Carolina Panthers 2010 Draft Review

The Panthers are a team that had a down year.  They lost their starting quarterback and best pass rusher. They started this draft by taking Jimmy Clausen. I thought Clausen was close to Sam Bradford in talent and maybe more pro ready. Clausen is tough and played through a painful injury for the last two months of the 2009 season. The fact that he slipped from a possible top 10 pick to the middle of the second round is troubling. NFL teams know much more about these prospects than the media and the public does, and something must have scared teams off from selecting Clausen. Greg Hardy is a possible replacement for Julius Peppers but a string of injuries cost him playing time in college. Tony Pike was an interesting pick as competition is healthy, and he could end up eventually be the starter. The draft seems disappointing from an overall need and value prospective, but time will be the only indicator of the success of the players in this draft class.


Round 2, Pick 48

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Ht: 6’ 2 5/8” Wt: 222

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Though I'm shocked that Clausen fell this far, this is the perfect place for Clausen.  The team is only one year removed from a division title and has an excellent running game.  He is the most pro ready quarterback of any in this draft.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A tough, instinctive, competitive gamer who overhauled his mechanics from the time he was a freshman, physically matured and developed into a decisive marksman. Has been groomed by Charlie Weis and has an advanced understanding of the game that will allow him to step into a starting lineup readily. However, he is cut from a similar cloth as Rex Grossman and J.P. Losman, possessing an elitist attitude and selfishness that could polarize a locker room and create needless drama that may detract from a team. The defining question of his career is whether he possesses the intangibles and make-up to become a leader and win the respect of his teammates.

NFL projection: First-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Clausen is a true 3 year junior who has decided to enter the 2010 NFL Draft early and while he likely could have helped himself a little by staying for another season, it makes sense for him to come out now as no one knows who the new ND coach will be and their offensive system may not be a pro style passing attack which would hinder his development.  He is a very smart quarterback who consistently reads the defense well, identifies where he has to go with the ball and makes good accurate throws on passes under 15 yards.  The issue for Clausen is going to be his lack of ideal size and a lack of a big time arm, which will hinder his ability to make all the NFL throws with good zip and accuracy.  Overall, there is little doubt that the more I evaluated Clausen the more his talent level, decision making and passing skills reminded me of current Saints’ QB Drew Brees when Brees played at Purdue.  I am a big believer that arm strength leads to many mistakes when drafting quarterbacks and that the success of an NFL quarterback is based more on what he has above the shoulders than his arm strength.  His experience playing in an NFL style offense at Notre Dame should enable Clausen to start early in his career and to become a very good starting QB in the NFL who exceeds in many areas, but until/unless he can improve his arm strength will always have trouble make strong and accurate throws deep down the field.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Clausen’s experience in a pro-style offense, poise and fiery leadership most coaches like, although he’ll need to control those emotions to be successful early in his NFL career.  If able to do that, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be a long-time starter at the next level.

Round 3, Pick 78

Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU

Ht: 6’ 2 ½ “ Wt: 211

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  LaFell was once a highly rated prospect but fell out of favor after a disappointing 2009 season.  Not consistent enough to be drafted higher, LaFell has shown flashes of ability to be a starting receiver in the NFL.  Perhaps not the No. 1 receiver that Steve Smith was looking for, LaFell, like many young receivers, will take time to fully develop his skills.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Was hampered by inconsistent QB play in college, but has the size and run strength to create matchup problems working as a flanker if he can overcome a case of the drops. Boom-or-bust candidate with concerning personality traits and frustrating on-field inconsistency coming from a program whose recent WR products have tended to disappoint in the pros.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The top-rated senior wideout according to National and BLESTO, the two scouting services most NFL teams use, in the preseason, LaFell leaves LSU with 175 career receptions for 2,517 yards and 25 touchdowns.  Blessed with a rare blend of size, strength and body control, LaFell likely would have been drafted in the first round last year had he elected to come out early.  He initially did, then had a change of heart, and questions about his deep speed and hands arose that will keep him out of the top half of the first round in 2010.  However, his status as the top senior wideout remains secure.  

Round 3, Pick 89

Armanti Edwards, QB, Appalachian State

Ht: 5’ 10 7/8” Wt: 187

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Edwards is the most versatile player in this draft.  As an experienced 4-year starting quarterback, he can run the “wildcat” offense and is athletic enough to convert to wide receiver.  He also has the open-field ability to become a returner.  A very good value pick for the Panthers. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A dazzling southpaw, Edwards may never be more than an ideal backup and situational, specialty quarterback. Yet he is not a throwaway at the QB position; he has the run skills and creativity to project as a slot receiver and return man. Could spark an offense in specially designed packages that feature his playmaking ability. Injury history must be examined and could affect his draft status.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Edwards’ production alone (10,392 career passing yards with 74 touchdowns on 65.1 completion percentage) should be enough to earn him a look from scouts.  When they break down his game, however, they’ll find that he’s a legitimate NFL quarterback prospect with the arm strength, accuracy and poise to warrant at least late-round consideration. 

124.)  Carolina Panthers
Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An excellent edge rusher, the Panthers will probably use him as a situational pass rusher on third down and also as a tackler on special teams.  A player who could have gone much earlier, this is another good pick at this point in the draft.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Thickly built power-leverage rusher at his best pinning his ears back and rushing the quarterback. Better football player than athlete and would be best as a rush linebacker for an aggressive “30” front such as that of the Steelers, Ravens or 49ers.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

175.)  Carolina Panthers
Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 281

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Hardy, a player with first-round physical ability, was derailed by injury and motivational issues his last two seasons in college.  The Panthers take a flier on him knowing that, at this point in the draft, he is low risk with high reward potential.  Hardy is a prototype right defensive end and if he can play hard and stay healthy has Pro Bowl potential.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   One of the most naturally gifted pass rushers in the draft, Hardy has too many big questions overshadowing his raw traits, with concerns about his injury history, weight fluctuation, work ethic and mental makeup. Has the ability to become a double-digit sack artist if he ever figures it out. Could be managed and will need a strong support structure to make it. Senior season was derailed by injuries and he was used primarily as a pass-rush specialist when he was healthy. Could minimally fit a similar role in the pros.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

198.)   Carolina Panthers

David Gettis, WR, Baylor

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 217

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Gettis is a blazer who is still learning the game of football.  The pro-passing game is not learned easily, and Gettis might not be given the time or repetitions to reach his potential.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A classic size-speed prospect, Gettis’ 6-3 frame and track speed give him the tools to be a fantastic receiver.  Far from a finished product, Gettis flashes explosive ability but also needs work catching the ball with more consistency and running crisper routes. 

202.)  Carolina Panthers
Jordan Pugh, DB, Texas AM

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 197

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Pugh is an excellent tackler and could contribute to the Panthers' special teams immediately.  A corner with excellent speed, Pugh's lack of ball skills are what kept him from being a higher pick.

  

204.)  Carolina Panthers 
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 233

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Pike had to have fallen this far because of concerns over his injured wrist.  He was rated much higher based upon his performance last season but needs to add weight to his frame. He has a great anticipation for when to throw the ball but needs to learn the pro-style passing game.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Pike’s height, mobility and accuracy have made him one of the biggest risers among the senior class, but his injured arm and lack of bulk might cause some tams to shy away from him in the second round.  

223.)  Carolina Panthers

R.J. Stanford, DB, Utah

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 180

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Stanford is a good prospect as far as speed and size is concerned.  His actual on the field ability is in question.  Perhaps Carolina thinks with pro-coaching Stanford could become a contributing cornerback and special teamer.

GM Jr’s scouting report:   RJ Stanford’s lack of size and strength, as well as poor technique, will certainly scare some teams away, but his speed will convince others to take a second look. His height/weight combo his ability to be physical with bigger receivers in man coverage, and his choppy pedal causes him to lose ground quickly on the flip. However, he has the speed to recover and undercut the route on most receivers. He is at his best in zone coverage, as he does an excellent job of reading the QB and accelerating to the play in front of him. While these traits make him look like a good candidate for a cover 2 team, he will need to improve his competitiveness against the run in order to round out his skill set and see significant time on the field. As a rookie he projects as a dime back who should be a contributor on special teams. If he can improve his technique and strength level significantly, he could develop into a solid nickel back, capable of filling in at #2 against smaller receivers who are more his size. He has a lot of work to do to prove himself, but with such a premium placed on speed, RJ is worth a late round pick.

249.)  Carolina Panthers

Robert McClain, DB, Connecticut

Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 194

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: McClain is a solid but not spectacular player who's impact should be in special teams.  He has the opportunity to develop into a contributing corner and may have to start out on the practice squad.  

GM Jr's scouting report:  McClain is a first-year starter at CB to the boundary for the Huskies in 2009.  He also plays some NKL CB; returns punts for them this season.  He has a short, strong build with good arm length, upper/lower body thickness; definition; limited growth potential to develop for the position at the NFL level. He is a very tough, physical; competitive player in all phases of both defense and on special teams.  He is an aggressive run support player; tackler near the LOS.  He can also pressure the QB; fill quickly against the run as a blitzer.  He is a quicker-than-fast overall athlete for the position.  He has quick feet in his pedal, but is a really short-stepper in his play.  He has decent hips in transition from his pedal, but lacks that top burst to close of elite prospects for the position.  He is often in very good m/m coverage position, but simply cannot make a play on the ball due to his lack of size and better than average speed.  He is an obvious liability on vertical plays downfield and in the red zone.  He is quick reactor as an underneath zone defender.  He will jump throws based on his route-recognition skills; ability read the QB's eyes quickly.  He has very good ball reactions; production when playing the ball in front of him.  Overall, he is a limited pro prospect due to his lack of height, which will never change.  However, his is instinctive, physical; aggressive enough to be an effective role player at the NFL level.  He has the ability to compete to be the NKL CB, PR man, and core member of the special teams for a team in his rookie season.  However, he lacks the physical and athletic upside to ever be a productive starter.  he reminds me most of former Eagle DeJuan Tribble, who was a 6th round pick by the Charger back in 2008.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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