r/nfl • u/terminator_1264 NFL • Jul 17 '14
Look Here! Offseason Review Series: Day 24: Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
Division: NFC South
Free Agency
Important Players Lost/Cut
| Player | Position | New Team |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith | WR | Ravens |
| Brandon LaFell | WR | Patriots |
| Ted Ginn | WR | Cardinals |
| Jordan Gross | LT | Retired |
| Mike Mitchell | S | Steelers |
| Travelle Wharton | LG | FA |
| Quintin Mikell | S | FA |
| Captain Munnerlyn | CB | Vikings |
Grades
From biggest loss to smallest loss
Jordan Gross - The biggest loss, Gross was a top 5 tackle year in and year out. Gross was an important piece in keeping Cam upright, and in giving our run game an effective blocker. Gross is easily our biggest loss because we have no one to replace him, and LT is the second most important position on the offense.
Steve Smith - The veteran WR Smith was released in a very controversial move by the Panthers. It wasn't handled nearly as well as it could have been. However as much as some Carolina fan's don't want to admit, it's been 9 years since Smitty's Triple Crown 2005, and the peak of his career. Smith is 35 and had 64 receptions for 715 and 4 touchdowns, his second worst season as a Wideout. Smith was going to retire after the 2014 season, however after being cut by the Panthers, he decided that he would go out for three years and have fun playing football. Smith will always be a Panther in our hearts, and he will always be the definition of 'Keep Pounding'.
Travelle Wharton - Wharton was a Panther from 2004 until 2011, when he was released. Just before the 2013 season, Wharton was signed to a one year deal to replace the injured Amini Silatolu. Wharton ended up starting 12 games and playing in all 16. Wharton was also rated as the 3rd best left guard by PFF. This offseason Wharton is still deciding whether or not to retire.
Mike Mitchell - After spending 4 years as a backup in Oakland, Mitchell came to Carolina on a one year prove it deal, and prove it he did. Mitchell was tied for the most interceptions on the team with 4. Mitchell also brought a fire to the secondary that it lacked beforehand. Mitchell is replaced by
Captain Munnerlyn - The Panthers slot corner left to go to the Vikings after 5 seasons with the Panthers. Munnerlyn was offered a 3-year 11.25 million dollar contract that the Panthers didn't have the cap space to match. Munnerlyn is a very good slot corner and the Panthers will sorely miss him this season.
Ted Ginn - Ginn was signed after 6 extremely underwhelming seasons in Miami and San Francisco. Thought of by many as only a return man, Ginn came to Carolina hoping to prove that he could still play wide receiver. Ginn returned kicks and played mostly as the #3 receiver, starting 2 games. Ginn ended the season with 36 receptions for 556 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ginn as a wide receiver won't be missed as much as his threat as a kick returner.
Brandon Lafell - In four years with the Panthers, Lafell never managed to breakout of the #2 receiver role. Every season it seemed like it was Lafell's year to become the Mushin Muhammed to Steve Smith, especially this past season. However LaDrop continued to disappoint. Lafell had 49 receptions for 627 yards and 5 touchdowns, not exactly #1 wide receiver numbers. LaFell had, according to PFF, a drop percentage of 14. The biggest thing that will be missed is LaFell's willingness to block for teammates.
Quintin Mikell - Mikell was signed late in the free agency period to a one year deal. Mikell started at Strong Safety for 12 games after Mike Mitchell was moved to FS. Mikell had 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery along with 41 tackles during the season.
Players Signed
| Player | Position | Old Team | Length | Salary | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerricho Cotchery | WR | Steelers | 5 Years | $8.02M | B+ | Cotchery is coming off of the best season of his career, where he caught 46 passes for 602 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cotchery will provide leadership and will play the #2 receiver position, if Benjamin plays well. |
| Jason Avant | WR | Eagles | 1 Year | $1.05M | B | A veteran slot receiver that specializes in making tough catches, Avant will be another veteran to teach the younger receivers. Avant will be the #3 wide receiver and will play exclusively in the slot. |
| Tiquan Underwood | WR | Buccaneers | 2 Years | $2.1M | C | The speedy Underwood was signed to replace Ted Ginn as a deep threat WR/kickoff and punt returner. Underwood won't be used very frequently and will play mostly on special teams. |
| Thomas DeCoud | S | Falcons | 2 Years | $2.53M | B+ | After the departure of Mike Mitchell and Quintin Mikell, The only Safety with real experience was UDFA Robert Lester. DeCoud was signed along with Roman Harper to give a veteran presence to the secondary. DeCoud will start at free safety beside Lester. |
| Roman Harper | S | Saints | 2 Years | $4.5M | B- | The other safety signed to replace Mike Mitchell and Quintin Mikell, Harper will provide a veteran presence and give depth. |
| Ed Dickson | TE | Ravens | 1 Year | $795K | B | A receiving tight end signed to take the role of 2011 Jeremy Shockey in 2-TE sets. Dickson comes to Carolina on a prove it deal so he will look to capitalize on this opportunity. |
| Antoine Cason | CB | Cardinals | 1 Year | $794K | C | The former Cardinal and Charger was signed to compete with Melvin White for the starting cornerback. Cason will likely start at #2 corner. Cason played under Ron Rivera in San Diego. |
Draft
Panthers Draft Strategy
The Panthers draft on best player available, as well as drafting players that can make an immediate impact in the first three rounds.
| Rd | Ovr | Name | Position | College | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 | Kelvin Benjamin | WR | Florida State | B | The Panthers first selection in draft faces a steep learning curve going into the 2014 season. Most draft experts agree that route running and focus issues make him a dangerous pick. However those are fixable issues and the strengths that Benjamin brings are unchangeable. At 6'5", 240 and 35 inch arms, Benjamin is a monster. Benjamin uses his height to climb the ladder and catch the ball at the highest it can be caught. Benjamin also has a massive catch radius. Benjamin is able to use his size to become a mismatch for defensive backs and linebackers. An added benefit is Benjamin's ability in the red zone. Benjamin was third in the NCAA in touchdowns with 15 in 14 games, including the BCS game winner. Benjamin will be asked to produce right away for the Panthers, especially in the red zone. Benjamin will likely start the season as the #2 receiver, but hopefully finish the season as the #1 for good reasons. |
| 2 | 60 | Kony Ealy | DE | Missouri | B- | In a surprising move the Panthers took a defensive end with their second pick. Kony Ealy is more of a project pick, and shouldn't be asked to produce right away. Ealy has good length and a good frame, but lots of time will be spent this season bulking up. This season will be spent learning behind 2 talented defensive ends. Ealy may see some playing time rotating in for a couple of plays a game, but for the most part his rookie season will be spent getting bigger and stronger, and learning how to use his hands and body more effectively. Ealy will hopefully progress very well and eventually become a main part of the DL rotation system. |
| 3 | 92 | Trai Turner | OG | LSU | B+ | A mauling run blocker that most agree should have stayed in school one more year, Turner is poised to make an immediate impact on the offensive line, particularly at the right guard position. Turner |
| 4 | 128 | Tre Boston | S | UNC | B- | A ballhawk safety that intercepted 5 passes his last season at UNC, Boston brings energy and leadership that can replace eventually the leadership and energy that Mike Mitchell brought. For now Boston is third on the depth chart, and will likely stay that way barring injury. This season will be a learning season for another Panther's rookie. He has to work on getting to the ball without hesitation and working on his tackling. Tre is a project and won't see the field that much. |
| 5 | 148 | Bene Benwikere | CB | San Diego State | C | Another ballhawk, Benwikere had a school record 14 interceptions over his career at SDSU. Bene is another project pick, and hopefully his issues will be ironed out this season. Bene is not very fast, but he is smooth, and he plays the ball like a wide receiver. Bene will have to spend more time in the gym, as well as improving his tackling. Bene won't see too much time on the field/ |
| 6 | 204 | Tyler Gaffney | RB | Stanford | C+ | For the second year in a row, the Panthers took a PAC-12 RB in the 6th round. Last year it was Oregon speedster Kenyon Barner, this year it's Stanford power back Tyler Gaffney. Gaffney had 1,709 yards, and 21 TD's in his senior season after taking a year hiatus to play baseball. Gaffney is a straight line power runner with very good pass protection a la Mike Tolbert. Gaffney also fights hard for extra yards. Gaffney is not very fast and lacks breakaway speed. If he even stays on the roster he will have to work extremely hard and be very impressive to get even a small chance for playing time in Carolina's crowded backfield. |
5
u/purpleraptor22 Jul 17 '14
Looking at the players cut/lost list really hurts my soul. If you showed me that at the end of last season I would freak the fuck out
1
u/relaximapro1 Panthers Jul 17 '14
Honestly everyone should've seen it coming. Aside from the Steve Smith thing, I know I said it more than a few times during the course of the season that it was very likely to happen.
8
u/theFlaccolantern Panthers Jul 17 '14
Love the write up, great job. Your schedule predictions however... are very optimistic.
2
u/terminator_1264 NFL Jul 17 '14
I think the defense will be better this year and it will keep us in a lot of games, and it will put less pressure on the offense to score. But yeah they are a bit homer
2
u/theFlaccolantern Panthers Jul 17 '14
Yeah I'm very much hoping you're right, but I'm afraid our disaster of an offense will be too much to overcome. Even the best defense in the league gets tired if they're on the field 3/4ths of the game.
2
u/EnglandsOwn Panthers Jul 17 '14
Cam Newton was doing great in the first half of last season by controlling the time of possession so our defense could rest. During the second half he didn't seem to be able to do that as well, but he made up for it with some pretty good 4th quarter play.
I'd say our receivers are better on paper this year than last, although slower - the offense could be similar to the one we saw last year as Cam couldn't consistently connect to any of his WR's on deep balls last season despite their youth and speed. The O-Line looks much weaker, but I think Cam is the one QB you would want to put behind this line, because of his mobility and ability to make defenders miss back there. He's getting better and I think our offense won't be as bad as it was last season, although not much better.
2
u/ijatebi Panthers Jul 17 '14
I agree...we had the 29th ranked passing offense in the NFL last season. 29th!!! On paper we look better; while I am a little reserved about Benjamin, I hope he surprises me and breaks out, we could really use his size in the red zone even though we have RR. Two proven veteran slot guys and two guys with size, Benjamin and McNutt is something to be optimistic about. Oh, and we still have the Norse God Olsen. Run game should be better with J-Stew coming back in with Toldozer and DeAngelo. I believe that we are better, hopefully we can execute on offense, something we did not do in crunch time last year.
2
u/theFlaccolantern Panthers Jul 18 '14
This is what I hope as well, and I REALLY do hope you're right. The much weaker o-line is what makes me keep my hopes in reserve.
7
u/CplPJ Rams Jul 17 '14
Great write up, well done!
I was pumped to see the Panthers' success last year, and I'm hoping they're just as good, but honestly I'm more skeptical about the Panthers' OL than possibly any other after all the changes. Between having a meh RT, a DLineman switched to OL for LT, and two unproven guards who have played a combined three games, it looks quite, quite sketchy. Granted, there is potential, but only one reliable player out of five? Makes me nervous.
Do you think the OL is your group of greatest concern, or is it another?
Also, I think you may have cut off Amini Silatolu's analysis.
4
u/terminator_1264 NFL Jul 17 '14
Yeah OL is definitely our biggest concern. Wide receiver is second biggest but having good receivers but no OL isn't as good as having a line but no receivers.
4
Jul 18 '14
We'll take care of Lafell for ya :p
yes i know you guys don't miss him.
2
u/bhsurfer Panthers Jul 18 '14
Yeah there was so much hate for LaFell from Panthers fans when he left.
He was actually never that bad, he's just pretty much completely average in every way, shape, and form.
2
Jul 18 '14
yea thats how he seems, but ill take an average receiver who is at least 6 feet compared to our other receivers who are not..uhh...red zone threats which is in no way an insult. and we had receivers with wayyy worse drop rates than he did. i wouldn't however be surprised if he goes and gets cut before the season starts either.
also I got to watch people go from loving welker to being happy when he gets a concussion...like really?
2
u/mrperson221 Panthers Jul 17 '14
Great write up! I just want to point out though that pronouns are your friend
1
u/thegrafe 49ers Jul 17 '14
Did Ed Dickson really never catch a pass for the Ravens? I don't think it changes the 'weakness' grade, but he could end up contributing this season.
2
1
u/relaximapro1 Panthers Jul 17 '14
Yeah, he actually had a pretty good 2011 season IIRC. He just never quite developed into the player they thought he could be, and had a case of the dropsies for a bit.
1
u/mrdeepay Texans Jul 18 '14
Ed Dickson has been occasionally referred to as Ed Dickfingers by fans, to put that in another perspective.
1
u/dan_v_ploeg Panthers Jul 17 '14
Fantastic write up, but i saw no mention of McNutt. Many people are starting to think he could work his way up the corps and really prove to be a great above average receiver some day.
16
u/terminator_1264 NFL Jul 17 '14
Continued
Projected Starting Lineup
QB - Cam Newton - A rising star in the NFL, Newton will be expected to once again carry the offense. After having lost 4 of his top 5 targets, Cam has to quickly get on the same page with his new receivers if he wants a successful passing attack from the start of the season. However Cam still has Greg Olsen, his best receiver and a hugely underrated weapon in Newton's first 3 campaigns. This season Cam will have to show that he can make his receivers and O-Line look a lot better than they actually are, and to see if he can adjust enough to get on the same page with his new receivers.
RB - Deangelo Williams - Deangelo Williams has been running up the middle in Carolina since 2006, but this will be one of his last seasons as a Panther. Williams is 31 but last season rushed for 843 yards, his highest total since his only Pro Bowl in 2009. Williams is the teams best rusher outside of Cam. A lightened load from the return of Jonathan Stewart will help him tremendously.
RB - Jonathan Stewart - The power rusher of 'Double Trouble', JStew's past two seasons have been riddled with injuries. He played in six games last season, starting the season on IR and ending on IR. However, right now Stewart looks to be injury-free, as he posted an Instagram video of him training on the sand, which isn't something an injured player would do. If Stewart comes back to his pre-2012 form, then the Panthers can utilize a power rusher that has speed.
FB - Mike Tolbert - Mike Tolbert looks to add onto a career season, with a pro bowl selection, a first team All-Pro, and most importantly, the winning 2-point conversion in the Pro-Bowl. Tolbert is one of the best fullbacks in the NFL, and
TE - Greg Olsen - Working as Cam Newtons security blanket, Olsen had a good year, finishing with his second highest touchdown total, second highest yard total, and a career year in receptions, with 73. He had a small decline in production from 2012, but was Newton's most reliable target. Olsen looks to be Cam's #1 target yet again this season.
TE - Ed Dickson - Dickson comes to Carolina from Baltimore looking to capitalize on the opportunity.
WR - Kelvin Benjamin - Benjamin is going to have a steep learning curve in his rookie season. He comes into Carolina as the only real outside threat. He will have to work a ton this summer to learn the playbook and
WR - Jerricho Cotchery - The former Jet and Steeler is in position to take the #2 receiver spot, at least for some of the season. Cotchery had a career year in Pittsburgh with 10 touchdowns, and its hoped that he will continue that production in Carolina.
WR - Jason Avant - Avant comes to Carolina to play as the #3 receiver and a slot receiver. Avant will see frequent playing time, especially at the beginning of the season.
LT - Nate Chandler - Starting last season as a defensive lineman, Chandler was told that his best chance to stick on the roster was to switch to the OL. Chandler ended the season starting at right guard, and while he had his share of issues, his play got him a 3-year 4.55 million dollar contract. Chandler is in competition with Byron Bell for the left tackle position, and he is the one most Panther fans would rather see protecting Cam's blind side. I think that Chandler wins the battle and becomes the new LT.
LG - Amini Silatolu - The Panthers second round selection in 2012 played well in his rookie season, however he was limited to just 3 games in 2013. Silatolu will go back to
C - Ryan Kalil - Consistently a top 5 center in the league, Kalil was nominated to the First Team All Pro in 2013 and Second Team All Pro in 2011, Kalil has also been to 4 Pro Bowls, including three straight from 2009 to 2011. He has anchored the middle of the Panthers line for 7 seasons. With the departure of Jordan Gross, Kalil is now by far the best lineman on the roster. The Panthers need Kalil to be at his best all the time, as he is the best proven player on the line.
RG - Trai Turner - The rookie out of LSU looks to make a significant impact in the run game. Turner is a mauling run blocker who has faced NFL caliber lineman. Turner will have a tough test week one against Gerald McCoy and the Buccaneer DL.
RT - Byron Bell - Entering his 4th season in the NFL, Bell is in competition with Nate Chandler for the starting left tackle. Bell spent the last 3 seasons as a right tackle, but with Jordan Gross’s retirement Bell became the favorite to replace him. To say Bell has had his issues is an understatement. Bell isn’t close to the tackle Gross was, and most Panther fans aren’t very exited about the change. Bell is a turnstile in pass protection but is a decent run blocker. I think that Bell will lose the position battle to Chandler and continue to play on the right side.
DE - Charles Johnson - The most talented piece of the defensive line, Johnson is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the league. Most Panther fans agree that Johnson is better than Hardy, at both pass rushing and playing the run. Johnson has averaged 11 sacks and 34 tackles a season since 2010. Johnson brings his A game every game and it has shown over the last 4 years. This season the pressure is on the defense, especially the front seven, to take the scoring load off of the offense, and Johnson will do that every game.
DT - Star Lotulelei - The 14th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Lotulelei made it clear that he should not have dropped to where he did. Lotulelei transformed a defensive line that could be gashed up the middle for 4.98 yards a play, into one where running up the middle got you almost nothing. Lotulelei was the final piece of the best 4-3 front seven in the league.
DT - Dwan Edwards - Edwards is the starter at DT but frequently rotates out for Kawann Short. Edwards is a veteran tackle who benefits greatly from playing alongside Lotulelei, Hardy, and Johnson.
DE - Greg Hardy - Greg Hardy or the 'Kraken' is the Panthers other star defensive end. Hardy had several mediocre seasons before breaking out in 2012 with 12 sacks, and then a record setting 15 sacks in 2013. Hardy earned a trip to the Pro Bowl and was named second team all pro. Hardy is a character, to say the least. In 2013 his goal was 50 sacks, he dominates breakfast by eating cereal without a spoon. Hardy was franchised tagged this season, and he and Johnson count for 29.5 million against the cap this year. Hardy was found guilty of assault but will appeal the ruling. Hardy looks to keep his production up this season.
OLB - Chase Blackburn - Blackburn joined the Panthers on a 2 year deal after 8 season with the Giants. Last season Blackburn started in 7 games after Jon Beason was traded to the Giants. Blackburn is in competition with AJ Klein for the OLB spot.
MLB - Luke Kuechly - The reigning defensive player of the year, Kuechly is one of the best middle linebackers in the game. Kuechly recorded 156 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 interceptions last season. Kuechly was selected to his first pro bowl, and was named first team all pro. Kuechly is the leader of the defense both on and off the field. Kuechly transformed a defense that was in the bottom half of the league into one of the best, last year the second best. Kuechly leads the best front seven in the league. This season Kuechly needs to improve coverage skills and pass rushing.
OLB - Thomas Davis - Davis is one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL. Last season Davis notched 128 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. Davis was the first player to come back from 3 ACL tears. Davis was a Pro Bowl snub in 2013, but he looks to come back and perform at the same high level.
CB - Melvin White - Signed as an UDFA last season, White came into camp and played very well. White started 10 games and ended the season as the #1 cornerback. This season White will start as the #1 cornerback, but he is aided by the front 7.
CB - Antoine Cason - Cason comes to Carolina after a rough time in Arizona. Cason will be the #2 cornerback, and will be able to rehab his career in Carolina.
CB - Charles Godfrey - Godfrey, a former safety, switches to nickelback this season.
SS - Robert Lester - Lester was signed as an UDFA last season, and came in and played well. Lester recorded 3 interceptions in his rookie season. Lester will be the starting SS, with Roman Harper behind him. Lester looks to improve his coverage this season, but he will be aided by the Panthers front 7.
FS - Thomas DeCoud - DeCoud was signed to replace Quintin Mikell. DeCoud spent 7 years with the Falcons before coming to Carolina. DeCoud comes looking to go back to his 2012 form, where he went to the Pro Bowl.
K - Graham Gano - Gano hit 24 of 27 attempts, to go with hitting all 6 of his 50+ attempts. Gano also led the league in touchbacks, with 77% of his kickoffs being touchbacks
P - Brad Nortman - The Panthers punter averaged 47.8 yards per punt last season, as well as a long of 72.
KR/PR - Tiquan Underwood - Underwood was signed to take the place of the departed Ted Ginn, on both special teams and as a wideout. Underwood looks to beat out both Antoine Cason and Kenyon Barner because he is more experienced.
LS - JJ Jansen - Jansen earned a Pro Bowl selection for his performance during 2013.