Panthers general manager Marty Hurney made a bold move to trade up for a potential star left tackle. Hopefully the move pays off for Carolina."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Keep Sounding PodcastPanthers 2019 NFL DraftCSR Film RoomThe overall success of Carolina’s 2019 draft class may hinge on Greg LittleNew https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Captain-Munnerlyn-Jersey ,98commentsPanthers general manager Marty Hurney made a bold move to trade up for a potential star left tackle. Hopefully the move pays off for Carolina.EDTShareTweetShareShareThe overall success of Carolina’s 2019 draft class may hinge on Greg LittleBrian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsThe ultimate success or failure of the Carolina Panthers 2019 draft will likely hinge on Greg Little. No pressure, young fella. The Panthers began their 2019 draft by taking Brian Burns at No. 16 overall and most draft pundits have him pegged as an impact player. Carolina then traded up in the second round to select Greg Little from Ole Miss at No. 37 but they paid a hefty price by giving up No. 47 (2nd round) and No. 77 (3rd round). Ranging from bargain to disasterIf Little develops into an above-average left tackle and solidifies that position for the Panthers for the next 10 years, then giving up the No. 77 pick to land him is a bargain. But if Little’s play fluctuates somewhere between “okay” and “I’m having Remmers flashbacks” then the Panthers 2019 draft could turn out to be a long-term disaster. Carolina’s draft likely hinges on Greg Little because after landing Burns at No. 16, Carolina was sitting on No. 47 (2nd round), No. 77 (3rd round), and No. 100 (3rd round). Realistic expectations for No. 47 should be drafting a starter while No. 77 and No. 100 should yield solid contributors to borderline starters. However, because of Marty Hurney’s draft day strategy, it’s likely the Panthers will get no on-field value from their two original third round picks. Poof! The disappearing third roundersPick No. 77 disappeared by trading up for Little, then No. 100 was invested in backup quarterback Will Grier who will never take a meaningful snap as long as a healthy Cam Newton is in town. So https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/David-Mayo-Jersey , if Greg Little is a disappointment and Cam is healthy, the Panthers will get almost no on-field value out of their original draft board of No. 47, No. 77, and No. 100. Nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada. In football terms, getting almost nothing from Nos. 47, 77, and 100 is like collecting a giant pile of salary cap dollars, dousing it with gasoline, and lighting it on fire. It’s a disaster. But if Greg Little develops into the Panthers long-term solution at left tackle https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Devin-Funchess-Jersey , then hallelujah! Praise Hurney! Nobody will care about about giving up No. 77 in that scenario. There are no guaranteesSince Jordan Gross retired after the 2013 season the Panthers have cycled through Byron Bell, Michael Oher, Mike Remmers, Matt Kalil, Chris Clark, Sir Purr, Mr. Rogers, and a stack of Waffle House pancakes at left tackle. If Cam Newton had been killed during a game the Panthers front office would’ve been collectively convicted of negligent homicide. Left tackle is one of the most important positions in football but has somehow been a “position of need” in Carolina for the last half decade. While I’m usually waving the banner to smartly trade down, if I had a 100 percent guarantee that Greg Little will become an above-average left tackle for the next 10 years https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Mario-Addison-Jersey , maybe throw in a Pro Bowl season or two, then I would’ve thrown in No. 77 and the rest of Carolina’s remaining picks land him. Seriously. The position is that important and things have been that bad.But that’s the problem with the NFL Draft - there are no guarantees.Little could become the next second round Pro Bowl stud like Kawann Short (No. 44, 2013) or the next second round contributor like Devin Funchess (No. 41, 2015). On the flip side, Little could also be yet another early round bust like Everett Brown (No. 43, 2009), Jimmy Clausen (No. 48, 2010), or Amini Silatolu (No. 40 Marquis Haynes Jersey , 2012). Only time will tell how Marty Hurney’s 2019 draft strategy pans out, and most of it will depend on Greg Little. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers drafted wide receiver D.J. Moore in the first round this past April because of his ability to make plays after the catch.But Moore’s gift for turning nothing into something got him into trouble last Sunday after fumbling twice — once following a reception and again on a punt return — while fighting for extra yards. The Redskins turned those two turnovers into 10 points and defeated the Panthers 23-17.The Panthers are not fazed by the miscues, and coach Ron Rivera plans to continue to target the speedy Moore.“This is all about building confidence,” Rivera said. “D.J. is going to be a part of what we do for a long time. …. I’m not too concerned about punishing players for making mistakes as much as we are about developing and making sure they are learning and growing.”Moore spent the week “learning” by watching film of other receivers and how to carry the ball and how not to carry the ball. He’s been working on his technique in practice with coaches.“Young guys have to learn the hard way sometimes,” Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner said. “There is a certain way you have to carry the ball when you are in traffic. You do have to understand, particularly on the punt return, that there are five guys around you, and you are not getting out of that mess — so just get down.”Moore is hoping a return to his hometown of Philadelphia on Sunday will help turn things around.“Every time I get the ball I just have to have two hands on the ball once I get in traffic https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Torrey-Smith-Jersey ,” Moore said.The Panthers (3-2) would have a tough time keep Moore off the field because he is so dangerous when he has the ball.He showed off his speed, quickness and big-play potential in Week 2 when he caught his first NFL pass over the middle from Cam Newton and turned it into a 51-yard touchdown, seemingly shifting to a different gear while outrunning the defense to the end zone.But he’s drawn some criticism early this season because his numbers don’t match up to Atlanta wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was drafted 26th overall — two spots behind Moore. Moore has 10 receptions for 162 yards and one score in five games. Ridley has 22 catches for 349 yards and six touchdowns in six games, although he has the luxury of playing opposite one of the game’s best wide receivers in Julio Jones.Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess said any concern over Moore is unwarranted, and that people simply need to allow him to develop.“I tell him all of the time, he’s an athlete. He’s a playmaker,” Funchess said. “When he breaks a tackle, you all love him; if he drops the ball you all hate him. But once he gets in a rhythm and gets comfortable he’s going to be all right.”The even keel Moore doesn’t let much get to him Dontari Poe Color Rush Jersey , and he’s not about the start now.Moore said most of his family is outspoken, but he and older brother don’t show their emotions too often. He doesn’t watch any NFL games when he’s not playing, instead spending his free time watching cartoons on Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton dubbed him “Sleepy” because he looks like he’s about to fall asleep.So the 6-foot, 215-pound Moore isn’t stressing over a couple of mistakes.“I just have to go out there and help the team win and not turn the ball over,” Moore said. “That’s the main goal for this week.”