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.
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
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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.
