Posted on Wed, Apr. 30, 2008

TEAM GETS `PHYSICAL' WITH PICKS

Draft helps Panthers
fill most needs

Team likely to seek veteran help at defensive tackle

CHARLES CHANDLER

cchandler@charlotteobserver.com

Rick Havner, AP Photo

Carolina Panthers' second pick in the first round (19th overall) Jeff Otah meets with the media at a news conference at Bank of America Stadium Sunday. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

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And then there was defensive tackle.

That's the only glaring need the Carolina Panthers have after this weekend's NFL draft.

In a draft that team officials hope will help propel the Panthers back into playoff contention, Carolina appears to have strengthened itself significantly at offensive tackle, running back, tight end and free safety. It also boosted an already strong linebacker corps.

"I like the looks of it on paper," coach John Fox said of the post-draft roster. "But the reality is until you start playing, you don't know."

Fox said the Panthers achieved their goal of getting bigger and more physical overall, plus faster in the skill positions.

"We feel good that we had a philosophy and a plan and we believe we've stuck to it," said general manager Marty Hurney.

After picking Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart and Pittsburgh tackle Jeff Otah during the first round Saturday -- giving up a 2009 first-round selection and more to get Otah -- Carolina had two picks during the first half of Sunday's third round.

With the 67th overall pick, it chose Iowa defensive back Charles Godfrey, a hard-hitting, speedy (4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash) cornerback who the Panthers plan to convert to free safety.

He figures to start immediately.

With the 74th selection, they picked Penn State All-America linebacker Dan Connor. It wasn't a position of need, but Carolina officials decided they couldn't pass up a player they'd expected to be a late first- or early second-round pick.

Carolina didn't have a fourth-round choice because it was part of the trade to get Otah with the 19th pick, but used its fifth-rounder on Louisville tight end Gary Barnidge.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. hailed the pick and compared Barnidge to former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek.

Panthers college scouting director Don Gregory said Barnidge excels as a pass receiver and can be a weapon on offense.

The only defensive tackle Carolina got in the draft was Iowa's Nick Hayden during the sixth round. He lacks speed and quickness, but has outstanding strength and is known for his run-stopping ability.

"He's a blue-collar, hard worker, country boy, just a banger inside," Gregory said.

The Panthers might sign a veteran defensive tackle or two from the free-agent market in the weeks ahead. There's no shortage of candidates available, including at least three they've already visited with -- Darwin Walker, Ian Scott and Rod Coleman.

Carolina used its three seventh-round picks Sunday on North Carolina defensive end Hilee Taylor, Oregon tackle Geoff Schwartz and Bentley guard Mackenzy Bernadeau.

Schwartz (6-7, 335) blocked for Stewart in college. He became the fifth offensive linemen the Panthers have acquired this offseason, either in free agency or the draft, weighing 325 pounds or more.

Clearly, Carolina intends to try to bulldoze defenses with a huge line and power running attack, balanced out by the passing of quarterback Jake Delhomme.

Stewart (5-10, 235) and Otah (6-6, 339) should be instant starters and have the potential to help transform a Panthers offense that ranked 29th in the NFL in total yards gained last season.

On Sunday, Godfrey and Connor were the headliners.

Gregory said Godfrey should help give the Panthers the deep speed they've needed in the back of their defensive secondary.

Hurney said Connor was the same kind of high-value pick that center Ryan Kalil was last year. Though the Panthers didn't need a center then, they took Kalil during the second round after expecting him to go elsewhere during the first round.

Fox, Hurney and Gregory will get their first look at the their new-look team Friday when the Panthers begin a three-day minicamp.

Panthers' 2nd-day picks