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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Carolina Panthers "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (2-43) Everette Brown, DE (Florida State): The Panthers got excellent value in nabbing the pass-rushing phenom, who was projected as a first-round pick. While Brown may not have ideal height for a defensive end, he offers outstanding leg drive and quickness off the edge. The former Seminole employs a vast array of spin moves to beat his man. He will have a year to be groomed before Carolina will ask him to be Julius Peppers’ replacement. Despite his shortcomings, this was an excellent value selection at this point in the draft.
(2-59) Sherrod Martin, CB (Troy): Martin is a corner/safety tweener who has deep speed and nice backpedaling skills in coverage, but tends to bite on play action. In addition, he is tight in the hips, which makes him susceptible to double moves. Carolina likes his toughness as a blitzer. The biggest question mark surrounding this man of Troy is—why the move to corner? Was it because he had the skills to play corner or because he wasn’t physical enough to play safety? Martin will provide good depth, but it’s unclear whether he will be an impact starter.
(3-93) Corey Irvin, DT (Georgia): Irvin doesn’t quite have the bulk you look for in a defensive tackle prospect nor does he have real explosion or burst. That isn’t to say he can’t get into the backfield and wreak havoc because he definitely has the ability to penetrate. His frame is such that he should be able to add the necessary bulk over time. He’s a hard worker and a very mature player so his untapped potential will not be so for very long. The Panthers got very good value with a player who is on the rise.
(4-111) Mike Goodson, RB (Texas A&M): Goodson is a solid prospect with upside, although there were a few other running backs who might have been better. Still, Goodson is an outstanding athlete with an explosive burst, fluid moves, and is a great pass-catcher out of the backfield. But he’s not a short yard guy, not much of a blocker, and isn’t considered very tough. So the question is—where does he fit in Carolina’s scheme? Perhaps as a potential replacement for DeAngelo Williams should the Panthers decide not to extend their starting back when free agency rolls around. (Pick From San Francisco)
 (4-128) Tony Fiammetta, FB (Syracuse): Absolutely the top fullback in the draft who is not only adept at playing lead blocker, but can also rush and catch the ball effectively. The Panthers already have a great running attack and Fiammetta makes it even better. Somewhere Williams and Jonathan Stewart are smiling.
(5-163) Duke Robinson, G (Oklahoma): Arguably the top guard in the draft, Robinson is a nasty, tough player who is a dominating run blocker. He can be a tad inconsistent and his work ethic has been questioned, but this was a great addition to the blocking unit for the run game. This was a situation where a great value—best player on the board—also fit the team’s philosophy. Why not make a strength even stronger!
(7-216) Captain Munnerlyn, CB (South Carolina): Aside from possessing one of the better names in the draft, Munnerlyn is a solid athlete who has good speed and quickness as well as good ball skills. He’ll also contribute on run defense. With problematic technique, instincts, and awareness there are reasons why he was still available in the seventh round. More than likely, he’s a guy who will stick around because of what he can add to the return game and he has the potential to see increased playing time down the road.
Team Needs: DE, DT, WR, QB, CB, OG, TE
Needs Filled: Four of seven.
Bible’s Take: While they failed to find an option to go across from Steve Smith—or a pass catching tight end—and the depth behind Jake Delhomme is shaky at best, the Panthers did a decent job of filling other holes. Losing next year’s top pick was risky, but perhaps worth the roll of the dice. The team is already a playoff-caliber squad and they did a fine job of shoring it up overall. But the two biggest question marks in terms of depth still remain, and that might be the Achilles heel they need to deal with sooner rather than later. They had one of the better day twos of any team.
Grade: B-
Photo Credit: College Press Box (Florida St., Syracuse)
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