With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.This mock draft couldn't have gone much worse for team looking to fill a gaping hole at tackle. Ryan Clady and Chris Williams are gone. Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah is available, but he's more effective on the right side, where Jordan Gross would like to stay. Plus, Otah has something of reputation for bad work habits, and the Carolina Panthers really don't need another player like that.
There are two other options here: Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey and Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall, neither of whom would be a reach at this pick. The Panthers, however, don't really need a starting running back. A capable backup will suffice, and there will be plenty of those in the third round -- Rutgers' Ray Rice and East Carolina's Chris Johnson, just to name two.
So Harvey's the man, because while the offensive line needs help, so does Carolina's pass rush.
Consider that Carolina finished last season with a dismal 23 sacks -- 31st in the league. Julius Peppers disappeared in 2007 and is in the final year of his contract. Mike Rucker has yet to be resigned and could retire. Tyler Brayton hasn't had a sack since 2005. 2nd-year man Charles Johnson has potential but is still raw, and 3rd-year man Stanley McClover was more bark than bite last season.
Few can forget how much Harvey and Jarvis Moss harassed Troy Smith in that national championship game two seasons ago. Harvey could boost the Panthers' pass rush instantly. In fact, he could find himself battling with Johnson and Brayton for a starting job from the start.
The Panthers could still trade up to get Clady in the actual draft, as they have the Jets' 3rd-round pick from the Kris Jenkins trade. They could also keep this pick and use their 2nd-rounder and the Jets' 3rd-rounder to sneak back into the 1st for someone like Gosder Cherilus of Boston College, although he's also more of a right tackle who would force Gross to move left. Their 3rd-round pick could then go toward adding depth at either running back or defensive tackle.
What do you think, Panthers fans? Would getting Harvey, Cherilus and Ray Rice in the first three rounds be a good day for you?
The Skinny
Team Needs: OT, DE, DT, FS, RB
Player Selected: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Also Considered: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh; Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois.
Previous Pick: No. 12 Chris Williams, Broncos.
Next Pick: No. 14 Da Bears!
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. personally i have the O-Line as a greater need than D Line, but taking a DE first definitely plays to the depth OT in this draft. i also agree about mendenhall, there are too many good RBs to be had in the 2nd and 3rd rounds to get start struck by he or Stewart in the 1st.
Posted at 10:49AM on Apr 8th 2008 by Ryan
2. Not a bad pick, but I don't see the other OT prospects being off the board this early. With so many talented DL prospects available, I think this draft will probably be top heavy with DL picks and leave us to choose between one of the top OTs or a RB (possibly a Safety? ;)) at no. 13. I like the idea of trading a few lower picks to get another 1st rounder. THAT would make for a dramatic draft for Panthers fans!
Posted at 2:11PM on Apr 8th 2008 by Harrison
3. I don't see the other OTs off the board this early, either, but I'm playing the hand I'm dealt here. We don't have the option of trading up or down in this mock draft.
Also, if given the choice between Otah and Harvey, the Panthers might take Otah. I just liked Harvey a little better here.
Posted at 2:14PM on Apr 8th 2008 by Dave
4. I prefer a OT pick for the 13, because I don't want to see Jake on his back. Fox does like his defense and it would not be a surprise to see a DE pick even though we have four on the roster.
Posted at 9:55PM on Apr 8th 2008 by tony
5. well i would love clady, but yeah he is going to be taken before us=(. if hes not take him=). bbbut wait the panthers got three left tackles in free agentcy, i am not sure the names but there better than average and between three of them fox could figure something out. ok so yess derrick harvey hes the man for the 13th pick overall,, you bet your biscuits bc fox wouldnt have wasted that money on those o-line men. then second round i would like to see a hard hitting safety brought in, to complement harris. AAnd i know everyone wants another runningback,,,, well fox got labrandon toefield in free agentcy, i watched tape on him hes good. he was the backup for taylor and jones-drew in jax.. thats why he was never a starter....panthers if healthy go 9-7=)
Posted at 4:25PM on Apr 12th 2008 by raymund
6. I think OT is a more pressing need. Going with a DE isn't a bad idea either. I just think we need to have a great o-line this year, especially when Fox wants to get back to his running ways. Besides, it's about time Johnson and McGlover step up and take a higher role. DE wouldn't be a bad idea if we use a rotation method like the New York Giants did last season. Experiment a little, ya know.
Posted at 8:30AM on Apr 16th 2008 by Michael