Update: Panthers Keep Gross; Improve O-Line Through Free Agency or Draft?

[2BIG2BSKINNY]

I would pass on Gross due to $$$$$$ not skill!
I would trade down in first round and get Mack the center as I watched NFL replay of the Skins -vs- Cowgirls and Rahbach sucks... just out matched! Skills have declined very rapidly. Then with extra pick and third round pick get DE and OLB
youth and at a low price... maybe get Jason taylor moving around from DE to OLB!!!! Worked in Mia years ago. and in Free agency get a lower price Offensive tackle for added depth. But what do I know!

[Redskin Warrior]

The objective is to get younger I thought

[Ruhskins]

From ESPN Rumors (you need insider access):

A Gross extension could yield a Peppers franchise
Jordan Gross | Panthers
Another reason for the Carolina Panthers furious effort to sign offensive tackle Jordan Gross to a new contract this week has been revealed by NFL.com's Adam Schefter: with Gross locked into a new contract, the team can use the franchise tag on Julius Peppers, thus ensuring themselves of getting some compensation back in a trade.

And...

Tag, you're it, Karlos
Karlos Dansby | Cardinals
Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports that the Arizona Cardinals are expected to use their franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby, and the announcement might come as early as Wednesday.

Well, three possible big free agents are going to be most likely off the market. So don't waste your breath talking about them.

[firstdown]

What I don't get is everyone saying forget FA and lets use the draft to obtain our players. I'm not talking about JG but about FA in general. Our problem in the past is not that we went after FA its how we got them. We traded away to many picks, paid too much, extended contract before we needed , etc... If the front office can just use more common sense when picking up FA is a great way to make us better right away. Then keep our picks for depth and to aquire younger players that will become starters in a year or two.

[REDSKIN1]

Lets not spill all the marbles on one player. We need multiple players here. I think we should go after a RT who is use to playing RT. (Carey) would be my first choice. I think that RT and Center should be the main focus on the Line.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by firstdown

What I don't get is everyone saying forget FA and lets use the draft to obtain our players. I'm not talking about JG but about FA in general. Our problem in the past is not that we went after FA its how we got them. We traded away to many picks, paid too much, extended contract before we needed , etc... If the front office can just use more common sense when picking up FA is a great way to make us better right away. Then keep our picks for depth and to aquire younger players that will become starters in a year or two.

I agree. If the front offense uses common sense this is the way to go. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of both pools of talent, just do it responsibly.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

I agree. If the front offense uses common sense this is the way to go. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of both pools of talent, just do it responsibly.

Unfortunately, people keep getting stuck in the past (man, I sound like McGwire) and refuse to acknowledge that...

- The Redskins toned down in free agency and trading picks last offseason, and only did it out of necessity.
- Last season, the team did what the fans have been asking a lot, "build through the draft"
- Went they went after a FA last year (Hackett), the team negotiated carefully and in the end decided not to go after him because of the cost.

Once again, if you keep thinking that the team is going to do the Lloyd/Archuleta/Deion Sanders/Bruce Smith/Name-your-Redskins-FO-disaster well then you need to calm down, stop being so paranoid, and wait until the team actually does something (Gross/Haynesworth/Peppers/etc., etc. are speculations by fans and a few sports pundits, not facts or solid team plans)

[Eknox]

Build thru the Draft, I wouldn't want to add a bargain price o-lineman either , If we are going to sign one(through Free agency) , then sign one that will definatley make an impact right away

[gully]

Gross would look lovely in Burgundy, but there's no way the skins should break the bank open for him. I'm still thinking that the skins should trade down as much as possible. I'd like to think that we could trade down once or twice, even out of the first round. The big folks the redskins need to draft (the four OTs and DT Raji) will be probably be gone by 13.

I see a few mocks where Oher is still around by this pick though.

[LandrySlice]

we are not getting Gross, lets stick to the draft for our needs!!!

[SBXVII]

Here ya go.

NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive Panthers give Gross six-year deal «

[Hamoskinz]

With Gross tied up, does that mean Vernon Carey's value has just gone up as one of the top tackles in FA?

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Hamoskinz

With Gross tied up, does that mean Vernon Carey's value has just gone up as one of the top tackles in FA?

Well it appears he's not going to be tagged, so I would say yes. I wonder if he's worth going after.

Dolphins decline to use tag on any of the team's free agents -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

[SmootSmack]

Shoot, I've been wanting Vernon Carey for a while now. He'd be a great addition.

I'm going to change the thread title here and shift the focus of the conversation

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Shoot, I've been wanting Vernon Carey for a while now. He'd be a great addition.

I'm going to change the thread title here and shift the focus of the conversation

I think Carey would be a great option. Scouts, Inc says that he can play at either tackle position effectively. I don't see why we wouldn't be able to get him and a young o-lineman in the draft. However, getting Carey may allow us to get the o-lineman later in the draft, and use our first rounder on a LB or a DL.

Here's Scouts report on Carey...

2008 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 75 | Key
Alert: None

Comment: Carey is a four-year player who has great size and power along with good athleticism. He has played both offensive tackle positions and is effective at either side. He doesn't have great foot quickness and lateral agility, but can be light on his feet for a man of his stature. He has solid initial quickness off the line of scrimmage and when pass setting. He can redirect and adjust to stunts, twists and counters, but will overextend at times. He keeps his feet and plays with decent bend and body position to stay connected and finish his block. Carey is an aware player who reacts well to changing fronts and blitz packages. He can slam and chip effectively to the second level and hit a moving target. He isn't explosive initially off the line of scrimmage, but he has great pop and power to jolt defenders. He plays with heavy hands to gain leverage, once engaged and can torque small defenders on power zone-running plays. He can anchor well versus powerful bull rushers. He has improved his footwork and is tough to penetrate, once he establishes himself at the line of scrimmage. Carey has been a mainstay on the Dolphins' offensive line and with his outstanding durability and efficient play, he should continue to be an excellent lineman for years to come.