2013 NFL Offseason: Carolina Panthers
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents
Carolina Panthers (Last Year: 7-9)
2013 NFL Draft Grade: C+
Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.
Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: Adding some help around Cam Newton would be nice, but the Panthers have to repair one of the worst defensive units in football. If they want to pass the Falcons and Saints, they'll need to at least slow down Matt Ryan and Drew Brees just a bit.
2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Panthers had just five picks in the 2013 NFL Draft, but they seemed to be off to a very good start during the first two days. They lucked into having Star Lotulelei and Sharrif Floyd fall right into their laps, thanks to the inept teams drafting in front of them. They opted for the former and then went back to the same position in the second round with Kawann Short. I had no issue with this, given how terrible the defensive tackle group was for Carolina last year.
The problem I have with the Panthers' draft class was their failure to address their woeful secondary. Sure, they'll have much more of a push up front, but Drew Brees and Matt Ryan will still be able to torch their putrid defensive backfield.
I understand that Carolina had limited options because of its five selections, but not spending one pick on the secondary was pretty inexcusable.
2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
14. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: A Grade
I think Sharrif Floyd would have been a better pick because A) he's a superior pass-rusher and B) he doesn't have any sort of health concerns. But this is still a great pick for the Panthers because they needed tons of help on the interior of their defensive line. Star Lotulelei would have gone in the top 10 if smarter teams were drafting there, so Carolina is reaping the benefits, much like other smarter teams will in the second half of the draft.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
44. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: B+ Grade
Back-to-back defensive tackles for the Panthers? Well, it makes sense considering how terrible they were at the position. Short's range was around 28-45, so there is pretty solid value with this selection. The only concern I have here is that the Panthers don't pick again until Round 4, and they have yet to address their woeful secondary.
108. Edmund Kugbila, G, Valdosta State: C Grade
This is a reach, as Edmund Kugbila was widely viewed as a sixth- or a seventh-round prospect. The Panthers needed some competition at the guard position, so maybe Kugbila can eventually claim a starting job.
148. A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa State: B Grade
I thought A.J. Klein would be a fourth-rounder, so this is a nice value selection. Klein won't project as a starter, but he'll provide depth for a Carolina team that wasn't very deep at linebacker.
182. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon: B Grade
DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both immensely overpaid, so one of them will have to go soon. Once that happens, Kenjon Barner will be a nice change-of-pace back. No surprise that he went around the sixth frame.
*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
|
Mike, you're an idiot
05-02-2013
12:28 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.226
(total posts: 1)
 3
 3
Walter said below the overall grade that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals. You need glasses.
ivanofftheterrible
05-01-2013
04:13 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx7.77
(total posts: 1)
7
3
I agree with Mike, your math is off. In addition, to accurately grade each draft pick you would have to weight the round each player was chosen in. Factoring in these parameters, I'd say what Walter meant to give us is a B+.
But who gives a shivasana? We're going to have the number 1 defense in the motherflippin' leeeeague!! It was written. Send it.
Charles
04-29-2013
08:15 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.197
(total posts: 1)
5
3
The panthers didn't reach in the 1st,2nd,5th or 6th, clearly taking the best player available on their board. Why do you think they changed their entire philosophy in just the 4th round by picking Kugbila? If they had picked a DB that wasn't a 4th round value, now that would be a reach.
Billy
04-29-2013
09:46 am
xxx.xxx.xxx0.33
(total posts: 3)
3
3
Love the site and always enjoy debating with friends about the grades, choices, etc made here. I just need to ask for clarification on this:
For the Panthers goals you have listed "If they want to pass the Falcons and Saints, they'll need to at least slow down Matt Ryan and Drew Brees just a bit." Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short are both guys that will create havoc up the middle and get Johnson and Hardy more pressure, faster on the QB. This will disrupt the pass games of those QB's in the end, so technically they met that goal in my mind. Any chance of clarification (if you see this particular post on an individual teams page) Thanks!
Smellgood
04-29-2013
09:37 am
xxx.xxx.xxx7.10
(total posts: 1)
9
3
Adding another middling CB with 4th, 5th or 6th round pick would have done less to help this team.
Of course panthers need a new top flight cb and wr but neither were there after 1st round pick so why waste picks pretending they were?
Jay
04-29-2013
06:32 am
xxx.xxx.xxx5.64
(total posts: 1)
5
3
The Panthers secondary is the same group almost to the man that they fielded last season after Gamble went on I.R.
They actually were ranked best in the NFL in yards per pass completion given up.
Mike
04-29-2013
04:53 am
xxx.xxx.xxx84.2
(total posts: 1)
64
4
Anyone care to explain how an A, B+, C, B, and B average out to a C+?
That literally makes zero sense.
Hello Cruel World
04-29-2013
03:52 am
xxx.xxx.xxx7.41
(total posts: 1)
6
3
However, you can make the argument that the Panthers weren't going to fix their poor secondary with late-round picks. A rookie drafted in the the fifth or sixth round of the draft likely isn't going to be starting on opening day and if he does, then the team is probably in trouble.
c'mon man
04-28-2013
11:06 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.251
(total posts: 5)
29
3
"but the Panthers have to repair one of the worst defensive units in football"
13th vs the pass 14th vs the run despite journey men/bust dt's 18th in points allowed is one of the worst units in football? wow They signed undfa Robert Lester, not good enough huh? Bet if he was drafted you'd have gave them a better grade.
Gerry
04-28-2013
09:34 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.151
(total posts: 2)
6
3
About the grade (C+)--Star should have gone in the top 10 and Short should have gone around 35. Moving up for those picks would have cost the Panthers a second and a third rounder. Being patient and waiting should count for something.
By the way, the third rounder they lost was for Frank Alexander, a key and effective part of the DE rotation last year. The last two picks were also great values because they free the Panthers, eventually, to get rid of huge contracts. Beason is getting paid as the best MLB in the league and he cannnot even beat out the MLB on his own team. WHne smart to do so, he will be cut. DWIll is gone June 1. That savings will pay for the rookie contracts. Gettlemen is smart. He is not drafting in rounds 4-6 for 2013. How many of those rookies start anyway?
Gerry
04-28-2013
09:26 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.151
(total posts: 2)
27
2
The Panthers did address their secondary when they improved their interior pass rush. Thomas and Norman are very young CBs and they are developing. Free agent Florence was insurance and provides a veteran presence. They signed Morris and re-signed Munnerlyn, a solid nickel. At S, they liked Godfrey after switching him to FS and they signed Mitchell. They also liked Campgell's development.
Yes, they could get better there, but they had 5 picks. After signing or re-signing a total of 4 DBs, I think they decided to look elsewhere. The Panthers signed two of the top 5 DTs in this draft. That is awesome. The G pick is suspect because he is an unknown. They must like him a lot, having worked him out and interviewed him extensively. I am a fan and completely understand this draft. You cannot fix Marty Hurney's mess ($16 million over the cap and only 5 draft picks) in one season. Helluva a draft.
Mike
04-28-2013
09:14 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx12.8
(total posts: 1)
7
3
With the sheer amount of power we have on the front 7, our secondary will not struggle as much as people believe. When teams can't run the ball (which they won't be able to since Star, Short and our amazing LBs will see to it that they don't) and they are forced to pass it... it gives Hardy, Johnson, Short and underrated Star (in terms of pass rush) the chance the pin their ears back and just rush the passer with unrelenting force. The secondary not only gets a heads up that it'll be a pass... but they won't have to worry about holding their coverage for long since ANY QB in the NFL will have no more than 1.5 seconds to throw it. From what I've learned... a fantastic defensive line makes the secondary quite formidable. Being that our pass defense was already 10th (or 11th... not ENTIRELY sure) in the NFL (even WITHOUT GAMBLE), I don't think we missed out. Godfrey will take Nakamura's job and Mitchell will move into the void that Godfrey left.
Llama
04-28-2013
06:31 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.219
(total posts: 1)
12
2
Gotta be higher than a C+. As much as the Panthers need someone in the back end, the combo of Star and Short is just too good for this draft to be lower than a B.
Ken
04-28-2013
05:19 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.53
(total posts: 1)
8
3
The Panthers secondary won't be as bad as you think it will be. Why?
1) Gettleman believes there are good players on the roster, he also made some decent FA pick ups. Clearly there are no stars and it'll be done by committee. 2) Based on the scheme the Panthers are running, having a big time secondary isn't a main focus. They are playing a hard press style and help with safety over the top. Very little blitzing from the CB & S spots. To make this effective you need a stout D-Line to get pressure and your secondary to jam receivers and adjust their routes. 3)Run defense was the main problem on defense. Star will go a long way to rectifying that and free up Kuechly from always having to play run hard.
Danny
04-28-2013
01:26 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.106
(total posts: 1)
5
3
It's about time they addressed the DT spot. They had the worst pair of starters in the league by far. Maybe now they'll have a functioning defense. The pass-rushers and linebackers are good. Secondary is a big question mark, but it's more important to fix the front 7 first.
|
Season Summary:
The Panthers finished 7-9, but they were way better than that. They nearly defeated the Falcons in Atlanta, fell just short of the Buccaneers in overtime and played the Seahawks, Cowboys, Bears and galvanized Chiefs (post-Jovan Belcher death) to within a touchdown. Given that, as well as Cam Newton's budding confidence that he gained during his 5-1 finish down the stretch, Carolina fans have lots to look forward to in 2013.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Cornerbacks: Carolina needed to find an upgrade across from Chris Gamble. Gamble was cut, so two corners are needed. Re-signed Captain Munnerlyn; signed Drayton Florence and D.J. Moore
- Two Defensive Tackles: The Panthers really have nothing at defensive tackle, especially with Dwan Edwards about to hit free agency. They need two upgrades at the position, and they could start with Sheldon Richardson with the 14th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Signed Colin Cole; re-signed Dwan Edwards
- Free Safety: Hiro Nakamura could stop time. Haruki Nakamura can't stop anyone. He has to be upgraded. There will be plenty of options in Round 2 this April. Signed Michael Mitchell
- Right Tackle: Cam Newton needs better protection up front. Right tackle Byron Bell replaced Jeff Otah and was exposed as a liability. He needs to be upgraded. Also, a potential successor for left tackle Jordan Gross needs to be found soon. Gross will be 33 in July.
- Right Guard: Another upgrade for the offensive line. Geoff Hangartner is versatile to play all three positions inside, but he's not that good.
- Wide Receiver: The Panthers could use a better No. 2 than Brandon LaFell, but their primary need for a receiver is for an eventual replacement for Steve Smith as the top option. Signed Ted Ginn
- Punter: Brad Nortman had the second-worst net punting average in 2012.
- Kicker: Graham Gano went 9-of-11 to replace the waived Justin Medlock, but he shouldn't be trusted.
- Linebacker: Some depth should be added here because Jon Beason and Thomas Davis cannot be counted on to stay healthy. Signed Chase Blackburn; re-signed Jordan Senn
2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:
-
Ted Ginn, KR, 49ers. Age: 28. 
Signed with Panthers
Ted Ginn didn't score a special-teams touchdown for the first time since 2008, but was still effective taking back punts.
-
Chase Blackburn, ILB, Giants. Age: 30.
Signed with Panthers (2 years)
Chase Blackburn was OK at times last year, but killed his team in some games. He needs to be upgraded.
- Domenik Hixon, WR, Giants. Age: 28.
-- Signed with Panthers
- D.J. Moore, CB, Bears. Age: 26. -- Signed with Panthers
- Michael Mitchell, S, Raiders. Age: 26. -- Re-signed with Panthers
- Drayton Florence, CB, Lions. Age: 32. -- Signed with Panthers (1 year)
Carolina Panthers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
-
Chris Gamble, CB, Panthers. Age: 30.
Chris Gamble played in only four games this past season because of a shoulder injury, but he's still a pretty solid cornerback. However, he's 30 so his best days are behind him.
-
Dwan Edwards, DT, Panthers. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Panthers
Dwan Edwards can do a decent job of getting to the quarterback on occasion, but he has to be limited to passing downs because he gets gashed against the run.
-
Ben Hartsock, TE, Panthers. Age: 33.
Re-signed with Panthers
Ben Hartsock offers nothing as a pass-catcher, but he's one of the better blocking tight ends in football.
-
Captain Munnerlyn, CB, Panthers. Age: 25.
Re-signed with Panthers
Captain Munnerlyn was benched early in the season, but eventually regained his starting job when Chris Gamble got hurt. He did an OK job.
- James Anderson, OLB, Panthers. Age: 29. -- Signed with Bears (1 year)
- Sherrod Martin, S, Panthers. Age: 28.
- Antwan Applewhite, DE/OLB, Panthers. Age: 27.
- Louis Murphy, WR, Panthers. Age: 26. -- Signed with Giants
- Gary Barnidge, TE, Panthers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Browns (3 years)
- Jason Phillips (RFA), OLB, Panthers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Eagles (2 years)
- Andre Neblett (RFA), DT, Panthers. Age: 25. -- Signed with Buccaneers
- Jordan Senn, OLB, Panthers. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Panthers
- Derek Anderson, QB, Panthers. Age: 30. -- Re-signed with Panthers (1 year)
- Mike Pollak, G/C, Panthers. Age: 28. -- Signed with Bengals
- Ron Edwards, DT, Panthers. Age: 34.
- Nate Ness (RFA), CB, Panthers. Age: 26.
2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
Leave a comment