Carolina Panthers Off Season To Do List: A New Hope
By Editorial Staff
Carolina Panthers off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (6-10)
What a successful season the Panthers had. A year earlier this was a dead franchise that now rivals the Detroit Lions as one of the more exciting up and coming teams in the NFL. Cam Newton is the real deal and the new coaching staff performed very well in year 1. Now I expect another season with some ups and downs but 2013 this team should be ready to compete with anyone. The defense needs to get better though at all levels.
Coach Seat Temperature
Ron Rivera showed tremendous poise and is making many teams wonder why they didn’t hire him earlier. Bringing OC Rob Chudzinski from San Diegoto coach the Offense was very wise. DC Sean McDermott didn’t do great in year 1 but with Rivera as the HC I expect improvements in year 2.
2011 Draft Class Rating (B+)
Well they drafted Cam Newton and in that regard they revived the franchise. What I am worried about is that was the only solid selection they made. Third Round DT Sione Fua and Terrell McClain were nothing to brag about. Brandon Hogan was recovering from a prior injury. Keolaho Pirantes and the rest of the selections made solid contributions to Special Teams. This class needed more production from their third round selections.
2010 Draft Class Rating (D)
This class was one of the reasons the Panthers were considered dead prior to Newton. Jimmy Claussen is a failure to this point. I thought Clausen would become a solid Quarterback but I was wrong. Brandon Lafell is okay at WR but drops too many passes. Armanti Edwards was a colossal failure as a trade that wound up hurting the Panthers 2011 draft. Greg Hardy shows some talent but injuries have limited his progress. The rest of the class is mostly junk.
2009 Draft Class Rating (D)
Another example of why the Panthers were picking 1st in the 2011 draft. Everette Brown never developed into the pass rushing force many thought he would become. Sherrod Martin is okay at safety. Mike Goodson is a decent backup RB. Captain Munnerlynn is a solid depth CB and Special Team contributor. The rest of the picks are struggling to stick in the NFL.
Current Needs
Offense: WR, OT, OG
Defense: DE, DT, OLB, CB, S
Current FA
Jeremy Shockey: Shockey is a solid veteran TE who is a safety blanket forNewton. Though age and injuries have limited him the Panthers would be wise to spend some money retaining his services.
Dan Conner: Dan Conner is a solid depth LB who can play a few positions. Other teams might offer more money and he might get more opportunities else where.
Current Mock
1. Quinton Coples DE NC
2. Mohammed Sanu WR Rutgers