Archives for February 2020

4 Man Mocks 1.0: Kevin (Pre-Combine) Part 2

4 Man Mocks

This is the second part of my mock draft that includes scenarios where I was offered more picks by trading back. In the 1st round the Las Vegas Raiders offered me their #12 and #19 overall picks for my #7 overall. Later on in the 4th round the Raiders offered me their 4th round pick (118th overall) and their 5th round pick (159th overall). So this mock will show the nine players I chose based on who was left available.

Round 1(12th overall): Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

At 6-7 and 369 lbs Mekhi Becton is a massive yet highly athletic football player who possesses devastating power that simply overwhelms his opposing defender. His combination of very long arms, excellent body control, quick agile footwork and hand to eye coordination is vastly superior to any other OTs in this current draft class. Now he did have some issues controlling his weight early on in college if there is to have any concerns.

College Stats: 8 QB pressures 0 sacks during the 2019 season. Played in 36 games during three seasons from 2017 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Mekhi Beckton would be the first true franchise left tackle since Panthers Hall of Honor member Jordan Gross retired in 2013. He would allow the QB to feel comfortable on every pass and allow the RB to feel excited on every run.

Round 1(19th overall): CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

At 6-2 and 189 lbs CeeDee Lamb is one of the most natural receivers in terms of hands, ball skills and tracking. He has the elite ability to track the football in the air and adjust. I also like that he is very sudden in and out of breaks and is capable of creating separation with fluidity and burst. Plus he can showcase a variety of techniques to beat press coverage including angles, footwork and hand usage. My only concern is that he did not face many talented CBs in the Big 12 will have to adjust to the more physical style of the NFL.

College Stats: 173 catches 3292 receiving yards 32 TD catches 19.0 yards per catch 54 punt returns 475 return yards 8.8 yards per return in 40 games played during three seasons from 2017 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Lamb is a threat at all levels of the field with the elite body control, ball skills, hands and instincts. He has the upside to develop into one of the premiere offensive weapons in the NFL. He would also be a huge threat in the return game as well.

Round 2(38th overall): Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma

At 6-2 and 304 lbs Neville Gallimore is a disruptive DT in a 40 front defense. His explosive get off and violent hands allows him to attack his blocker before they can properly react. He consistently shows initial quickness, power, hand counters and a high motor. Also will provide plenty of disruption up front when looking to collapse the pocket and get to opposing QBs. He is versatile enough to play both the 1 tech and the 3 tech DT positions. He does need to improve getting off blocks quicker against run plays.

College Stats: 147 tackles 17 tackles for loss 8.5 sacks 5 forced fumbles in 46 games played during four seasons from 2016 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Gallimore would provide an immediate threat as a pass rusher up the middle of both A gaps from Day 1.

Round 3(69th overall): Leki Fotu, DL, Utah

At 6-5 and 337 lbs Leki Fotu has excellent explosiveness for a player of his size along with very good agile footwork. Excellent first step allows for quick penetration and gap control. He is the ideal nose tackle as his power allows him to absorb double team blocks and still collapse the pocket. Does a consistent job of getting off blocks and run plays down despite his size. He does need to improve on having better leverage on a regular basis.

College Stats: 82 tackles 17 tackles for loss 4 sacks 3 forced fumbles in 30 games played during four seasons from 2016 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Fotu would be that 30 front NT that will occupy blockers to keep the LBs free to make plays while also disrupting blocking schemes on run plays.

Round 4(118th overall): Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio State 

At 6-2 and 205 lbs Jordan Fuller is a terrific natural athlete who has dynamic range to cover the entire field. His ability to read the eyes of the opposing QB is above average. He effectively makes plays against the run and the pass. He can play the single high (Cover 1), man to man coverage in the slot and a very effective blitzer. He needs to improve his tackling techniques and tackling angles.

College Stats: 216 tackles 5 INTs 10 pass deflections 5 tackles for loss 3 recovered fumbles in 45 games played during four seasons from 2016 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Fuller would fit the ideal mold of a traditional free safety who roams the back end of the defense. He can also match up well against TEs and RBs in the slot as well.

Round 5(152nd overall): K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson

At 5-11 and 199 lbs K’Von Wallace is a very athletic and high IQ player that can both safety spots and nickel CB. His super acceleration allows him to have great pursuit of the ball. His is able to get his hands on alot of balls. He was used all over the secondary in different positions on any given play. He can also play all four units on special teams at a high level.

College Stats: 156 tackles 5 INTs 15 pass deflections 5.5 tackles for loss 2 sacks 2 forced fumbles in 45 games played during four seasons from 2016 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Wallace would be a versatile swiss army knife type of playmaker all over the secondary.

Round 5(159th overall): Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami (FL)

At 6-1 and 241 lbs Shaquille Quarterman is a super athletic player with a non stop motor and a high football IQ. He played the MLB position with intensity and production. The ability to quickly diagnose plays and attack is fun to watch. He also is a highly effective when asked to blitz. He can improve on not over running plays and getting of blocks quicker.

College Stats: 356 tackles 46.5 tackles for loss 12 sacks 13 pass deflections 2 forced fumbles 5 recovered fumbles 1 INT in 52 games played during four seasons from 2016 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Quarterman would be a prime candidate to play as the starting middle linebacker.

Round 6(184th overall): Harrison Hand, CB, Temple

At 6-0 and 192 lbs Harrison Hand shows the ability to be effective as both a man to man CB and as a zone CB. He has high football awareness and is rarely out of place to make a play on the ball. His long arms and his long strides allow him to cover deep yet recover quick as well. He has very flexible hips which allows him to convert speed to power and lay some big huge hits on the ball carrier. He can improve on refine his techniques when it comes to tighter coverage.

College Stats: 114 tackles 4 INTs 16 pass deflections 5.5 tackles for loss 1 forced fumble in 31 games played during three seasons from 2017 to 2019.

How would he help the team? Hand is a versatile aggressive CB that could also move over to safety in certain packages. He also played for Coach Rhule in 2017 and 2018 at Baylor University before transferring to Temple in 2019.

Round 7(221st overall): Adrian MaGee, OG, LSU

At 6-5 and 335 lbs Adrian MaGee is a very powerful run blocker with a nasty attitude. He blocks hard until the whistle blows. He has long arms that really allows him to lock up the defender in front of him. When pass blocking he does not give ground often. He has good vision to adjust his blocks to where his ball carrier is going. Is versatile enough to play every OL position except C.  He does need to improve his foot speed and his flexibility.

College Stats: Was a Top 5 graded run blocker in the SEC each year that he played.

How would he help the team? MaGee would add power run blocking and attitude intensity at the LG spot.

 

4 Man Mocks 1.0: Kevin (Pre-Combine) Part 1

4 Man Mocks

I decided to do my mock draft a little different. Part 1 is without the any trades being done with the original seven draft picks. Here are the players I chose and the logic behind each one.

Round 1 (7th overall): Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

At 6-1 and 192 lbs Jerry Jeudy has all of the tools that it takes to become a #1 WR in the NFL. He is easily the best pure route runner in this draft class. He can also get amazing separation with consistency. He is a natural hands catcher with great hand/eye coordination who can run the NFL advanced tree route with ease. He has the ability to play both outside and in the slot to show off his high YAC(yards after catch).

College Stats: 159 catches 2742 receiving yards 26 TDs 17.2 yards per catch in 36 games played during three seasons from 2017 to 2019.

How would he help the team? The depth chart for the wide receivers is thin as can be after DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel. Adding Jeudy would make our passing game extremely explosive and versatile under first year offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Opposing secondaries would be under extreme pressure trying to cover consistently. Whether short, intermediate or deep pass plays he would be able to thrive and cause havoc.

Round 2 (38th overall): Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU

At 6-4 and 305 lbs Ross Blacklock is a tremendous high impact player that can line and cause havoc in both 30 fronts and 40 fronts along the line of scrimmage. He has above average power and athletic abilities to compliment his size and his non-stop motor. He plays with excellent leverage and violent hands which allows him to make a wide array of moves and counter moves to beat his blocker. When double teamed he does not give ground and is able to split a fair amount of them. Several NFL pro scouts says his game is alot like DT Gerald McCoy.

College stats: 67 tackles 15.5 tackles for loss 5.5 sacks in 24 games played during two seasons from 2017 to 2019. Missed the entire 2018 season with Achilles injury.

How would he help the team? With Kawann Short being the only returning DT under contract this position group needs a huge upgrade of talent. TCU played mostly 3-4 defensive philosophy but also used some 4-3 alignments as well. This fits right into the hybrid defensive schemes that defensive coordinator Phil Snow will be using. Blacklock can play a true nose tackle (0 tech) or defensive end (5 tech) in a 30 front. He can play both DT spots (1 tech, 3 tech) in a 40 front. This position flexibility would allow the ultimate game planning by the coaching staff to create turmoil and disruption to opposing blocking schemes.

Round 3 (69th overall): Solomon Kindley, OG, Georgia

At 6-4 and 336 lbs Solomon Kindley is your prime example of a massive run blocking machine. He plays with powerful violent hands that stalls defenders on the initial contact. His leverage is ideal and consistent which allows him to drive block both vertically and laterally. He can reach block with ease and does a very solid job getting to the second level to block LBs. He played primarily on the left side at LG.

College Stats: Only gave up five QB pressures and zero sacks in 2019.

How would he help the team? Current starting LG Greg Van Roten is a free agent and is expected to be offered very lucrative deals by other teams. This could likely lead to an opening on the starting offensive line. Just based on his talents and skills already Kindley would be an upgrade at the LG position. His resume shows consistency as a above average run blocker and pass blocker.

Round 4 (110th overall): Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA 

At 5-10 and 192 lbs Darney Holmes is a very athletic player with elite speed and high football IQ. Playing man to man coverage is his strongest ability but he is fairly effective playing zone as well. He has no wasted steps and can naturally identify routes and close in quick to make plays. His hand to eye coordination along with excellent acceleration allows him to get his hands on a lot of balls thrown his way. He can play both outside CB and nickel CB. Also he was very dynamic as a returner as well.  Not the best of tacklers in run support but does give effort. Pro Scouts believes if he was three or four more inches taller he would be selected much earlier in the draft.

College Stats: 120 tackles 8 INTs 17 pass deflections 2 forced fumbles 2 recovered fumbles 2 TDs scored 38 KO returns 878 return yards 23.1 yards per return 1 TD in 35 games played during three seasons from 2017 to 2019.

How would he help the team? With the likely departure of CB James Bradberry and Ross Cockrell and Javien Elliott also being free agents there is need for talent at the CB position. Holmes fits exactly what Coach Rhule said he wanted which was very athletic players with high football IQ that needs to be coached up and developed. Having the ability to play outside and inside gives more flexibility to do different schemes and personnel packages. Plus having another player who can play all the special teams is great value as well.

Round 5 (152nd overall): Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee

At 6-4 and 259 lbs Darrell Taylor is an athletic playmaker who evolved during his college career. He got better every single year and the numbers support it. He takes pride in setting the edge at the line of scrimmage and denying any ball carrier to get outside of him. He is an established solid run defender who constantly makes plays at or behind the LOS. His pass rushing skills have came a long way but plenty of room for improvement. His hustle is never questioned and he brings it hard on every snap. Can make plays regardless if both hands are in the dirt, one in the dirt or standing up in a two point stance.

College Stats: 118 tackles 19.5 sacks 26.5 tackles for loss 7 pass deflections 6 forced fumbles 4 recovered fumbles in 38 games played during four seasons from 2016 to 2019.

How would he help the team? With proven seasoned veterans Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin being free agents over 30 Taylor would bring that hybrid versatility as both a 4-3 DE and a 3-4 OLB. His athletic abilities again fit exactly what the coaching staff is looking for in player development. Stout run defenders setting the edge is greatly needed on the Panthers defense.

Round 6 (184th overall):  Robert Landers, DL, Ohio State

At 6-1 and 285 lbs Robert Landers is an anchor for the interior of the defensive line. Despite his lack of excessive girth he actually more than held his own taking on double teams and maintaining gap integrity. His quick explosive 1st step allows him to attack the opposing linemen and then use an array of moves to disengage to make the play. His pass rushing game yields way more QB pressures than sacks but is consistent with disrupting the pocket. Very solid against the run as well.

College Stats: 65 tackles 24.5 tackles for loss 2.5 sacks 2 recovered fumbles in 35 games played during four seasons from 2016 to 2019.

How would he help the team? With several defensive lineman being free agents not likely to be re-signed Landers would provide quality depth at the DT rotation while having his raw skills develop. His ability to anchor his gap responsibility by occupying blockers along with QB pressures and his knack for tackles for loss would be greatly needed in the middle of the defense.

Round 7 (221st overall): Cameron Brown, LB, Penn State

At 6-5 and 232 lbs Cameron Brown has the speed and athleticism to cover alot of ground quickly. He excelled at making plays in the flats and sidelines against opposing RBs and TEs. He has a quick burst to the ball once play has been identified. He is known for chasing plays down from the backside and also causing fumbles. He does need to slow down and not over pursue the play which has lead to him having poor tackling angles.

College Stats:  198 tackles 14.5 tackles for loss 4.5 sacks 11 pass deflections 4 forced fumbles 2 recovered fumbles

How would he help the team? In today’s NFL you can never have too many speedy athletes at LB. With Carolina using multiple personnel groups using two, three and four LBs you need players who have a nose for the ball.

 

4 Man Mocks 1.0: Norris (Pre-Combine)

4 Man Mocks, NFL Draft


Over the course of the next few weeks, there will be a lot of visits from college prospects for the Carolina Panthers. This is the time of year where we get ramped up for the draft, so we will be doing some mock drafts based on information we are given about visits. This is a pre-combine mock draft, which is based on the little knowledge that we have at this point. Enjoy.

Round One: DL Derrick Brown

Auburn
6’5 318 lbs

Derrick Brown was a five-star athlete out of high school and continued his stellar play in college. He amassed 31.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks in his last three years at Auburn. If you watch his tape, he has all of the things you look for in a player. He has the high motor and urgency in pass rush and is relentless in run defense. Carolina needs all of the run support they can get, as they allowed a whopping 143.5 yards per game (4th worst in the NFL). Brown has a variety of pass rush moves and uses them in the right situations. He has some of the most powerful hands in this draft and uses them to his advantage. He has incredible speed and flexibility for a big man. His play strength is amazing and he won’t be overpowered by many at the next level.

One thing we know about Matt Rhule is, he likes building the trenches first. He also likes highly athletic players and uses sports science to determine an athlete’s fit. Brown is an absolute stud and would be a day one impact player that fits Rhule’s athletic profile. Rhule also says he likes position-less players, meaning players that can play multiple positions and not pegged at just one. Brown has played every position on the line, from 0 tech to 5 tech. That’s exactly the type of player Rhule is looking for. He’s the perfect player to pair next to Kawann Short, especially since the team is unlikely to pick up Dontari Poe’s option. Brown is a leader on and off the field. Brown isn’t a sexy pick, but he’s a necessary one.

Round Two: CB Cameron Dantzler

Mississippi St.
6’2 185 lbs

Even if Carolina somehow re-signs James Bradberry, they’re going to need another corner on the outside. Donte Jackson seems to be more suited as a slot corner. Dantzler is an athletic corner who would fit in a variety of schemes. He was considered a shut-down corner in the SEC and rarely gave up yards while in coverage. Dantzler has the length and speed that all coaches desire in their corners. He plays with a competitive edge and has great route anticipation. Dantzler had 5 interceptions in three years, but that’s mainly because quarterbacks didn’t throw his way often.

Dantzler’s versatility and athleticism make him a perfect candidate to be drafted by Matt Rhule. We don’t know much about Phil Snow’s defensive scheme, but we do know he needs another corner no matter what. Dantzler has a multi-scheme skill set that makes him the perfect piece for the Panthers’ defense. He may need to add a little weight to his tall frame, which is his only downside.

Round Three: IOL Robert Hunt

Louisiana
6’5 336 lbs

With Greg Van Roten possibly leaving the team via free agency, Carolina could be in the market for a new left guard. Hunt was a four-year starter in college and has experience at both tackle and guard. He’s a nasty run blocker and is pretty mobile for a guy his size. He has strong hands and overwhelming power. Hunt is an aggressive blocker who possesses traits to be an outstanding guard. Matt Rhule is a trenches guy who loves building teams from the inside out. Hunt has the athletic attributes and high football IQ that would be perfect for the Panthers’ offense.

Round Four: DE Alton Robinson

Syracuse
6’3 259 lbs

It’s round four, and you’re seeing a pattern with this draft. Carolina has drafted defense and trenches, which is where they need the most help. This pick isn’t any different. With the Panthers only having Brian Burns, Christian Miller and Marquis Haynes under contract, they could use another edge defender in the mix. Robinson is a good run defender who has a variety of pass rushing moves. He has a high motor and is very explosive. He’s very versatile and can play 4-3 defensive end and 3-4 linebacker. Robinson needs to be a little more consistent, but he’s a good prospect to get in the fourth round.

Round Five: DL Jordan Elliott

Missouri
6’4 315 lbs

Carolina is once again double dipping at defensive tackle with this pick. Elliott is good in run support and has potential to be a starter, with proper coaching. He’s inconsistent and has some mental lapses at times and needs to be coached up. However, he does have some upside. Elliott has a lot of room to grow, but he’s gotten progressively better over the years. With proper coaching, he could be a valuable rotational piece in Carolina’s defense.

Round Six: S Julian Blackmon

Utah
6’1 204 lbs

Carolina needs a safety they can develop into a starter that can take over for Reid in the next season or two. Blackmon is an excellent tackler who also has good ball skills. He isn’t great in coverage right now, but he can be coached. Blackmon has decent play speed and is very competitive. He needs some work, but he has potential, which is all you can ask for with a sixth round pick.

Round Seven: WR Binjimen Victor

Ohio St.
6’4 199 lbs

For a seventh round pick, you’re just hoping for the best. Victor runs good routes and high points the ball. He has strong hands and good play speed. He’s not overly strong, but gives good effort when blocking. He could be a decent possession receiver with good length.

Thanks for taking the time to read these mocks. This will likely change each time based on combine results and team interest. Let us know what you think.

The 4 Man Fix Part 2: How to Make the Panthers Great Again

Prime Cuts with Norris


This series is about how to bring the Panthers back to relevance sooner, rather than later. In part one, you learned about some of the cuts that should be coming, to help the Panthers gain some salary cap space. In part two, I will give my opinion on who Carolina should re-sign and who they should let walk.

Players to Re-sign

Tre Boston

Boston has done nothing but prove himself as a capable safety for the last four years. At 27 years old, he has yet to sign that second long term deal, and he deserves some stabilty. He has been nickel and dimed by a league that doesn’t place a lot of value on the safety position. In 2019, Boston had 68 tackles, 11 passes defended and 3 interceptions. He has become one of the best coverage safeties in the league, and Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 76.4 for the year. That’s the fourth best grade for the entire team, behind McCaffrey, Kuechly and Moore. It’s Boston’s time for a deal that locks him up for a few years.

Potential contract: 3 years – $19.5m

Ross Cockrell

Cockrell was signed in 2018, but didn’t get to play until last season. He broke two bones in his leg and was put the entire 18-19 season. Depending on what type of defense the Panthers will run, Cockrell could be a solid target to re-sign. He is two years removed from being the number one zone corner in the league. In 2017, he allowed a QB rating of 13.8 and a completion percentage of 35% while being targeted in zone coverage. At 28 years old, Cockrell will be 100% healthy and a solid candidate to re-sign. The Panthers may want to sign him to a one year deal for depth at a position that may be a little thin, depending on whether or not the team re-signs Bradberry.

Potential contract: 1 year – $3.5m

Javien Elliott

Elliott played fairly well in his first year as a Panther. Pro Football Focus grades him at 67.2, which was best among Panthers’ corners and second best in the Panthers’ secondary behind Tre Boston. Elliott played 34% of the defensive snaps and had 38 tackles, 2 pass break-ups, 1 interception and a half of a sack. He’s a versatile corner who played primarily at nickel in 2019. Depending on whether or not the team re-signs Bradberry, Elliott could be in line to see even more playing time. Either way, Carolina could use Elliott as depth.

Potential Contract: 2 years – $3.5m

Gerald McCoy

Even though the Panthers’ defensive unit underwhelmed last season, Gerald McCoy played fairly well. Pro Football Focus gave McCoy a grade of 72, which was second highest on the defensive line. McCoy is versatile enough to play both inside and outside, which will provide Phil Snow a solid player to move around the line. Luke Kuechly’s retirement left the Panthers needing some leadership on the defensive side of the ball. McCoy has the experience to be a leader, and that’s something this team needs right now. It would benefit Carolina to bring him back, that is, if he wants to. McCoy wanted to go to a contender, and he may feel like Carolina isn’t the right fit anymore.

Potential Contract: 2 years – $17m

Greg Van Roten

Van Roten was one of the most consistent offensive linemen that the Panthers had in 2019, until he got injured. While he might be looking for a lot more money in free agency, it would be in Carolina’s best interest to see if he wants to stick around. Quality depth on the offensive line is a must, no matter who is playing quarterback. GVR got a grade of 65.6 from Pro Football Focus, which is well above average.

Potential Contract: 2 years – $6m

Bruce Irvin

This one might make little sense to a lot of people, but the Panthers could use some more depth on the edge. Irvin played pretty well last season, when he finally got healthy. Also, his leadership could go a long way for this team. Especially, if the Carolina fails to bring back Gerald McCoy. The Panthers could let both walk this year so that they can add compensatory picks for next year, which is understandable. Personally, it might be best to bring both back on one year deals to help out all of these youngsters on the defense.

Potential Contract: 1 year – $4m

Who Carolina Should Let Walk

Daryl Williams

Everyone would agree that Williams is far removed from his All-Pro year. He was a liability on the offensive line all year, no matter what position he was playing. The Panthers shouldn’t waste their money.

Vernon Butler

Vern showed some flashes last season, but ultimately didn’t impress enough to waste money on him. As the 30th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, he was supposed to be a solid starter by now. It’s time for him to go, but best of luck to him.

Mario Addison

Mario has been really good in Carolina for awhile, but it’s time for a change. At 32 years old, he won’t be able to play at a high level for much longer. Nothing against Mario, but it’s a fact of life. With Addison going elsewhere, it gives Brian Burns an opportunity to start and showcase his skills. It honestly makes no sense for a team in a rebuild to sign a player like Addison.

Chris Hogan

Stacy McGee

Kyle Love

James Bradberry

This one won’t be popular with some fans…..The Panthers and Bradberry seem to be at an impasse in negotiations. Not to say a deal won’t get done before the new league year begins, but it’s not looking good.

Rumors are swirling that Bradberry wants north of $14m per year, but paying him that amount makes little sense. He has been very good during his time in Carolina, but he hasn’t played his way into top corner pay.

In regards to Bradberry’s market value, there are some things to consider:

Positives

• Travels with the number one receivers most of the time.

• Had 11 pass break-ups in 2019, which was good enough for 8th best.

• Only allowed 1 touchdown in 2019 and had 3 interceptions, which was good enough for 6th best.

• He allowed a passer rating of 86.6, which was good enough for 10th best.

• He only allowed 10.4 yards per reception, which was good enough for 11th best. 

Negatives

• He isn’t a ball hawk. 8 interceptions over four years isn’t jaw dropping. 

• He allowed 68 catches (70th best) for 709 yards (54th best) in 2019. 

• His Pro Football Focus grade for 2019 was 59.8, which is actually the worse grade of his career. PFF isn’t always the holy grail of grading systems, but it helps with the evaluation. 

• 63.6% completion rate when targeted, which is 44th best.

• Doesn’t have adequate closing speed to catch up if he gets burned.

Bradberry has the skill set, length and talent to be a number one corner, but he hasn’t played his way into top five corner pay. He doesn’t deserve the $14m salary that he’s rumored to be wanting. If Carolina can get him to accept a $9m-$10m salary, (which I think is the sweet spot for a player of his caliber) they should re-sign him. If not, the Panthers should probably let him walk.

If he walks, the Panthers could net between a third and fourth round compensatory pick in 2021, depending on his salary, playing time and other variables in the formula. A third round compensatory pick would be good draft capital to move up and take the quarterback of the future. That is, unless the team decides to keep Cam Newton. 

These are just moves that I feel will help the franchise moving forward. Paying Bradberry what he wants could prove to be detrimental to the building of a winner. It makes little sense to pay him that much money when the team has so many holes. To be honest, he’s not worth $14m. He’s still capable of being a starter in this league, but it can’t be for more than around $10m per year.

Thanks for taking the time to read this series and be on the lookout for part three. Part three will look at a few free agents that the Panthers could look at to bring them back to relevance in 2020. Also be on the lookout for our pre-Combine 4 Man Mock Drafts. #KeepPounding

The 4 Man Fix Part 1: How to Make the Panthers Great Again

Prime Cuts with Norris

This has been a rough offseason for Carolina Panthers’ fans, filled with ups and downs. They’ve had to endure tons of speculation about the future of Cam Newton in Carolina, since week two. The hiring of Coach Matt Rhule made things a little better, after a five win season. There has been a lot of talk about a complete rebuild and that it might take a couple of years to become a contender.

Panthers’ fans then had some huge news, as word broke that they intended to sign Joe Brady for their open offensive coordinator spot. Brady had just helped LSU win the National Championship, as their passing coordinator. The happiness was short lived, as later that day Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from the NFL. This news catapulted Panther Nation into a state of depression.

Less than a month later, Greg Olsen and the Panthers announced that they had mutually parted ways. Fans are still having to hear about Cam being the answer for every team in the NFL except the Panthers. So yes, it’s definitely been a tough start to the offseason.

So that raises the question, what happens now? It’s hard to tell exactly what the team will do this offseason, but there are a lot of things that the team could do to become relevant again this year. We are going to start this five part series with some players who should be salary cap casualties.

Salary Cap Dumps

The Panthers currently have around $32 million in salary cap space. That’s not a lot when compared to the holes on the team. There are a few players that could be cut in order to gain more cap space.

Dontari Poe

Poe has a club option in his contract that the Panthers are unlikely to pick up. Poe’s cap hit is $13,145,834 with a dead cap of $3,333,334. Declining his option would add $9,812,500 to the salary cap. Yes, that would make another hole on the roster, but at this point Poe hasn’t played up to his salary. That $9.8 million could go a long way in free agency. In the past, teams could decline a player option and get a compensatory pick the following year, but the NFL changed that rule. It’s unclear if Poe’s contract was grandfathered in, as the rule was changed after Poe signed with Carolina.

If Carolina did get a compensatory pick for Poe, it could net as high as a fourth rounder, depending on his next salary, playing time and other things included in the formula. Also, there have been some questions about whether the team can decline an option on an injured player. The answer is yes, they can decline an option without paying an injury settlement. Although, certain circumstances can warrant a $1.2m injury settlement. (Thank you Nick Korte of Over The Cap for this information)

Jarius Wright

Mr. Third Down underperformed this year, although some of that could be contributed to lackluster quarterback play. Like Poe, Wright has a club option that the team will likely decline. With the team being in a rebuild, they need all the money that they can get. Wright’s cap hit is $3,666,668 with a dead cap of $666,668. The Panthers will gain $3,000,000 in cap space with declining Wright’s option. This is an easy decision.

Mike Davis

Davis was claimed off waivers in 2019, but did nothing to impress fans. Granted, he didn’t get any opportunities to do so. If Carolina cuts Davis, they would get $3,000,000 in cap space with no dead money. The Panthers need all of the help they can get.

If the team makes these three cuts, they will gain $15,812,500 in extra cap space. That will take the total to approximately $48,020,165 in salary cap space for the 2020 offseason. Keep in mind, the salary cap total hasn’t been established yet, but the number will be between $196.8m-$201.2m. The total used in this article is $199m, which is the estimate by Spotrac.

Side note: Carolina currently has $27.3m in dead cap space, and they’ll add more with the declined options of Poe and Wright. However, all of the current dead cap will fall off next year.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which will go into detail about players who deserve to be re-signed, and one who doesn’t. Also, with the combine coming up in less than two weeks, keep checking our college prospect visit list for more updates. We are just getting started. #KeepPounding