Carolina Panthers Den -> An Early Look: 2007 Offseason

An Early Look: 2007 Offseason

Posted by Catalyst , 13 July 2006 - 01:21 PM

Okay, so the 2006 preseason hasn't even started yet, but it's never too early to scope out your teams weaknesses, right?

Well... maybe.

Anyway, this entry will serve as a look ahead to a very possible chain of events, even if it all comes from the ideal corner of my own twisted, black & blue mind. So, here goes... time to take a long hard look into the ole' crystal ball.

Flash forward >> February 4th, 2007, 11:24 pm EST. John Fox walks to the podium, black and blue confetti swirling around him. He shakes the hand of Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, and moves to the podium where he is greeted by the sight of the Lombardi trophy.

The Panthers have just defeated the Indianapolis Colts (or New England Patriots, or Denver Broncos, or...) 21-17 in Super Bowl XLI, and for the first time in franchise history are the world champions of pro football.

Now what?

Start planning for the offseason, of course! The truth is, as good as the Panthers were coming into the 2006 season, with the right offseason moves, they could be even better heading into 2007. The team has roughly $4.3 million worth of cap space to spend in free agency, but with a few restructures, double that figure. Unlike the past few offseasons, though, free agency isn't a big part of the Panthers plans in 2007.

Rather than spending big money to bring in new players, Fox, and General Manager Marty Hurney have decided it's time to lock-up some of their key young stars long-term. A few weeks prior to the 2006 season, Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith signed a 6-year contract extension, making him one of the top-5 highest paid receivers in football. Now, the attention shifts to the team's first three 1st round draft choices under Fox - defensive end Julius Peppers, tackle Jordan Gross, and cornerback Chris Gamble, who were all three selected to the Pro Bowl in 2006.

By early-March, the team reaches an agreement with Peppers on an extension. Ironically, the monster deal actually frees up cap space for the Panthers for the 2007 & 2008 seasons. Next in line is Gross, who signs his new 6-year $28 million deal just days before April's draft. Gamble still has two years remaining on his deal, so the decision is made to hold off on re-signing him until the next offseason.

Finally, after months of scouting, and rumors, and all the other pre-draft nonsense, the 2007 NFL Draft officially gets underway. The Panthers top (and arguably only need given the development of linebacker James Anderson) is safety. This year, the Panthers have three safeties graded as 1st round talents - LSU's LaRon Landry, Miami's Brandon Meriweather, and Texas' Michael Griffin.

Landry is quickly off the board, going to Houston with the 6th overall pick. Meriweather is then taken 17th overall by the Chargers, leaving Griffin as the lone 1st round safety on the board. Looking over the next few picks, Fox & Hurney realize there is just one team who is a threat to take Griffin before the Panthers can at pick #32 - the Giants at pick 28. Hurney quickly makes a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs for the 27th overall pick, in exchange for the Panthers 1st and 3rd round picks. Moments later, the Panthers make Michael Griffin the 27th overall pick in the draft.

With no real positions of need, the Panthers make a surprising move in the 2nd round, selecting the best player available according to their board - Rutgers fullback Brian Leonard, who could be the best fullback to come out of college in the last decade, and who could also be used at tight end in certain situations. With no 3rd round pick, the Panthers watch as various players they like come off the board, and finish day one with several players they like still available.

In the 4th round, the Panthers move up once again, trading their 4th & 6th round picks to move up five spots and select Nebraska tight end Matt Herian - pegged by many experts as a 3rd round talent. Herian is an average blocker, but could become a weapon in the passing game.

In the 5th round, the Panthers take Alabama tackle Kyle Tatum to add depth along the offensive line, and finish out the day by selecting Louisville linebacker Nate Harris in the 7th round, again, for depth. After the draft, the Panthers sign several undrafted rookies, including UCLA kicker Justin Medlock.

Yeah... something like that :beer:

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