VERY EARLY -- PANTHERS DRAFT PICK ORDER BY OVERALL NUMBER

Thought I would post this because every year there is someone (not necessarily here) who stimulates the confusion when it comes to where (EXACTLY..) a team will pick in each round. It's important to remember that a team doesn't necessarily pick at the same position slot in each round. Picks get traded, or lost to other events from earlier in the year (or previous years..). Sometimes a team is penalized and loses a pick or two by way of a NFL league sanction. So, just because a team picks at #8 doesn't necessarily mean they will be at #40 in the 2nd round. Even if they haven't traded a pick, it's possible for a team to end up at a numerical overall draft slot different from where you might expect.

One of the most frequent disruptions in overall draft position is because of "compensatory" picks. The "rules" as forth in the CBA, allow the league to offer "compensatory" picks to those teams who lose a lot of players in free agency. It is a complex and VERY secret formula which AFAIK has never been published. The rules allow up to 32 total compensatory picks to be divided among all of the teams, with no team receiving more than four. HOWEVER -- There is another type of compensatory pick that is granted to a team which has lost a minority coach or staff member to another team. The coach must have moved "UP" to a HC slot with another team (OR a GM slot). The team that lost the coach or exec. would then be given a 3rd round compensatory pick in two consecutive years. If by some chance a team lost BOTH a coach and an executive to other teams (HC or GM position..) then the losing team would get THREE 3rd round comp picks, one in each of three consecutive years.

SO... If you're not completely confused ... Here's the draft order for the Panthers for all 7 rounds (With the understanding that this will all change when all of the compensatory picks are announced.)  (These projections are courtesy of CSR..!!!)

Round 1:  #8

Round 2:  #57

Round 3:  #74

Round 4:  #110  &  #113

Round 5:  #141  &  #147  &  #164

Round 6:  NONE

Round 7:  #229

As it stands right now, the first three rounds are solid. Our two picks in round 4 WILL get pushed back some by the compensatory picks awarded at the end of round 3. Rounds 5, 6, and 7 WILL get pushed back even further because of compensatory picks awarded at the ends of rounds 4,5, and 6.

So, with these numbers in mind, it's possible to research the Big Boards and make relevant choices based on where we are supposed to pick as measured against players expected draft grade or value.  Frinstance (yes I know that's not a word..), You probably wouldn't mock a player to us in the third at #74 if that player has a value around #40. Nor should you mock a player (normally) at #74 if that player was valued around #125.

Okay -- That's all I have....  MOCK ON..!!

For a 5-12 team selections in rounds 1-3 most be spot on bonafide starters and high
Contributors.

With 5 selections in rounds 4 and 5 these guys must be solid choices, starters, contributors or just on the cusp. They cannot be misses… not if or…. they can’t be misses. Earn your money Dan and scouting team (Dave/Ejiro also as they have to fit the system).

Yep, we don't need any "Projects" this draft, especially in the first three rounds. There are always, ALWAYS, guys that you can plug-and-play them right away in the early rounds, and solid guys in the later rounds if the Scouting Staff have done their jobs.

Yep, we don't need any "Projects" this draft, especially in the first three rounds.  There are always, ALWAYS, guys that you can plug-and-play them right away in the early rounds, and solid guys in the later rounds if the Scouting Staff have done their jobs.

YES... There are always players available who can be "plug and play" options. The real question(s) are mostly about choices. Do you pick a "plug and play" option in rounds 4-5 at a position where you have little demonstrated need.? OR... Do you try to find a player that will suit a purpose.?
Obviously, the "trendy" thing to say is "draft the best available". But we all know that goes out the window if you have a demonstrated "need" in a specific ares.

I think it was First who asked the salient question... if we would draft a QB in any round this year. It's a good honest question. I don't think there is any chance at all in rounds 1-3, and probably not in round 4. But, after that, it could happen. I would not be averse to drafting a QB with potential, or upside, maybe in round 5....maybe.?? I am not saying a "project". I AM saying we need a reliable backup and potential (possible) starter before too long. As much as I like Andy Dalton, he will not be here for too much longer.