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2008 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

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2007 COLLEGE DRAFT REPORT CARD

by Jay Goldberg

The Panthers had a nice draft.  They got excellent value with Tim Shaw on day two and Charles Johnson in round three was a good get as well.  I didn't see any college street free agents that jumped out at me, although Jesse Daniels may have the best shot since Carolina was expected to draft a safety and did not.

Beason was a needed pick.  Between the loss of Meriweather last year, and Morgan's concussions, a tackle-hound-type of a linebacker was critical for the Panthers to add in the draft.   Assuming Morgan stays healthy, Beason will probably start  outside his rookie year (with Davis).  If (when?) Morgan goes down again, Beason can slide inside and man the position he will eventually fill long term for the team.  Jarrett went where I had him graded, in round two.  He will be a good possession receiver with reliable hands.  To become a Keyshawn Johnson he will have to become stronger.  He is more like a Reggie Williams or Joe Jurevicious.  However, Jarrett can become a solid #2.  Kalil was my top rated center.  He will be hard to keep on the bench.  The kid loves to play, is very strong and very tough, and has all the measurables.  Johnson was another player of need for the Panthers.  Witrh Rucker seemingly on the decline, and Wallace gone, a young defensive end was a major need for Carolina.  Johnson was good value in round three (I had a second round grade on him).  He fell a bit in the draft because he is not (and will probably never be) a stud sacker.  However, he is solid against the run and could get a team 6 to 8 sacks if playing opposite an end that teams have to constantly double-team (such as Peppers).  Robinson's value is as a return man.  With Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams keys to the Panthers' offense, the team will be best served if they only use those two on special teams in special circumstances.  Robinson could allow for that.  Rosario is athletic and can catch, but may be a man without a true position.  He is small for a tight end, and is not good blocker.  He was tried at fullback in college and that wasn't a great fit.  Still, he can help on special teams and be used in obvious passing downs on offense.  However, a safety like Wendling or Stone would have been my pick.  Tim Shaw was a great pick in round five.  I had a second round grade on this terrific athlete.  Shaw had some of the best numbers amongst outside linebackers in the draft, and is a good football player.  Down the line I see the Panthers lining up Davis at the WILL, Beason at the MIKE, and Shaw at the SAM.  Wilson is type of player team's need for depth.  He has good size and above average corner skills.  He may only see the field if a starting corner goes down, but if that corner goes down he could help save a season.  Wilson does not, however, have the quickness needed to be a nickel who covers slot receivers.

As far as college street free agents go, Bell was a very productive small school quarterback who could find a home on the Panthers' development squad.  Bennett is a strong kid who needs work, but goes after his opponent.  He is another possible development squad candidate.  Biggs came on late in his career and has some potential as a pass rusher.  He will have to show further growth in camp to stick, even on the development squad.  Daniels may have the best chance of the college street free agents to stick because the team needs to look at young safeties.  Daniels is an in-the-box strong safety, who needs work on pass coverage and on wrapping up  better when he tackles.  Personally, if I were Panther management I would have made a run at Melvin Bullitt in free agency, he was my best undrafted strong safety.  Gilmore was not on anyone's radar until he ran 4.43 forty at his Pro Day while lifting the bar 20 times.  Both are very good numbers for wide receivers.  He is certainly worth a look in camp.  Pimentel is a good athlete who needs to learn more about playing linebacker.  If he shows something in camp he could stick on the development squad.  Upshaw was known for both his pass catching and blocking at Buffalo, and has the frame to add the weight he will need to be productive in the NFL.  If bloodlines mean anything, his father is former Toronto Blue Jay Willie Upshaw, and his uncle is Gene Upshaw.