Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

With the 2010 NFL Draft two months away, mock drafts are plentiful. In fact, there are already 122 mock drafts published, and we are still two months away from the NFL Draft. If you took a minute to scan through a few of those drafts you probably noticed that there are as many as six or seven players mentioned that might go to your favorite team come April. Obviously, only one (or maybe none) will end up being on the team you root for, but part of what makes the 2010 NFL Draft so interesting is the different possibilities that can change your team. 

In this article, we take a look at the Carolina Panthers, one of three teams without a first round selection, but one that is in need of some help when it comes to their passing game, so let’s get to it.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are one of the teams in the NFL that dumbfounded people in 2009. After losing in the NFC Championship Game in 2008 (and finishing 12-4 with an 8-0 record at home), they followed things up with a mediocre 8-8 performance that led to starting, but incumbent, QB Jake Delhomme being benched.

Now, with their sights set on the NFL Draft in less than two months, they are in desperate need of another offensive weapon. QB Matt Moore filled in admirably in four starts for Delhomme, leading the Panthers to a 3-1 record and throwing for eight touchdowns against zero interceptions, but it is a bit up in the air as to whether he is the Panthers’ QB of the future. Meanwhile, it is obvious that another wide receiver opposite Steve Smith will be necessary in any QB’s development. Very few NFL receivers can flourish without having a capable WR opposite of them.

With all that said, we now look forward to the fantasy prospects in 2010 with the Carolina Panthers’ first pick (pick 47) in the NFL Draft.

Damian Williams, WR, USC: Williams is not an amazing athlete, but he has good size at 6’1” and is very solid leaper. He excels in his route running which may be exactly what the Panthers need…Someone who can fill in immediately rather than a project. The biggest question about Williams, is if he will be available come pick 47, with a lot of that based on his combine and Pro Workout days.

Can Williams have any impact fantasy-wise for the Carolina Panthers in 2010?

Fortunately, if he comes to Carolina, he will be plugged in immediately as their #2 receiver. Rookie WRs tend to be up-and-down in their rookie seasons, but Williams’ ability makes Smith a more credible wide out on the other side. Hopefully, Damian doesn’t fall into the mold of other USC receivers to have come out in the past 5-6 years (disregarding Steve Smith [NYG]) and actually contributes at the NFL level .

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech: With news coming out that he broke his left foot a week ago, he could be a perfect buy-low candidate for the Carolina Panthers. An expected late 1st- early 2nd round talent, his value will definitely drop due to the injury. Thomas is a wide receiver that some would consider a “freak athlete” at 6’3”, 230 pounds and a sub-4.4 40-yard dash.

Can Thomas drop far enough for the Panthers to have a shot at nabbing him, and what does he do for Smith and running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart?

While he is obviously not in the same mold as 5’9, 185 pound Steve Smith; they do relatively the same things. They are both vertical threats that can play physically to get the ball in their hands. Thomas isn’t exactly a project, but other than attracting some safety help, he may not do much for Smith’s value in 2010. RBs Williams and Stewart will definitely benefit from any WR that is drafted this year, although Thomas is apparently a weak blocker and will need to work on that to be useful for the Panthers run game.

Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois: Many scouts believe Benn is one of the bigger projects that can pay some of the biggest dividends at WR in the 2010 Draft. He is a strong, physical receiver at 6’2”, 220 pounds, but he is young and somewhat inexperienced.

What does Benn do for the Panthers’ fantasy prospects in 2010?

He may fill the biggest need out of the three wide receivers listed here. He displays the most physicality and is willing to go over the middle to make plays. A receiver that can go over the middle will allow Steve Smith the greatest chances of facing single coverage down the field. Not only does Smith benefit, but also Benn is strong enough to fend off blockers in the run game. While it’s unknown if he will excel at it, he puts in the effort to free up running room for his running backs.

Things can change being this far away from the NFL Draft, but one thing is for certain - The Panthers need a WR to play opposite of Steve Smith. Other than Smith, the Panthers WRs combined had TWO receiving touchdowns in 2009.

While Dez Bryant is guaranteed to be gone by that pick, it is unknown where the other wide outs will fall. Golden Tate is an option (and a good one), but will most likely not be available. It would not surprise us if all three of these players are available to the Panthers at pick 47, or all gone. Stay tuned.

NFC 2010 NFL Draft Coverage:  STL  |  CAR  |  SEA  |  GB |  WAS

AFC 2010 NFL Draft Coverage:  BUF  |  JAC  |  BAL

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