Who moved to the head of the NFL class during the draft? Find out with FanHouse's team-by-team 2009 Draft Grades.John Fox and Marty Hurney have always done a good job selecting first-round talent. Since Fox took over the coaching reins in 2002, they've picked Julius Peppers, Jordan Gross, Chris Gamble, Thomas Davis, DeAngelo Williams, Jon Beason, Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah. So, yeah, not too shabby. This year, the Panthers didn't have a first-round pick, but somehow managed to stumble into first-round talent anyway, landing Everette Brown with the 43rd-overall pick in the draft.
Brown's stock slipped primarily because people believe that he's nothing more than just a pass-rusher. Brown recently claimed that, in his time at Florida State, he developed into an every-down player and that his run-stopping ability puts him as a first-round talent. That's where most mock drafts had him slotted until the final week leading up to the actual event in Radio City, and it's pretty clearly where the Panthers believe he fits as well.
Draft Picks
2.11 (43) - Brown, DE, FSU
2.27 (59) - Sharrod Martin, CB Troy
3.29 (93) - Corey Irvin, DT, Georgia
4.11 (111) - Mike Goodson, RB, Texas A&M
4.28 (128) - Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
7.7 (216) - Captain Munnerlyn, CB, South Carolina
Of course, the Cats had to give up a first-round pick in 2010 in order to land Brown, so it's pretty important that they believe he's first-round talent. He won't actually replace Peppers, but he is a good start in the right direction for a team that needs defensive line depth.
Grade: B+ Because you don't have to count next year's picks in this year's grade. Also, Martin is another Troy guy who draftniks see as a potential star -- given the Panthers need for secondary help, he was a nice pick late in the second round, considering he wouldn't have made it back to 93. Goodson, Robinson and Irvin all provide depth at key positions and Munnerlyn has the best name in the NFL right now, making for a good haul by the Panthers.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-14-2009 @ 8:38AM
Bobby Douglas said...
what's happening with Keith Gray who wasn't drafted out of Uconn as center but should have been? Has he made any progress? His IQ is not a problem, on a learning scale probably has few equals in this years draft for centers. Please contact return. I would very much like to hear your thoughts on this fine player. Hope You don't slip on him and let him excel on another team. Coach Fox, your one of the smartest coaches in the game. Don't slip on this player.
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