Leonard Fournette Will Visit Panthers Next Week.

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The Panthers will meet with top running back prospect Leonard Fournette out of LSU next week. 

Things started stirring on Wednesday when neither head coach Ron Rivera or Dave Gettleman showed up at LSU's pro day. It seems now that's because they knew they would be bringing him to Charlotte to meet. Running backs coach Jim Skipper and offensive coordinator Mike Shula both made the trip to Louisiana for the pro day.

Fournette made another impression when he weighed in at 228 pounds, down from 250 at the combine and back to his college playing weight. When asked about the weight at the combine, Fournette said it was "water weight" and he would be losing it. Fournette commented on this to Charlotte Observer's Jourdan Rodrigue later.

“I think some (teams) wanted to see if I could get down to that size. I think it was a plus for me. ... I might be 250 playing, so I just wanted to show them that I can do what I need to do to get my business in order.” 

It seems the closer the draft gets, the chances of Fournette being around at eight are getting slimmer to many. Carolina has stated all off season that they want to be able to run Cam less to help preserve him for the long haul. Jonathan Stewart's recent one-year extension was more of a cap space move than anything else and Fournette could be a bruising replacement when Stewart is gone. But then again.

Then with all of this you have the Christian McCaffrey rumors at an all-time high and he could be a big help in "evolving" the offense and be a key weapon to Cam Newton as well. Buckle up Panthers fans, the next few weeks are going to be interesting.

Written By Tripp Morgan

Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates surrounding the Carolina Panthers.

Article photo by Jesse Fraetis.

 


 

Combine Watch: Running Backs Numbers

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Day one of the combine got underway this morning. Running backs have been a heavy favorite for the Panthers at pick eight. Here's a quick combine overview of potential running backs for the Panthers with the eighth overall pick.

LEONARD FOURNETTE, LSU

HEIGHT-6'1", WEIGHT- 240 LBS

People were quick to criticize and become skeptical when Fournette put up a measly 28.5" vertical to start the days drills after showing up weighing 240lbs. Critics were later impressed after he put up a 4.51 forty yard dash number at 240 pounds. His forty time was only .02 slower than both Cook (210lbs) and McCaffrey (202lbs) and is also the fastest for a running back weighing 240 or more since 2003. Fournette said Thursday that five pounds of that was "water weight." Fournette will catch some slack for the vertical and not participating in the broad jump. He will reportedly do his bench press at the LSU Pro Day. 

40 YARD DASH- 4.51 seconds (T-10th)

VERTICAL JUMP- 28.5" (T-18th)

BROAD- DNP

BENCH PRESS- Opted to do at his Pro Day. 

 

DALVIN COOK, FLA ST.

HEIGHT- 5' 10", WEIGHT- 210 LBS

Dalvin Cook had a solid outing while participating in all the events. He showed off his strength in the bench press. Much like Fournette, his vertical wasn't real impressive. Last years running backs averaged a 34.5" vertical.

40 YARD DASH- 4.49 seconds (T-8th)

VERTICAL JUMP- 30.5" (T-14th)

BROAD JUMP- 116" (T-11th)

BENCH PRESS- 22 Reps (T-3rd)

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, STANFORD

HEIGHT- 5'11", WEIGHT- 202LBS

McCaffrey jumped through the roof with a second best vertical jump on the day at 37.5", but showed his lack of strength with a low 10 rep bench press. McCaffrey made his money showing his footwork through the running drills later, showcasing his quick feet.

40 YARD DASH- 4.48 (T-7th)

VERTICAL JUMP- 37.5" (T-2nd)

BROAD JUMP- 121" (T-6th)

BENCH PRESS- 10 (2nd Worst)

 

Panthers fans hoping for a running back at pick eight should be pleased with the majority of all this. Each player has a number you would like to see better, but they all have the most important thing, good film.

McCaffrey is still a stretch for the Panthers at eight. I personally don't think Cook will be selected by the Panthers at eight due to his off field history. You would like to see Fournette participate in the broad jump, particularly after the low vertical. But again they all have good tape. Stay tuned for other position group results.

Follow @TrippMorgan6 and Cat_Chronicles for the latest news and updates on the Carolina Panthers.

Article photo by Jesse Fraetis.

#C3 Round 3 Draft Grades: Trai Turner, G

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As usual, the 2014 draft reminded us that it never goes down the way it was forecasted. So how did the Panthers do? Check C3’s s rundown of Carolina’s 3rd Rd selection, Trai Turner.  The crew tells you if we got a blue goose or just got stuck with some Gray Goose, mmm makes me thirsty.

Trai turner

Crew Critique
“Mel Mayock” aka @PanthersDrafter-  We said we wanted cornerback Pierre Desir in the 3rd Round, but instead we got great value in guard Trai  Turner.  Carolina still almost nabbed Desir in the next round, missing him
by one pick (Thanks Cleveland).  Maybe this is where Gettleman could have  gotten aggressive and traded up a like he did in the 5th for Bene Benwikere.  But I’ll side with Gettleman that Trai Turner was the right pick here.  This Hog-Mollie will clear running lanes and bring nastiness to our O-line that is much needed.  Considering we were on our 5th string RG by the end of the season, Turner’s presence should be very noticeable and will change our offense.  He had 115 knockdowns in his short LSU career which is amazing.  Turner isn't just a road grader either. He gets to the second level very well and is a surprisingly good athlete for a man of his size.  Though I would have preferred Desir, I love this pick.
Grade: A-
“1st and Ken” aka @Ken_Dye Turner is one of the top-three or four guards in this year’s draft class, depending on whom you ask. He’s a very tough, physical interior lineman who is great at run-blocking and actually has very good pass-blocking ability for an underclassman guard as well. LSU runs an offense similar to that of the Panthers--lots of pounding running up the middle (with RB Jeremy Hill) and a vertical passing attack (with WRs Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry). The upside is that Turner will be entering a very similar system at the NFL level and is a player that could easily be the team’s starting right guard on Opening Day. In 2012 and 2013, the Panthers had lots of injuries on the inside. I think Amini Silatolu should probably be the starting LG, again barring injury, with Turner on the right side. Last year’s 4th-round pick, Edmund Kugbila, was also injured and will probably be a back-up to start the season but with good ability. With this pick, the Panthers added physicality to the interior line and depth as a second consideration. I really like the type of player Turner is, but if the Panthers wanted a road-grader guard, they could have had Stanford’s David Yankey in the fourth round, who was graded right beside Turner by most going in. With that in mind, I’d love to have seen us take a Bruce Ellington in the third, then Yankey in the fourth, but Turner in the third round is a very good player and fit for the Carolina Panthers.

Grade: B
“The Professor”- “What’s up, I’m a BEAST!”  I don’t know Turner or his personal situation, but his entrance to the NFL draft after only 2 years of college eligibility makes me believe this guy knows he’s a BEAST.  Turner had 115 knockdowns last season on a team that had two of college football’s best, in Beckham, Jr and Landry, but some how was still a running team.  Turner may just be the surest Panther draft pick in 2014.  This young stud should provide miles and miles of production for the Panthers as they try to revitalize their ground game.


Grade: A
“Freakin Puerto Rican”- The pick at #92 could have gone many different ways. Offensive tackle, defensive back, or receiver. The Panthers surprised everyone and took guard Trai Turner out of LSU. Dave Gettleman said he loves to draft big guys, and Turner is a big guy. 6’3” 310 lbs and he plays with an attitude (I don't mean he has a pleasant disposition either). I was surprised with this pick because the Panthers have  drafted two guards who are still on the roster, Edmond Kugbila (drafted last season) and guard Amini Silatulo.  Both are coming off of injuries. Silatulo was a starter in 2012, while Kugbila has shown good promise. Turner will come in and compete for a starting job right away.


Grade: A
Willie P (aka Chocolate Wonderland) -It's no secret Carolina wants to run the ball. Improving at the guard position is a sure way of accomplishing it.  Turner will add youth, depth, and attitude to the Panthers offensive line.


Grade: A
So what do you think PantherNation?  Tell us your grade on the Turner pick and be sure to watch out for our grades on picks 4-6.