We got Fields

[meatpile]

Panthers | Fields Close to Signing - posted at KFFL (http://nfl.kffl.com)
15:26 PT: The Charlotte Observer reports the Carolina Panthers will finalize a deal with free agent LB Mark Fields (Rams) this weekend. His agent, Jim Steiner, said a deal will be signed in the next day or two.

Interesting. I wonder if Hambrick was one of those 'slackers' from last year. They didn't seem interested in him at all.

So - We've Got Morgan for sure in the middle.

Navies, Minor, Towns, Fields, *edit forgot Jackson* to battle for the 2 outside spots.

To me, this makes an RB in round 2 pretty likely, unless one of the premier corners is available. Who the hell knows.

 

[magnus]

I gotta assume you pencil Fields in on the weak side. That's good, for a run and blitzing standpoint. Don't make him cover.

Navies, I imagine, lines up as the nickel LB next to Morgan. If Dan gets hurt, I don't know what we'll do...Cooper as the other nickel LB?

Right now it depends on who you talk to (it all seems like spec). Some say Towns has a line on the strongside spot, some say he's going to stay middle. I gotta put Jackson as the favorite there for right now, but Navies may find a way in. Either way I like our depth.

 

[magnus]

How this affects the draft

separate draft post:
Seems like right now Fields takes away an immediate need for a weakside. That seems to be put on next year, when I assume Fields will have his last contract year and you can ease the new guy in. Emphasis will probably be on an upfield guy who can blitz, make plays against the run on his side, and cover.

As it affects the entire draft: Jenkins MAY mean we wait to see what the draft does for a vet starting corner. So that means we could go into the draft with the 34 pick meaning CB or RB.

 

[meatpile]

Re: How this affects the draft

Originally posted by magnus ver magnusson
As it affects the entire draft: Jenkins MAY mean we wait to see what the draft does for a vet starting corner. So that means we could go into the draft with the 34 pick meaning CB or RB.

Yep, I was thinking the same thing - best one available. If we go RB, there's a good chance Davis will still be available for that vet-cap minimum.

Plus, wasn't the word that the Panthers scouts were high on some likely 3rd or 4th round corners? Bouman and Sims?

 

[magnus]

Yep. Depends though. I ...umm... can't say what's going to happen at RB. But I hear things, and I can't say.
I remember when I used to have my own sources, back when I cared to keep them up, was kinda fun.

I think the vet reduction will help Davis get here. I hope so anyway.

>>Plus, wasn't the word that the Panthers scouts were high on some likely 3rd or 4th round corners? Bouman and Sims?

Yep. Bouman was one they liked, SIms and Lott are two more I personally feel are good value.

 

[LarryD]

Originally posted by magnus ver magnusson
Yep. Depends though. I ...umm... can't say what's going to happen at RB. But I hear things, and I can't say.
I remember when I used to have my own sources, back when I cared to keep them up, was kinda fun.

i'll keep you posted.


i'll probably have something later tonight.

 

[Y2Buddy]

Things are good in Pantherville today. I just love it when that getty feeling just comes over you.

 

[T_Schroll]

Things are starting to shake out now. We've let some of the bigger names slide, but it's looking like it's beginning to work to our advantage. The market for defensive players isn't as absurd contractwise as it's been in the past.

The Eagles want a 3rd for Trotter which is well below his value, but the contract he demands would strap us capwise without further cuts/restructures, but if there's one guy out there that could make a real difference on any one's defense it's him.

Jenkins will be a backup/nickelback in all likelyhood, so there's still work to do at CB. ED could buy us a year, maybe two max so he may be worth signing along with drafting a CB or two in the Draft.
Chavous has been mentioned along with Knight on the board, and I think either could help. Again the problem will be their price, not their talent.

As far as the QB slot goes, anybody but Scott Mitchell, I think I'd rather trade the number 2 for Lewis than sign that worthless piece of shit. Garrett is emerging for me as the guy to go after. Graham sucks as does Brown. Frerotte, Chandler, and Blake will cost too much and they'll all want to start.

Smart money says it's Peppers first, but if we could grab both Fields and Trotter at LB and a CB or two, we'd be able to go RB as early as the 2nd and use our remaining picks on both sides of the ball instead of all on defense.

 

[mathmajors]

Originally posted by LarryD
i'll keep you posted.

Nothing like a little moderator humor. The guys on FNZ were bitchin' about how the Panthers haven't 'energized' fans. Who cares? They seem to be making reasonable moves. I've already got the draft weekend cleared out. Can't wait.

 

[magnus]

Fuck enthusiasm. Every word that's come out of anyone's mouth that was released by the team media has been "enthusiasm". Only thing I'm enthused about is getting out of the funk and getting back into some football. To hell wth the rest.