The Carolina Panthers will make the first selection in April's draft, and while a lot can happen between now and then to change the stocks of certain players, there appear to be four major candidates at the moment: Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers, Auburn DT Nick Fairley, LSU CB Patrick Peterson, and WR A.J. Green.
Green might be the most ready-to-play of the four, but in this day and age it's hard to justify drafting a receiver with the top pick, especially when your quarterback position is not settled. Besides, as long as Steve Smith sticks around, the Panthers should have a pretty good group of receivers. David Gettis and Brandon LaFell improved dramatically throughout the season as rookies last year, despite awful play from the passers. Green could still be an option if the Panthers want to trade the pick, or if they get an inkling that Smith will be gone.
Fairley, at the moment, is the most logical choice. The man has been labeled as a dirty player, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially for a team that needs to re-develop its edge. He is adept at overpowering blockers and getting into the backfield to cause trouble. Fairley isn't as good as last year's second pick, Lions DT Ndamukong Suh, however. This really is a weak draft right at the top - at the moment, no one really stands out.
Bowers reminds people of Julius Peppers - for better and worse. He is a freak of nature athletically but has a tendency to take plays off, just like Peppers. I think I'll pass; besides, defensive end is not a position of need on this team, especially if we can retain Charles Johnson (11.5 sacks last year).
If the Panthers do not choose Fairley, LSU's Peterson is the best option. Yes, it would be unusual and a bit risky to take a corner with the number one spot, but if you think this guy can be as good as Nnamdi Asumogha, Darrelle Revis, Champ Bailey, or Charles Woodson, then you take him with the first or second pick in a draft like this. Peterson is fast, physical, and intelligent and can be the kind of shut-down corner that really elevates a defense. With Richard Marshall most likely to leave, cornerback is a big area of need for the Panthers.
While quarterback remains the biggest need, it looks as if the Panthers won't fill it in the first round without trading the pick.
Follow me on Twitter: @JasonBlackwood.
Green might be the most ready-to-play of the four, but in this day and age it's hard to justify drafting a receiver with the top pick, especially when your quarterback position is not settled. Besides, as long as Steve Smith sticks around, the Panthers should have a pretty good group of receivers. David Gettis and Brandon LaFell improved dramatically throughout the season as rookies last year, despite awful play from the passers. Green could still be an option if the Panthers want to trade the pick, or if they get an inkling that Smith will be gone.
Fairley, at the moment, is the most logical choice. The man has been labeled as a dirty player, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially for a team that needs to re-develop its edge. He is adept at overpowering blockers and getting into the backfield to cause trouble. Fairley isn't as good as last year's second pick, Lions DT Ndamukong Suh, however. This really is a weak draft right at the top - at the moment, no one really stands out.
Bowers reminds people of Julius Peppers - for better and worse. He is a freak of nature athletically but has a tendency to take plays off, just like Peppers. I think I'll pass; besides, defensive end is not a position of need on this team, especially if we can retain Charles Johnson (11.5 sacks last year).
If the Panthers do not choose Fairley, LSU's Peterson is the best option. Yes, it would be unusual and a bit risky to take a corner with the number one spot, but if you think this guy can be as good as Nnamdi Asumogha, Darrelle Revis, Champ Bailey, or Charles Woodson, then you take him with the first or second pick in a draft like this. Peterson is fast, physical, and intelligent and can be the kind of shut-down corner that really elevates a defense. With Richard Marshall most likely to leave, cornerback is a big area of need for the Panthers.
While quarterback remains the biggest need, it looks as if the Panthers won't fill it in the first round without trading the pick.
Follow me on Twitter: @JasonBlackwood.
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