Carolina Panthers: Inside The War Room

And with the #1 Overall Pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

You are the GM...Make the pick


CONSENSUS PICK:  Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Best Arguments:

mprofetta said...
Ditto. Gabbert cemented it with his Pro day performance. The leaked "Carolina likes Newton" rumors are an obvious attempt to drum up trade interest for this pick.

Big Joe said...
Marcell Dareus. The Panthers should really give Clausen one more year rather than reach for a qb

Anonymous said...
Cam Newton. He will do more than sit on the bench for a year. He wont start a single game (but I said that about Clausen too...) but they are looking for the Tebow effect, a team catalyst who will unite the team from the troubles that they had together (Clausen vs. Steve Smith) and will sell tickets and jerseys because of his presence. Also, like Tebow, could be used in special packages and help the goal line troubles that the panthers had last season. And he is a pick for the future. He has potential, and if matched with the correct offence, could be a Vick style player, although we found out that Vick wasnt invincible at the end of the season. He would be the perfect pick for the bills, as Chan Gailey loves mobile QBs, he wont make it to the 3rd overall pick.

Anonymous said...
Marcell Dareus. Ron Rivera wants to build his defense into champions. Put Dareus at defensive tackle in front of Beason and let the linebacker run wild. The only quarterback worth taking #1 overall was Andrew Luck.

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In addition, at the bottom right of the blog will be the NFL Draft Top 5 Rankings by position.


Also, I will be posting an NFL Team War Room each day starting with the Carolina Panthers, and ending with the Green Bay Packers. Post your comments at the bottom suggesting who you think that particular team should draft.

The New Mock Draft Is In!

THE MOCK DRAFT HAS BEEN UPDATED

There is a multitude of changes following the results of the combine.

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Stay Tuned for Up to the Minute Draft Coverage

Trades and Free Agency Could Continue Despite Impending Lockout

With yet another snag in the current CBA negotiations and an NFL lockout on the horizon, much attention has been focused on the NFL Draft as the only refuge and source of action this off-season. The impending lockout has put more emphasis and pressure on GM’s to recruit talent and to draft more based on need because of free agency being put on hold for the significant future. This has been most taxing on the multiple teams that need to address the quarterback position, and as a result, has drawn significant attention to an otherwise weak quarterback class.

Well, have no fear, because it appears that there is still a glimmer of hope that free agency and the trade market may just be permitted after all. According to Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, citing sources close to the labor negotiations, it appears that trades and free agency could be allowed as early as late April, despite having no new collective bargaining agreement. If the NFL Players Association “Decertifies”, which is almost certain at this point, and the owners institute a lockout, the Players Association will seek an injunction that would allow the 2011 off-season to continue on as scheduled, with both free agency and trading being permitted. This injunction would be brought to Judge David S. Doty, who has weighed heavily toward pro-labor during his tenure. The NFL owners would almost certainly appeal the decision, but the appeal process could take some time, and free agency and trading might still be permitted while the process takes its course.

This could completely shake up the NFL Draft, as it would now allow teams to address their needs on the peripheral, and not solely through the draft. Much discussed players such as Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb, and possible free agents such as D’Angelo Williams and Mark Bulger could fill several voids throughout the league, completely altering the landscape of teams’ draftboards, and subsequently, a multitude of mock drafts. More importantly, this would open up opportunities for prospects to fall to other teams that may have otherwise been drafted already. The next month or so should be very exciting to follow, so be sure to stay tuned to realtalkfantasysports.blogspot.com for the latest news, and updates as your source for the 2011 NFL Draft.

-Augie Tieri

Source: Sports Illustrated/Peter King

Jets Projected Picks Rounds 1-7

After making the AFC Championship game in each of the last two seasons, it’s time for the New York Jets to take the next step and reach the Super Bowl. Gang Green is in position to win now, but in order to remain championship contenders for many years to come general manager Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan must continue to have success in restocking the roster through the draft. After acquiring cornerback Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers last year, the Jets don’t have a second-round pick this April, so they aren’t likely to trade up in the first round. The following is a 1-7 round mock draft of projected Jets selections.

Round 1: Justin Houston, outside linebacker, Georgia

The Jets haven’t had a dominant pass-rusher in their defense since John Abraham left after the 2005 season. In order to be a complete defense, Gang Green will at the very least need a consistent pass-rushing threat who could give the team 10-15 sacks a season. At 6-3, 270 pounds Houston appears to be that type of player.

In 2010 Houston racked up 10 sacks and 18 tackles in the backfield while playing outside linebacker and defensive end in Georgia’s system. He also recorded an interception.

Ryan loves versatile talents, and Houston has shown he can be effective in a three-point stance at defensive end or standing up as a linebacker. The Georgia Bulldog product has also shown he has the athleticism to drop into coverage and disrupt the opposing quarterback’s passing lanes.

Houston turned out to be a pleasant surprise in many ways for the scouts at the NFL Combine a couple weeks ago. Originally thought of as an undersized defensive end, he weighed in at a solid 270 pounds, and wowed scouts with his big hands (10 ⅞ inches), long arms (34 ½ inches), and wide wingspan (81⅝). Additionally, he displayed an impressive array of skills by posting a 36 ½ inch vertical jump, a 10-5 broad jump, and a 4.68 second 40-yard dash.

Last season the Jets got only a combined 17 sacks from the trio of Calvin Pace, Jason Taylor, and Bryan Thomas. With the release of Taylor last week, it would be wise of Tannenbaum and Ryan to fill that hole with a young talent such as Houston.

Justin Houston highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR0L2RVId90

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The Return Of Tiki Barber

In an attempt to remain relevant following his failed attempt at a television career, it appears that Tiki Barber has announced that he wishes to return to the National Football League. At age 35, and in a year that has the potential to be filled with plenty of free agent running backs such as D'Angelo Williams, Joseph Addai, Ronnie Brown, and possibly even Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, it seems rather unusual that Tiki Barber would announce his return to football. To his credit, nearly 5 full years removed from football has more than likely kept his legs fresh, and his early retirement spared him the relentless punishment that most running backs endure, but it is hard to believe that after 5 years off from football he will be able to jump right back in and play at a high level. Perhaps the New England Patriots are seeking yet another past their prime running back to add to their collection, and hey, there's always the Raiders, but chances are, Tiki's only real shot at playing football this year would be if he re-united with his old buddy Jim Fassel and played for the Las Vegas Locos in the UFL.

I can't wait to hear your opinions...Post your comments below!

Giants Projected Picks Rounds 1-7

GIANTS Projected Draft Picks

Round 1: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

HT: 6' 7"  WT: 311lbs

There is no question that the Giants need to address their aging offensive line. Castonzo is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft, but still possesses the strength, footwork, and aggressiveness to be an effective run blocker. He is a smart player and should be able to step in right away and make an impact. 

Round 2: Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

HT: 6' 2"  WT: 241lbs

The Giants have had quite a bit of luck when drafting players out of North Carolina. (Lawrence Taylor, Hakeem Nicks) Carter tore his ACL toward the end of the college season, but before he did, he was one of five finalists for the Butkus Award. Carter started virtually every game in his college career, and has an interception for a TD in each of the last two seasons. He is aggressive, explosive, and versatile. He can cover, stuff the run, rush the quarterback, and even block kicks. (6 blocked punts and 1 blocked field goal) If he hadn't torn his ACL, he very likely would have been a top 20 pick. Carter could end up being a huge steal, and will fill a major void at the OLB position that the Giants have failed to effectively address for several years.