Who we like (Darin Gantt)

[Wp28]

WHO THEY LIKE: Frustratingly so, and despite our best efforts, the Panthers don't flap their gums about their pre-draft dealings the way the Chargers did last week when they acknowledged the Giants asked about the top pick. Likewise, the Panthers don't name the players that work out for them prior to the annual selection meeting.

That doesn't keep others from talking, however, and you can glean a little information from the loose lips. Word around the league campfires -- trust it if you choose -- keeps coming back to a few names in association with the Panthers first-round pick.

They are said to be enamored with LSU wide receiver Michael Clayton, a big, physical wideout who would provide a replacement for Muhsin Muhammad when or if he ever leaves. However, Clayton may not last until the 31st spot.

There's also lots of talk linking the Panthers with Southern Cal cornerback Will Poole. Coach John Fox was one of the few head coaches to attend his workouts in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, and the team has investigated him thoroughly.

Poole started his college career at Boston College, was redshirted in 1999 and suspended in 2001 for violating team rules. Current Panthers tight ends coach Dave Magazu was on the BC staff during those years, and knows full well Poole's background.

Poole is known as an exceptional man-to-man defender, a more important skill to possess in light of the league's recent offense-friendly rules changes. He's a sure tackler and plays fast, although he had a poor workout a few weeks ago because he was sick at the time.

Those nuggets may not mean much, but you work with what you hear.

 

[Sackem90]

Misc. Panther News

Pitch, you should've posted the whole article. Lots of good stuff:



Panthers' first pick this year less clear-cut than last year


By Darin Gantt, The Herald The Herald
(Published April 11‚ 2004)


CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers don't have to worry about the pressure associated with picking in the top 10, or the financial burden -- which leads to a different pressure -- of picking second.
But that doesn't mean things are less hectic around Bank of America Stadium lately, since the Panthers have the 31st overall pick in the April 24-25 NFL Draft.

"There's no less pressure, because you have to pick somebody who's going to play for you this year," general manager Marty Hurney said. "In fact, it's harder at 31 than it is at two. When you're picking in the 30s, you have to look at a lot more people, since it's more difficult to determine who's going to be there."

Last year, with a strong hunch Jacksonville was going to take quarterback Byron Leftwich the spot ahead of them, the Panthers were fairly confident they were going to get tackle Jordan Gross, barring any trades. This year, there's no way to be certain with all but one team picking before them.

There's already been one trade (Denver traded CB Deltha O'Neal to Cincinnati to move up seven spots to 17th), and more are likely coming. The first pick is being actively shopped by San Diego, and several teams are talking to Oakland about the second.

Hurney said the team's draft board is essentially finished, but the next 13 days worth of draft meetings will yield some fine-tuning.

• GOINGS STAYING: The Panthers quietly inked backup fullback Nick Goings to a three-year deal worth around $2 million last week, saving a bit of salary-cap room in the process. He was tendered a one-year, $628,000 offer as a restricted free agent, but will make $455,000 in base salary this season. He has salaries of $600,000 for both 2005 and 2006.

Goings had drawn a bit of interest elsewhere since suitors would not have had to give up a draft pick as compensation, because he was never drafted. A valuable member of the Panthers' special teams, Goings' versatility allowed him to carve out a niche for himself. He has good hands, is a willing blocker and gets a few carries from time to time.

The Panthers are now stacked at fullback, with starter Brad Hoover locked up long-term and Casey Moore coming back from last year's stint on injured reserve. Signing Goings may also preclude the seemingly annual second-day drafting of a fullback. They took Moore in the seventh round last year, and wasted a fifth-round pick on Kyle Johnson (who never played here) the year before.

• WHO THEY LIKE: Frustratingly so, and despite our best efforts, the Panthers don't flap their gums about their pre-draft dealings the way the Chargers did last week when they acknowledged the Giants asked about the top pick. Likewise, the Panthers don't name the players that work out for them prior to the annual selection meeting.

That doesn't keep others from talking, however, and you can glean a little information from the loose lips. Word around the league campfires -- trust it if you choose -- keeps coming back to a few names in association with the Panthers first-round pick.

They are said to be enamored with LSU wide receiver Michael Clayton, a big, physical wideout who would provide a replacement for Muhsin Muhammad when or if he ever leaves. However, Clayton may not last until the 31st spot.

There's also lots of talk linking the Panthers with Southern Cal cornerback Will Poole. Coach John Fox was one of the few head coaches to attend his workouts in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, and the team has investigated him thoroughly.

Poole started his college career at Boston College, was redshirted in 1999 and suspended in 2001 for violating team rules. Current Panthers tight ends coach Dave Magazu was on the BC staff during those years, and knows full well Poole's background.

Poole is known as an exceptional man-to-man defender, a more important skill to possess in light of the league's recent offense-friendly rules changes. He's a sure tackler and plays fast, although he had a poor workout a few weeks ago because he was sick at the time.

Those nuggets may not mean much, but you work with what you hear.

• NUMBERS GAME: Running back DeShaun Foster always wanted to wear number 26, but it wasn't available when he joined the Panthers two years ago.

That year, veteran running back Lamar Smith wore Foster's preferred identification, leaving him with 20. Foster has since picked up his old number, one of two players to change their digits, according to the team's updated roster.

Dante Wesley abandoned his old 29 in favor of the 21 jersey which had been worn by fellow cornerback Terry Cousin, who was released this offseason.

Most of the familiar numbers of departed Panthers have already been given away as well.

This year, 27 won't be safety Deon Grant, but cornerback Artrell Hawkins. Right tackle Adam Meadows takes over the 78 worn by Jeno James, linebacker Brandon Short takes Greg Favors' 53, and out-of-retirement signee Rich Tylski will wear the 65 of retired guard Kevin Donnalley.

Linebacker Jessie Armstead was used to wearing 98, but that's occupied by defensive tackle Shane Burton, so he'll wear 59 next year. Defensive tackle Rod Walker will wear 95.

• EXTRA POINTS: The deadline for restricted free agents (RFAs) to sign offer sheets with other teams is Friday. The Panthers have three RFAs left, and would get compensation in the unlikely event a team signed any of them away. Linebacker Brian Allen (third round) and safeties Travares Tillman (second) and Jarrod Cooper (fifth) remain on the semi-open market, though Cooper's the only one who's even gotten a whiff from other teams.

Contact Darin Gantt at [email protected]

 

[Toll Booth Willie]

So whose next on the list in the likely event that both of those guys are gone?

 

[T_Schroll]

So whose next on the list in the likely event that both of those guys are gone?

'xactly

 

[Art Vandelay]

• NUMBERS GAME: Running back DeShaun Foster always wanted to wear number 26, but it wasn't available when he joined the Panthers two years ago.

That year, veteran running back Lamar Smith wore Foster's preferred identification, leaving him with 20. Foster has since picked up his old number, one of two players to change their digits, according to the team's updated roster.

:xyzthumbs

Now I can break out the authentic 26 jersey I bought on ebay. Wonder where I could get a Foster nameplate.

 

[Clay]

:xyzthumbs

Now I can break out the authentic 26 jersey I bought on ebay. Wonder where I could get a Foster nameplate.

heh, glad i held off on getting a Foster jersey

 

[PantherPaul]

That year, veteran running back Lamar Smith wore Foster's preferred identification, leaving him with 20. Foster has since picked up his old number, one of two players to change their digits, according to the team's updated roster.

Sweet! I picked up an authentic Panthers #26 jersey (with Smith on name plate) Now I can get Fosters name on it