SB Nation Writers Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick #59

by Mocking Dan on Apr 17, 2009 3:07 PM EDT in SB Nation Writers Mock Draft Comment 11 comments

No. 59

Carolina Panthers
Pick by Cat Scratch Reader

Jarron Gilbert
Defensive tackle
San Jose State

After waiting longer than anyone in this mock draft, Jaxon from Cat Scratch Reader is up.

With the big QB Josh Freeman still on the board I’m sure my pick will not impress a certain very vocal section of my readers. Freeman leads the poll on my site seeking opinions on who to pick in this scenario. Yet I agree with John Fox; one bad, make that one terrible game by Jake Delhomme doesn’t negate all the big victories he has piloted for this franchise. I also think Delhomme represents the best chance for the Panthers to win in 2009 so I just cannot see spending our highest pick on a player who won’t see the field for at least one or two seasons. Also, though I love his size and athleticism, I’m not sold on Freeman being a can’t-miss prospect as his accuracy issues concern me.

Once I decided to pass on Freeman I moved to the defensive side of the ball, an easy call considering the Panther defense finished 18th in total defense and 20th against the run. With the release of CB Ken Lucas and the public promotion of Richard Marshall the Panthers are need of a nickel CB. The only problem is that the value CB’s at this pick like Alphonso Smith and Jarius Byrd slipped but didn’t slip far enough. I did briefly consider Macho Harris given I think he will be a great nickel corner I also think he might still be there in round 3. I then moved to the defensive line where I found DT’s Jarron Gilbert and Sen’Derrick Marks and DE Paul Kruger the highest rated remaining players.

When I started to compare Gilbert to Marks it quickly became no comparison at all. Gilbert has more upper and lower body strength, he’s taller and faster, more athletic and doesn’t carry the baggage Marks does. Kruger was a much tougher comparison as he has similar speed, athletic ability and game stats. Though I love Krugers’ reputation for hustle and knowledge of the game and the fact he served a two year Mormon mission, I in the end find Gilbert the more NFL-ready prospect.

Several things jumped out at me about Jarron Gilbert and no, I’m not referring to the You Tube video of him jumping out of a pool. First it was the fact he led the nation in tackles for loss with 20.5, indicating this kid has great burst off the line and can anticipate where the runner is going. I also love the 630 lb squat, the 37" vertical leap and the 28 reps on the bench. This guy is going to be hard to push around and keep out of the backfield. Top it off that at 288 lbs he also projects as a DE as well as a DT in a cover 2 system. That versatility will allow him to immediately work into the DL rotation regardless of the down. So whether Gilbert stays at his current weight and fills a role similar to former Panther Mike Rucker at DE or he puts on a little weight and becomes a penetrating force at DT I think Jarron Gilbert has what it takes to contribute to the Panthers defense immediately in 2009. Given the fact John Fox attended his Pro Day I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Panther blue if he is still there at No. 59.

MTD thoughts: If the Panthers did decide against Freeman should he be available, this is a great pick. Gilbert has the chance to be a top difference maker at the next level.

Mocking the Draft's Top Five Remaining Prospects - QB Josh Freeman, RB Shonn Greene, CB Victor Harris, RB Javon Ringer, WR Derrick Williams

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Comments

good choice

Not a Panthers fan but I basically agree 100% with the choice. Delhomme is a better-than-solid QB, and with only one pick in the first two rounds, this is not the year to worry about picking and grooming an eventual successor—at least not with an early pick. Beefing up the D makes more sense and this is a great way to do it.

by JohnPaul on Apr 17, 2009 4:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Excellent Choice

Because that’s who I voted for at Cat Scratch. Gilbert should be a great value at this point in the draft and ought to contribute quickly.

I’m not as confident about Jake. He’s had a lot more than just one bad game. But hopefully Good Jake shows up early and often this year because that’s what the Panthers need to be contenders. The Panthers can choose his successor next year when QB depth should be better. Besides, Freeman isn’t likely to slide this far in the actual draft.

by ClipCat on Apr 17, 2009 5:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like it...

But I will say one thing: Fox WENT to SDSU, so his presence at their pro day may or also may not have anything to do with the team’s interest in Gilbert. Still…he would be a good pick and certainly could contribute, if only situationally, right off the bat.

by MichaelProcton on Apr 17, 2009 5:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This pick is probably a steal the way Gilbert is moving up draft boards.

RIP Sean Taylor (1983-2007)

by RedskinFEVA on Apr 17, 2009 6:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I with ya Jaxon

Josh Freeman would totally be out of character for the Panthers. Has John Fox ever actually drafted a QB? I think D-Line was and is the biggest kink in Carolina’s armor, and Gilbert can contribute immediately… with or without Pep.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Apr 17, 2009 7:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, actually

Stefen LeFors of Louisville in the 4th round one year. But he’s said specifically that he thinks early pick QBs get paid too much money given they don’t merit getting on the field for at least a year.

by MichaelProcton on Apr 17, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs