Personally I think our #14 pick should be a big receiver. My preference is Clemson’s “Nuke” Hopkins. With the team we have assembled, there is a gaping hole in our offense at the receiver position opposite Steve Smith. Hopkins would be able to fill that need. I like Hopkins because I believe he is very close to being ready right now for the NFL.

Oct 6, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Hopkins had 82 receptions for over 1400 yards this past college season. Not only that, he averaged 17 yards per catch and he also snagged 18 touch down passes. Sure, like all rookies he needs some refinement, but under the tutelage of Steve Smith I believe Hopkins could complete this offensive unit. Cam needs another weapon on this offense and Nuke could be the guy. I know there are all sorts of needs on this team but I am speaking of the first round pick only here.

Steve Smith does not have too much longer with this team. He needs to begin grooming someone to take his place and I believe Hopkins is the guy. I think he (Hopkins) and LaFell will be the future of the Panthers receiving core and I think that combination is a good pairing for our “franchise”, Cam Newton.

This draft will go a long way in determining the future of the Panthers organization and several others. The pressure is on and it is going to be a pepto-bismol kind of night. Lots of excitement, hope, and surely some disappointment will be going on tonight in the Big Apple.

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis (23) defends a pass against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant during the second half at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis, a 3rd round pick by Pittsburgh in 2009, signed a 5 year deal reportedly worth $26.3 million dollars. The deal is guaranteed to pay Lewis $10.5 million. This move will improve the Saints secondary. It has also been reported that Nnamdi Asomugha plans on visiting the Saints after making a trip to the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49′ers. If Asomugha does sign with the Saints it will give Rob Ryan 2 premiere cover corners. That would allow for Ryan to utilize his corners and free up the rest of his defense to bring pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. The Saints defense would improve dramatically if Asomugha is signed, but even with the addition of Keenan Lewis the secondary will be better.

It’s tough to sit here and watch all this activity in free agency taking place within our division and see the Panthers not involved. But that is the shape Marty Hurney left the franchise in when he was relieved of his duties. The highlight of the offseason for Carolina will surely be the draft. That is where we will be able to make the biggest impact on this roster. April 25, 2013 seems so far away.

August 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) looks to pass the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Panthers have managed to resign back up quarterback Derek Anderson. This is a good move given the lack of proven quarterbacks (starters or back ups) available in free agency. Anderson has been with the Panthers for both of Cam Newton’s seasons and I think the Panthers feel very comfortable with Anderson as Cam’s back up. Yes, the skill set Anderson possesses differs greatly from that of Cam but Anderson has experience as a successful starting quarterback. Not only that Anderson does possess a strong arm and is not afraid to get the ball down field (where as Clausen is less that willing to make those throws). It was thought Anderson would make the trip to Cleveland to reunite with new Browns coach Rob Chudzinski. Anderson would most certainly be the favorite to win the starting quarterback job in Cleveland had he decided to make the trip. But instead he decided to stay in Carolina, well at least for one more year. The dollar amount of the deal was not immediately k own but it was revealed to only be a one year deal.

In what I hope will be a positive move, the Panthers signed journeyman Drayton Florence.  Florence has been a pro for 10 seasons and he immediately becomes the Panthers most seasoned cornerback.  It is likely that he will step in as a starter right away and he will mentor the Panthers young group of corners. Florence has played for several teams around the league. Most recently with the Detroit Lions where he played in 8 games before breaking his arm in a loss to the Niners. Florence has also spent time with the Chargers and Bills. His best season came in 2010 while in Buffalo. That season he amassed 58 tackles and had 3 interceptions one of which he returned for a score.

Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions cornerback Drayton Florence against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

At the 2003 NFL combine Drayton Florence posted some decent numbers, 4.39 forty time, 35 inch vertical, and 18 reps on the bench press, but these numbers were posted 10 years ago. I know the team is hoping Florence can stay healthy. If he is able to, we can expect a good year out of Florence, he is a sound tackler and a better than average cover corner.

The salary cap situation has seriously limited the Panthers. The fans can’t expect much from the team this season as far as acquiring talent via free agency. It is tough when we see other teams adding talent. Especially teams like Tampa Bay who loaded up on free agents last offseason and again this offseason the Bucs are getting better. Panther fans are gonna have to be patient and look to the future to see a free agent influx of talent.

GOD BLESS!

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