown, and they appear to be leaning against it, then the first RB off the board actually figures to be Cedric Benson to Chicago.

 

yup

 

If I were Chicago I would just go with Thomas Jones and draft a top wideout. I am sure either Edwards or Williams will be there for them.