Round 1: #13 Overall - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon Pick Analysis: Stewart will pair with DeAngelo Williams in Carolina's backfield. He's recovering from toe surgery, but the Panthers felt comfortable enough about the injury to take him with the 13th pick. Stewart started 25 contests with 516 carries for 2,891 yards and 27 touchdowns. He's got great quickness and strength. For more: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/jonathan-stewart?id=949 Round 1: #19 Overall - Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh Pick Analysis: The Panthers move up to select Otah, who started 24 games the last two years at Pittsburgh. The idea is to have Otah open up holes for Carolina's earlier first-round pick, Jonathan Stewart. Otah's strength and toughness were major selling points for Carolina. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/jeff-otah?id=292 Round 3: #67 Overall - Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa Pick Analysis: The Panthers get good value with Godfrey in the third round. He's a little thick in the upper body which makes it harder to have the quick reaction necessary at corner, but he could fit well as a cover-two corner or safety in the NFL. He's an excellent tackler, but can get beaten in pass coverage. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/charles-godfrey?id=1292 Round 3: #74 Overall - Dan Connors, ILB, Penn State Pick Analysis: Connor has been compared to Dan Morgan and is a great value at this spot in the draft. He needs to work on his pass coverage and at his size could struggle to play on all the downs and distances. He had over 400 tackles in college, can call the defense and play strong-side or middle linebacker. One of the smartest players in the draft and had excellent production in college. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/dan-connor?id=212 Round 5: #141 Overall - Gary Barnidge, TE, Louisville Pick Analysis: Barnidge had excellent college production - 108 receptions, 17 TDs and almost 14 yards per catch. He gets in and out of breaks well and has the ability to change direction. He caught passes from Brian Brohm at Louisville and it's a little surprising he fell this far. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/gary-barnidge?id=1060 Round 6: #181 Overall - Nick Hayden, DT, Wisconsin Pick Analysis: The Panthers came into the draft wanting to address their defensive line. They didn't do it until taking Hayden in the sixth round. Hayden comes with experience, having started for four years at Wisconsin. His greatest strength is his strength; he had 34 reps on the bench at the combine. Known as a run stuffer, he will need to improve on his consistency and technique. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/nick-hayden?id=1336 Round 7: #221 Overall - Hilee Taylor, DE-OLB, North Carolina Pick Analysis: A defensive end who projects to an outside linebacker in the pros. A three-year starter at North Carolina who will likely start out on special teams. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/hilee-taylor?id=4403 Round 7: #241 Overall (compensatory Selection) - Geoff Schwartz, OL, Oregon Pick Analysis: Schwartz probably projects as more of a guard than a tackle. He has good strength but lacks speed and quickness. For a Panthers line thin on depth, he will be provided ample opportunity for growth. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/geoff-schwartz?id=842 Round 7: #250 Overall (compensatory Selection) - Mackenzy Bernadeau, OG, Bentley Pick Analysis: Bernadeau worked out at Boston College's Pro Day and got a great deal of exposure there. He had a decent workout and projects to be a guard. He might be valuable on kickoff and punt return coverage. For More: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/mackenzy-bernadeau?id=4215
I think we had a great draft for the second year in a row. It sucks we lost next years first rounder, but at the same time, i'm happy we snagged Otah and Stewart. If Fox and Hurney want to stay for another season, we have to get into the playoffs and win a few. This season is do or die for them. Dan Connors was also a steal midway through the third round. I hope he turns out to be alot like Dan Morgan... without the injuries.
I think Dan Conner is going to be the big stunner in the 2008 Draft Clbutt. He was rated as the top inside line backer in this years class so I have high hopes for him. Just curious if He or Beason will start at MLB.
stewart, godfrey and connor are awesome picks. be prepared to be disappointed in otah though, hes a fat slob that will get pushed around because he has no understanding of leverage and poor footwork...his pass blocking is borderlined terrible and will probably never be able to handle the lateral movement involved with playing on the left. Stewart is the unquestioned best back in this years class though and will be have a great career...at least otah has the potential to be a mauling run blocker
I'm hoping Gross will hold the Left Tackle spot myself. I think the idea with Otah will be the run game. I have heard pretty much the same thing about his foot work. hopefully they will get that worked out in training camp. He better work out though considering what he cost us. LOL
i would have been furious if the steelers drafted him and our line sucks lol. just wasnt first round good to me.
