Why the Panthers will Draft an Offensive Tackle in Round One

People that have been paying attention to David Gettleman and his ways have noticed one thing about him so far. He isn't shy about pulling in lower-end free agents.

There is quite a list of names there, including Ted Ginn, Jr., Drayton Florence, Quentin Mikell, Mike Mitchell and many others last year while pretty much anyone at WR with an NFL catch on the roster right now was signed just this this year.

Fans can "fan"tasize about the shiny newest model-of-the-week WR toy for Cam but after having signed what appears to be a "normal" haul of low-enders, Mr. Gettleman so far has neglected one area of great interest...and that is one of offensive tackle.

I'm not blaming him because the reasons are simple: There is a premium placed on pass rushers and even more of a premium on those who can stop most of them.

Have you noticed how, in recent years, the RB position has been devalued? The trend should continue in 2014's draft but instead of making a mistake in the top-five with a Trent Richardson (and a top-5 RB pick is an anomaly these days let alone to whiff on it), I would be very surprised to see any RBs taken in the first round at all.

The top-3 left tackles will be long gone by #28 overall. Even questionably-positioned tackle Zack Martin of the Fighting Irish should be gone. 

Backyard Ballers: Furman's Dakota Dozier

Hey gang. So far in our "Backyard Ballers" we've had two from S.C. and just Monday my fellow friends here at C-cubed did a great job interviewing Wake Forest WR Mike Campanaro.

Today I'm going to take a look at a guy who has a lot working against him - small school, unsexy position, and learning a new position in the NFL.

Dakota Dozier played left tackle at tiny Furman University - it's a small school in the upstate of South Carolina which has actually been a powerhouse over the years in their area of the pond.

Like many smaller-school tackles, Dozier is a guy who projects as a guard in the NFL. Remember, Amini Silatolu was the same way from Midwestern State and each season the NFL sees several college tackles coming in being drafted as interior linemen. 

Carolina Panthers’ Derek Anderson Vents about Prick Cop on Twitter

“I’m so salty” Derek Anderson said after being ticketed for what looks to be too dark of window tint.  It broke with this tweet by the Panthers backup quarterback:

Camp Coming To Charlotte According To PantherNation

Michael Campanaro is your overwhelming selection for Cam’s now weapon in Rd 4.  And I for one think it is the right call.  Camp, who was interviewed on this site Monday night, brings a unique combination of Wes Welker-like sneakiness and Antonio Brown –like completeness.  He’s not the biggest WR out there, but he does run a 4.44 40 and knows how to get open and very rarely will you see him drop a pass.  One eye-popping stat on this young man

Cat Chronicles: Interview with Michael Campanaro

Join "the Crew" Monday night as we interview former Wake Forest WR and "Backyard Baller" Michael Campanaro.  "Camp" is a big time talent that Cat Chronicles believes just could be a hidden gem in the 2014 draft.  He’s a fearless player that we think would fit perfectly with Carolina’s tough-nosed, gritty character under Ron Rivera. He will join us by phone during this week's show to talk about his combine performance, the draft, his NFL future, and you can bet we won't let him go without asking him about potentially catching passes from Cam Newton in 2014!  

Pick Another Toy For Cam in Round 4!

Don't Mock the Draft, Decide It RD 4!

So far, PantherNation has selected Mach 7 Brandin Cooks in Rd 1, Hog-Molly Jack Mewhort in Rd 2 and top-flight Corner Pierre Desire in Rd 3.  Now you have spoken again and overwhelmingly want another toy for Cam to play with on Sundays.  Taking a look at the current roster, Cooks provides the deep threat and home run capability, Cotchery and Avant provide the steady and experienced veterans that will teach the young guys how to be Professionals.  Now we need a guy that can grow with Cam that can be that go-to guy in terms of being able to convert on third down and can grow along with Cooks and Cam. 

This year’s WR Draft class is the deepest in recent memory.  Take a look at the below five quality candidates that we can nab in the 4th RD.  All would look good in Carolina Black & Blue.  So who’s it going to be?  It is highly doubtful that the Panthers take three Wide Receivers so make this vote count. 

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

1.      Michael Campanaro-  This “Backyard Baller” out of Wake Forest reminds this analyst a lot of Wes Welker.  Camp once caught 16 passes in a single game and would complement Cooks, Avant and Cotchery nicely as he brings a different dimension.  He has been worked out by the Panthers and is going to be interviewed live on this website on Monday April 14^th at 10:00 PM EST.  Tune in and learn more. For now, watch this and “Camp out with Campanaro:”

CAMP FEARLESS with Michael Campanaro Monday at 10 PM

Join "the Crew" Monday night as we interview former Wake Forest WR and "Backyard Baller" Michael Campanaro.  "Camp" is a big time talent that Cat Chronicles believes just could be a hidden gem in the 2014 draft.  He’s a fearless player that we think would fit perfectly with Carolina’s tough-nosed, gritty character under Ron Rivera. He will join us by phone during this week's show to talk about his combine performance, the draft, his NFL future, and you can bet we won't let him go without asking him about potentially catching passes from Cam Newton in 2014!  Be sure to join us for #CAMPFEARLESS, Monday 4/14 at 10 PM.  Leave a question in the comments section below for this Backyard Baller.