Which Direction Now?

The Panthers made one hell of a pick at number nine. During our live chat yesterday evening, there was mixed emotions about Luke Kuechly, Inside Linebacker for Boston College.  Kuechly is a two-time All-American, versatile, ball hawking, hole plugging force of a defensive player. Before the draft I predicted Kuechly to go to the Panthers in the first round as insurance to an injury prone, but talented linebacking corps. Also of course because of Kuechly’s sheer ability. Just before the Draft I was talking to a Boston College and New England Patriots fan who said, “If Kuechly is there and the Panthers get him I’d say 12-4 season easy… I’ve never seen a linebacker with better instincts than Kuechly, and you can build a defense around him and Beason.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. (Thanks, Jeremy.) With Kuechly in the mix it allows for an exciting rotation at linebacker. We received a few tweets yesterday about the Panthers possibly moving to a 3-4 with Beason and Kuechly in the middle. Not sure if that’s very possible, but it could be an interesting formation to sprinkle in nonetheless. But now, which direction? Offense or Defense? DT or CB? Here are some names you would love to be tied with the Panthers in tonight’s second round. I have prioritized the prospects below:

1. Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
This guy right here is a beast. Rated the number 3 overall Outside Linebacker in the Draft I see a hidden gem. Though maybe not at OLB on all downs, I see a special teams monster. I see a strong safety that could man up and shut down almost every tight end in the league. And of course, I see a forceful outside linebacker that could too join in on the rotation. The 6’1″ 233 lb. senior ran a 4.6 40 at the combine and was on listed on my pre-draft prediction post as the most underrated prospect. Panther Nation, get excited with me if you hear Lavonte David is a Panther tonight.

2. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
While he has a higher ceiling than Lavonte David, I’m not sold on prioritizing offense with this pick. Yet I’m still listing him as my second favorite candidate. Unfortunately there is a great chance Stephen Hill is off the board in the first few picks of the second round. Hill shined in an offense that his primary duty was to block. He will develop over the next few years to become an elite playmaker.

3. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
I haven’t seen much film of this guy, but based on his measurable’s he is a steal at any point in the second round. People forget the Panthers are returning a veteran named Ron Edwards to bolster the middle this coming season, so Worthy, to me, would be icing on the cake. This pick, or any Defensive Tackle taken would allow our freakish linebackers to run wild.

4. Alshon Jeffry, WR, South Carolina
He’s a local guy. Panther fans are really gravitating towards him. He is going to be a solid NFL player, but there is a wide-range of just how solid that will be. He’s big and could almost just play the Jeremy Shockey (receiving) role this coming season. There is a good chance he is available when it’s the Panthers’ turn to pick. Since the Panthers cut ties with Naanee they could get very excited about taking Jeffry.

5. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
There are some questions with his character. Not sure if Jerry Richardson will approve this pick. Nor do I believe Hurney will. However, from a talent perspective, this sure does fill a void for the secondary. The guy is fast and can flat out play football. For those of you who do not know, Janoris began his career as a Florida Gator where he had an active role on defense. So he’s covered the likes of A.J. Green and Alshon Jeffry.

6. Devon Still, DT, Penn State
I remember months ago this guy was a possible first round prospect and has steadily fallen to the second round. That being said, he is still great second round value for any team hunting for beef. Still is a safe, and very realistic pick.

7. Cordy Glenn, OT / OG, Georgia
Not that I think we need an o-lineman here. I had to include one just because it is possible Rivera and Hurney like this guys versatility and size. He has 35.75 inch arms. He would add depth and possibly start right away. Every year an o-lineman goes down, and with the Panthers run attack, they cannot afford to have a swiss cheese line mid-way through the season.

There are other names I could throw on the list such as Courtney Upshaw and Coby Fleener, both great talents, but I just can’t list the whole NCAA on here so I figured I’d leave it at my favorite seven. Who do you want the Panthers to select in the second round?

Geoff Hamrick

Graphic Designer Wilmington, NC All-time Panther: Steve Smith Panther Memory: Panthers upsetting the Rams in double overtime to make it to the NCF Championship in 2003

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