The Carolina Panthers have now signed SEVEN undrafted free agents that we know of.

   They are quarterback Taylor Tharp from Boise State, tight end Chris Conklin from Wingate, safety Joe Fields from Syracuse, center Fernando Velasco from Georgia, defensive lineman Brandon Jenkins from Mississippi, wide receiver Damon Morton from Colorado State and cornerback Courtney Gixby from Nebraska.

   There will be more to come.

    Conklin, a 2004 Southern Alamance High School graduate, agreed to a nondrafted free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday night. He told our sister paper, the Burlington Times, "I told you that's how I wanted it to be. I feel great. What better situation than to stay in Charlotte. I had to take advantage of that."

   He enters camp fourth on the depth chart at tight end.

   Tharp basically was signed to help out with reps until Jake Delhomme is ready to throw. Don't get too excited here folks, he stands no chance to make the roster unless someone were to get hurt. Delhomme, by the way, is not expected to practice at minicamp, coach John Fox said.

   "They were kind of the team before the draft that had shown the most interest," Tharp told the Idaho Statesman. "I was just sort of holding my breath. They weren't sure if they were going to draft a guy in the late rounds or not."

   Defensive back Charles Godfrey (Iowa) and linebacker Dan Connor (Penn State) are the Panthers third-round picks. In the fifth round, the Panthers added tight end Gary Barnidge from Louisville and just added defensive tackle Nick Hayden from Wisconsin in the sixth round.

   The Panthers selected outside linebacker/defensive end Hilee Taylor from North Carolina, offensive tackle Geoff Schwartz from Oregon and offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau from Bentley College in the seventh round.

   We'll get to talk with Marty Hurney and John Fox soon.

   Here's the breakdown on Godfrey:

      Godfrey is listed as a cornerback, but he projects as a free safety. That means Godfrey has a good chance to start this year because the team didn't re-sign Deke Cooper. Godfrey's a guy who also should be a fixture on special teams, too. He's heralded for his toughness. An unheralded player with the versatility to play any position in the secondary, Charles Godfrey emerged as one of the few bright spots on the Hawkeyes' defense in 2007. Facing some of the best receivers in the country, his main pass coverage assignments accounted for just 15 receptions for 117 yards (7.8-yard average) and no touchdowns during his final season at Iowa.

    Godfrey flew under the radar for most of his college career, but the Iowa coaching staff regarded him as a vital cog in the Hawkeyes' defensive scheme. He began playing for the Hawkeyes as a reserve free safety, shifting to strong safety as a sophomore. With the departure of the entire Iowa secondary after the 2005 campaign, Godfrey shifted to right cornerback as a junior, starting at that position during his final two seasons.

   Godfrey earned first-team All-Greater Houston and All-Conference as a senior at Robert E. Lee High School, along with Class 5A honorable mention All-State. He was named Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and selected to play in the Global Junior All-Star Game and the Bayou Bowl. He led his team to an 11-2 record, as he recorded 90 tackles, two interceptions, six pass break-ups and two blocked punts as a senior. He also returned kicks and had a 31.5 yard average.

   The brother of former Kansas State star quarterback El Roberson, Godfrey rejected a scholarship offer from the Wildcats to enroll at Iowa in 2004. One of three true freshmen to letter, he appeared 11 games behind Sean Considine (Philadelphia) at free safety, posting 10 tackles (seven solo) while recovering two fumbles.

   In 2005, Godfrey shifted to strong safety, starting twice at that position while also filling in at free safety vs. Illinois. He registered 35 tackles (27 solo) with a stop for a loss in 11 games, as he also caused one fumble, earning Reggie Roby Special Teams Player of the Year honors.

   Godfrey shifted to right cornerback in 2006, but still excelled on special teams with the punt team. The team's Special Teams Hustle Award winner posted 83 tackles (61 solo), the third-best total on the team. He had two stops for losses, a forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. He also broke up five passes.

   As a senior right cornerback, Godfrey garnered All-American honorable mention and All-Big Ten Conference second-team accolades. He started all 12 games, ranking fifth on the squad with 65 tackles (42 solo) and a stop for a loss. He intercepted five passes and broke up nine others.

   In 47 games at Iowa, Godfrey earned 28 starting assignments, with 25 coming at right cornerback, two at strong safety and one at free safety. He recorded 193 tackles (137 solos) with four stops for losses of six yards, three fumble recoveries and a pair of forced fumbles. He deflected 14 passes and gained 38 yards on seven interception returns.

   Godfrey's five interceptions in 2007 were the most by an Iowa player since Jovon Johnson had six pass thefts during the 2003 season.

   Here is the breakdown on Connor, who happens to have the same name as my brother-in-law:

   Joe Paterno's first perfect season came in 1968, his third year of coaching the Nittany Lions. Ever since, the Penn State coaching staff has produced an incredible number of NFL-quality linebackers who had success at the next level. From Dennis Onkotz in 1968 to Paul Posluszny in 2006, Penn State boasted 16 linebackers garnering All-American first-team honors, with Onkontz ('68-69), Shane Conlan (1985-86), LaVar Arrington (1998-99) and Posluszny ('05-06) receiving that prestigious honor twice.

   At the end of his standout '07 season, Dan Connor became Joe Pa's Sweet 17th.

   In addition to his All-American selection, the PSU middle linebacker was the recipient of the Bednarik Award (top defensive player), was a finalist for the Butkus Award and set the school record with 419 career tackles while his 145 tackles in 2007 led the Big Ten Conference and ranked seventh in the nation.

   Connor comes from a family of football players. The Crime, Law and Justice major learned from his older brothers and became the third sibling to play in the collegiate ranks. Jim played football at Boston College and Mike played at Lehigh. But even before he stepped on the field at Penn State, Dan Connor earned national attention.

   At Strath Haven High School, Connor was a consensus All-American, and the four-year starter was selected the nation's top prep linebacker by Parade. He earned first-team All-American accolades from USA Today, Super Prep and numerous other media outlets. The 2003 Associated Press Big School Player-of-the-Year, Connor was named first-team All-State three times. He also earned All-Region, All-City, All-County and All-League honors.

    The captain and MVP of his team, Connor also won the Maxwell Football Club's prestigious Jim Henry Award as the Philadelphia Area Player-of-the-Year and was the Philadelphia Inquirer Southeastern Pennsylvania Player-of-the-Year as a senior. He totaled 4,556 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns during his prep career. Defensively, he made 451 tackles, 18 sacks, 16 interceptions and six fumble recoveries.

   As a senior, Connor rushed for 1,807 yards on 251 carries, for a spectacular 7.2-yard average, scoring 28 touchdowns. He was instrumental in Strath Haven winning the 2000 Pennsylvania Class AAA state championship and played in the AAA state title game in 2001 and '02. He played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2004 and also lettered in basketball and track, where he participated in the high jump, javelin, discus and shot put.

   Connor enrolled at Penn State in 2004, appearing in 10 games while earning four starting assignments.

   After lining up at outside linebacker most of the season, the Freshman All-American shifted to middle linebacker for the season's final three games, leading the team in tackles in each of those contests. In 558 plays, he finished second on the team with 85 tackles (50 solo), adding a sack, 4 1/2 stops for losses and an interception.

   During the 2005 offseason, Connor was charged with making prank phone calls to a former PSU assistant coach. Joe Paterno suspended the linebacker in August for his involvement in the incident, keeping him out of the lineup for the team's first three games. He started six of the nine contests in which he played, posting 76 tackles (38 solo), 1 1/2 sacks and 5 1/2 stops for losses, to go along with eight quarterback pressures from his right outside linebacker position. He also recovered a fumble that he returned for a score.

   In 2006, Connor gained national attention for his exploits on the football field, walking away with All-American and All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors. He combined with fellow All-American Paul Posluszny (116 tackles) to become the first Penn State tandem since Andre Collins (130) and Brian Chizmar (110) in 1989 to record more than 100 tackles in a season.

   The right linebacker started all 13 games, participating in 908 snaps. He finished second to Posluszny with 113 tackles (70 solo), adding five sacks, nine stops for losses and three forced fumbles. He also deflected a pair of passes and intercepted two others. Connor and Posluszny will be forever linked. The two star linebackers squared off against each other in the 2002 PIAA Class AAA championship game. Posluszny, then a senior, led Hopewell High School to a 21-10 victory against Connor's Strath Haven team.

   Posluszny later served as Connor's host for his official visit to Penn State. Both broke into the starting lineup as freshmen at Penn State, albeit a year apart. "If you ask me, I'd say Paul's better," Connor said. "If you ask him, he'd probably say the opposite."

   Connor joined Posluszny as one of three finalists for the Bednarik Award in 2006, as Connor became the 13th Penn State linebacker to earn first-team All-American honors under Paterno. He was the 77th Penn State player selected a first-team All-American. Connor moved back inside to middle linebacker as a senior. He finished seventh in the nation in tackles and led the conference with a career-high 145 stops (69 solo). He delivered 6 1/2 sacks with 15 stops for losses and two fumble recoveries. He also picked off a pass and deflected six others. He would record at least 10 tackles in eight contests, giving him 20 games during his career that he reached double digits.

   Connor started 36 of 45 games in which he played at Penn State, including 16 contests at middle linebacker. He holds the school's career record with 419 tackles (227 solo), produced 14 sacks for minus-101 yards and 34 stops for losses totaling 141 yards. He recovered three fumbles, returning one 18 yards for a touchdown and had three forced fumbles. He deflected eight passes, gained five yards on four interception returns and registered one safety.

   Here's the breakdown on Barnidge:

   Professional scouts gush about the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers at Louisville, but Gary Barnidge is worthy of a little attention. In his last two seasons as the full-time starter at tight end, Barnidge showed consistent skills as a receiver. His blocking needs work, but he accounted for 84 of his 98 career receptions and 11 of the 17 touchdown catches as a junior and senior.

   Barnidge followed in the footsteps of former Middleburg High School product and Louisville tight end Richard Owens, who played four years with the Cardinals. Barnidge played both tight end and defensive end, recorded 17 receptions and five touchdowns and was named to the Florida-Times Union Top 24 as a senior. Barnidge registered 65 tackles, 10 for a loss, three sacks, three caused fumbles, six fumble recoveries, eight quarterback pressures and one blocked kick that he returned for a touchdown that season. He also lettered in basketball, averaging 18.0 points per game.

   In 2004, Barnidge enrolled at Louisville as a 215-pound tight end, turning down scholarship offers from South Florida, Louisiana-Lafayette, Mississippi and Florida. He started two of 12 games, and caught four touchdowns among his seven catches for 85 yards (12.1-yard average).

   As a sophomore, Barnidge started five of 11 contests. He ranked seventh on the team with 17 catches for 240 yards (14.1-yard average), scoring twice. In 2006, Barnidge started all but the Middle Tennessee State game. He finished third on the team with 31 grabs for 511 yards (16.5 avg) and four touchdowns. He also performed well on the punt-coverage team making four solo tackles and causing one fumble. Barnidge was named All-Big East Conference first-team after a senior campaign that saw him generate 655 yards and rank second on the team with 53 receptions, including seven grabs for touchdowns. He again performed capably on special teams, causing a fumble while delivering six tackles (five solo), including two stops while playing briefly on defense.

   In 47 games, Barnidge started 29 times. He caught 98 passes for 1,491 yards (15.2-yard average) and 17 touchdowns. He recovered an onside kickoff for a two-yard loss and recorded 10 tackles (nine solo) while causing two fumbles. 

   Here's the breakdown on Hayden:

   One of the Big Ten's strongest players, Hayden took advantage of that power to excel in his role as a stay at home type of run stuffer along the defensive line. A three-year starter for the Badgers, he has that long arm reach and aggressive nature to consistently defeat blocks to make plays working down the line. But where he excels the most is as a bull rusher, where he has an array of power moves to dominate the offensive guards and centers.

   Hayden was one of the more highly recruited prep prospects coming out of Arrowhead High School, where he was named the state's Defensive Lineman of the Year by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and earned first-team All-State honors for second straight year as a senior. That year, he registered 89 tackles, including 18 stops for losses and 11 sacks, as he also caused five fumbles and blocked two kicks. He also had five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, adding Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team and Super Prep All-America honors. He was also ranked 51st nationally (all positions) by Tom Lemming and 81st by Rivals.com.

   Hayden played in the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio (Alamodome) and caught a touchdown pass for the East team. The two-time Conference Defensive Player of the Year served as team captain his senior year. As a junior, he made 105 tackles with 28 stops for losses and 21 sacks. He also lettered in basketball. Scheduled to red-shirt in 2004 at Wisconsin, Hayden was forced into action for five games when injuries depleted the defensive line depth. He managed just one assisted tackle, but gained valuable experience, taking over for a graduated Jason Jefferson at right defensive tackle in 2005. He earned All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention, as he posted a career-high 56 tackles (29 solos) with 5.5 sacks, nine stops for losses and four pass deflections. He also recovered three fumbles and caused another.

   Hayden started all 13 games in 2006, but had a subpar campaign. He managed just 27 tackles (16 solos) with four stops for losses. He bounced back as a senior, picking up All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention. He totaled 48 tackles (25 solos) with 4.5 sacks, two pressures and 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also recovered three fumbles and deflected two passes.

   Here's the breakdown on Hilee Taylor:

   One of the bigger risers in the 2008 draft class, Taylor (6-3, 242) is cashing in on his excellent senior campaign. He was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2007 with 59 tackles, 16 for loss, 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He'll likely need to transition to linebacker (where he played as a freshman at UNC) at the next level, but a team will give him that chance as a late-round pick or priority free agent. He has good strength and relentlessness playing with his hand down. Will spin inside or outside to get past his man. Gives second effort to get to the quarterback and will chase down the line. Runs with tight ends down the seam. Should be strong enough to handle tight ends on the line as a SAM linebacker. Uses his length and strong hands to keep blocks off him. However, he will need time to transition from defensive end to linebacker if the Panthers decide to do that. He also plays stiff and a bit high, making it difficult for him to quickly plant and drive or change directions.

Here's the breakdown on Geoff Schwartz:

   Massive man who, despite his 335 pounds, isn't soft around the middle. He has big hands and long arms. He flashes an impressive initial hand punch and when he delivers on it, can drive his opponent yards down the field. He lacks quickness in nearly every phase of the game and struggles to keep up with quick edge rushers and will over-compensate to the outside, making him especially vulnerable to spins back inside. Struggled mightily at times during the week of practice and the East-West Shrine Game, itself.

   Hey everyone -- Here's the Q&A from today with running back Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers first-round draft choice from Oregon. The Panthers PR Department said Jeff Otah, the team's other draft pick, would not be available for comment, but would be at the stadium Sunday morning to meet the press.

  Here's Stewart:

On if he expected to be drafted by the Panthers: Really and truly I didn't know where I was going to end up. When I went to Carolina to get my surgery done with Dr. Anderson, I saw the players and the stadium from a distance from the hotel. I thought to myself that this would be a great opportunity to play here if it was the Lord's will, and obviously it is. I'm just real thankful right now for the opportunity.

On when his toe surgery was, where he is in his recovery and when he will be ready to play: The surgery was on March 12, and the recovery, like Dr. Anderson promised, is going well. I will be starting rehab in a week or so and I will be ready by training camp.

On how much his toe bothered him last season and how did it affect his style of running: With the toe injury it bothered me through the last part of last season. I injured it in the Arizona game, the same game that Dennis Dixon got hurt in. I had to play through it. It is like there are sharp, excruciating pains in your toe every time you plant and run, and being a running back you need that. But I found a way around it to fit my running style. I wasn't able to make the cuts that I can make but I did what I could to make the best out of my running game. I just tried to fight through the pain.

On what was done during the surgery: He went in and reconstructed my ligament. I don't know the exact medical terms for it. He just made sure that my toe was back in line.

On if he thought the toe surgery would affect his draft status: At first I was but as I went around to the team visits the teams knew my situation. A lot of people were saying things about my toe, but really I was just giving it all to God and really trying to not think about it at all.

On his running style: My style of running is just all of the things that a great back has. I'm an explosive, powerful runner. I run north and south but mostly more north. I just try to make the best out of every opportunity when I get the ball, whether it is going around a defender or going through a defender. You have to do what it takes.

On if what he knows about Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams: I watched DeAngelo Williams when he was at Memphis. He was another great back, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to go and learn the ropes from him and to contribute to this team. He's a great back, and I want to be a great back as well. I know there are some veterans on the squad and I'm just ready to get this thing rolling and be a part of this offense.

On his reaction to Carolina selecting tackle Jeff Otah: My reaction was, "Oh yeah, they really want to run the ball now!" That's a big guy right there. The Carolina Panthers have a plan. Running the ball is something that you have to do in this League, and they are definitely getting that instilled in their offense.

On if he has spent much time in the South other than when he had his surgery: That was my first time in Carolina. All my family is from Georgia around Macon and Atlanta. So I am familiar with Georgia but not anywhere else in the South.

On meeting with personnel from the Panthers prior to the draft and his impressions: It was at the combine, and they came down to visit me in Eugene as well. It was Marty (Hurney), and I talked to Coach Fox at the combine, so I thought they were really interested in me. During this whole experience I was just taking it for what it was. Teams were interested, and I'm just glad the Carolina Panthers came along and had faith in my health and that I am going to be a good player for them.

On if he thinks he will be a good fit for the Panthers offense: I feel when it comes to running the ball I can do that. Pass blocking is going to be something that I can do at the next level, but I know that it is going to be much different from the collegiate level.

On what running backs, current and former, he admires: Walter Payton, just his determination when he runs, and on every run that you see on his highlight there is that extra effort. "I am never going to be tackled," and that's the type of mantra that every running back should have or to punish the defender. Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders and a new age running back would be LaDainian Tomlinson.

On being used as a kick returner after doing so successfully in college: I hope so. Returning kicks is another offensive possession. It's an opportunity to get the game rolling for the offense.

On if he can be an impact player like running back Adrian Peterson was a rookie last year: Of course. I don't feel that anyone should have lower standards than being the best you can be. Adrian Peterson did that and above. He also set the tone for running

   5:01 p.m. The Panthers have traded up to No. 19 to land OT Jeff Otah from Pitt.

   5 p.m. Yes, I'm a little surprised by the Stewart pick. Not that they took him, but that they took him there. I thought they could have moved down a few spots and still landed Stewart. But obviously Marty Hurney and John Fox flet pretty strongly about him.

   4:29 p.m. Stewart is the pick. Look out DeAngelo Williams.

   4:27 p.m. It could Albert or Stewart.

   4:25 p.m. So the big question becomes whether or not the Panthers trade down out of the No. 13 spot. I think they will.

   4:23 p.m. Well, there goes Ryan Clady at No. 12.

   4 p.m. The Jaguars have just traded up to No. 8 and taken Derick Harvey from Florida, continuing the run on defensive ends. It looks like offensive tackle or running back for the Panthers. But don't rule out the Panthers trading down into the 18-22 range.

   Folks, here's an interesting clip you have to see courtesy of WRAL-TV in Raleigh.

   In it, St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt half-jokingly expresses some "jealousy" that his brother Terrence has returned to the Carolinas and signed with the Panthers. Torry says he'd love to play for the Panthers, although he has two years left on his contract with the Rams which he plans to honor. After that, he said, he'll have to "see what happens" but it's pretty clear he'd like to play in his home state.

   Imagine Holt paired with Steve Smith at wide receiver. Wow. The only downside of that equation is Holt would be 34 by the time he suited up for a real game with the Panthers in 2010. Last year, nagging injuries finally seemed to catch up with the potential Hall of Famer, although he still had a solid season.

   Nonetheless, this is definitely a must-see. Check out the link.

   http://www.wral.com/sports/video/2769811/

Here's some other things Mike Rucker had to say at his retirement press conference on Tuesday.

On when he made the decision to retire: One of my goals coming in about a year ago was to get healthy and not be carried off the field. That was my main goal. I put every ounce of energy that I had into getting back on that field. I was tired, I was tired. Going through that (last) season when we started winding up, I had it in my mind I was preparing myself to shut it down. Friends and family said, "Just relax. Don't just make a decision off of emotions right away." Even though down deep inside I had prepared myself and I kind of thought that's what I wanted to do, I went ahead and took that time. As time went on, as I got to do more things with my kids, whether it was going to their plays...I don't know why, but we packed the kids up in the car and rented a mini-van. I don't know why I rented a mini-van because I felt so funny in that. But we drove back home to Missouri for Easter. That's stuff that we haven't been able to do over the last nine years of playing ball and that's something that excited me. That's a piece that I want to fill in now, and I need to take advantage of that. Doing things like that kind of helped my say that I've been fulfilled with my career of playing football. The time has got to come, and I just felt it was now.

On his best memories: Having the opportunity to line up next to Reggie White is something I'll never forget. He meant a lot to me. He taught me early on what it was to be a pro, how to carry yourself. Another memory I'll never forget is the Super Bowl run. You think 1-15 is something you that you wouldn't want to remember, but it showed me the work that we had to do and where we came from. I think sometimes you've got to understand your past to get to your future. We didn't want to go back there. Coming home from the Philly game (NFC Championship) was something I'll never forget. Being early in the morning, that place (Bank of America Stadium) was like a football field outside. Our fans. I just can't thank you guys enough out there in North and South Carolina and all of the Panthers fans across the country for the support that you've given us as an organization and me as a player. It doesn't work without the fans. So I thank the fans for that. I think one of the biggest memories was breaking the sack record at the time on Monday Night Football and doing it against one of the guys that I loved playing against probably the most, and that being Brett Favre. That's something that I'll never forget.

On starting and ending his career with the same team: That was one of my goals probably five years ago, to do something that a lot of people probably don't do. I feel like my situation was unique because my situation might not always be for the next guy. But being part of an organization that is built the way that it is built I felt was a big part of my decision to stay here at the time and sign my second contract. All organizations aren't like that, and I felt like happiness over money was the best fit for our family. That's the reason why we stayed here. At that point in time, I knew that one of my goals, next to winning championships and Pro Bowls and all that kind of stuff, was to be able say that I played with only one team.

On what he has told his brother Martin, who is a senior tight end at Missouri, about his decision to retire and what to expect in the NFL: I talked to him this morning and I told him that I loved him and that I was passing the baton to him. Two of our goals were to either play with each other, against each other or pass the baton. Remembering him when he was 10 years old at the University of Nebraska, seeing him looking over the fence and being goo-goo over what we were doing was something that I'll never forget. To see him be right at the doorstep of playing in the National Football League and that great honor of entering this fraternity I think is great. I think that I'll be able to spend more time with him and be able to see more of his games than I have in the past because of being here. At the end of the day, I told him I was passing the baton and he's got it.

On what is next for him: I got D-Lew's (Damione Lewis) number the last time that D-Lew and I went fishing. I beat him. I had a six or seven pounder or something like that. Definitely fishing is (something I want to do). I would love to be able to do that as a pastime. Definitely this is home. As I said, all of those things that have been part of my life and the people that have been part of my life, this community is a part of my life. This is home. When people say, "Where are you from? Where do you live?" I say, "Charlotte." Being part of a region that is growing and being in a community that embraces this organization, that embraces people that love the community is where we want to be. That's a big factor in our lives because not only are our businesses here, but our organizations are here, our foundations are here. I think it's important for us to stay part of those things, to stay here in this community. We wouldn't want to go anywhere else. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

   Miami Dolphins president Bill Parcells has said that defensive end Jason Taylor won't be traded.

   Right.

   Now that the Dolphins have signed Jake Long as the No. 1 pick in the draft, the talk is they are working behind the scenes to trade Taylor. They've spoke with two teams, according to one report. They want a mid-to-late first round pick, but are unlikely to get that. It's more likely Taylor could be had for a third-round pick.

   The Panthers happen to have an extra third round pick because of the Kris Jenkins trade.

   And so, my question to you becomes: Would you give one up for Taylor, who turns 34 this year?

   I would say it's pretty tempting to put Taylor opposite Julius Peppers, but I'd have trouble giving up a third-round pick for someone who might play only one or two more years. That said, I think a third might be too much of an investment for Taylor.  And, then again, given the players the Panthers have drafted in the third round in recent years (Rashad Butler, Atiyyah Ellison, James Anderson and Evan Mathis immediately come to mind), maybe get two good years out of Taylor is better than getting no good years out of a young prospect.

   What do you think?

   Just got out of Monday afternoon's pre-draft press conference at Bank of America Stadium with general manager Marty Hurney, coach John Fox and director of college scouting Don Gregory and here's what I've learned: The Panthers will indeed draft players they feel like will help their team this weekend.

   Outside of that, not much to report.

   Seriously, this press conference is normally the biggest waste of time given the team is so tight-lipped (and rightfully so), about their draft plans.

   Hurney's favorite line today was that "being open-minded going into the draft is very important."

   I specifically asked them about the perception that they will draft an offensive tackle, running back or defensive lineman with their first pick and Hurney said, "You just don't know because it just depends on who is there. It's just impossible to say right now. Two weeks ago everybody thinks you know who are going to take and you really don't. I think it goes back to if there is a player there who happens to be there that is is high on your board, then you have to seriously consider selecting him and see what happens."

   As for trading up or down, the Panthers are, you guessed it, keeping their options open.

   Hey, I don't blame them. In fact, I give them credit for actually coming out and talking to the media. It's just hard to get blood from a stone and the Panthers are in full lockdown mode when it comes to handing out information to the press.

   More on this (non)breaking news later.

    Today on “The SIRIUS Blitz” on SIRIUS NFL Radio, hosts Adam Schein and Tim Hasselbeck spoke with NFL prospect and former University of Missouri TE Martin “Tee” Rucker.

   Tee was asked about his brother, Carolina Panthers DE Mike Rucker, and whether he thought Tee’s eventual destination in the NFL would have any effect on whether Mike would decide to retire or come back for another season.  

   SIRIUS Host Adam Schein: “Any news on your brother’s situation?”

   Tee Rucker: “Not yet.  I think in the next couple of weeks he’ll have his decision out there but still just not quite sure yet.”

   SIRIUS host Tim Hasselbeck: “Does your situation, do you think, play any role in your brother’s decision?  Maybe the possibility of playing on the same team as you or even playing against you, do you think that factors in at all in whether he decides to hang ‘em up?”

   Tee Rucker: “Yeah, I think that’s a tremendous factor in the situation.  I think that he would have hung it up because, you know, he’s a free agent this year.  He’s been there for nine years.  There’s no reason to continue to play and so I really think that that did play a big factor in it.”

   Adam Schein: “Just to hit that point home, if you’re a Panther or if you are drafted by any team in the division – and you’ve talked about how you’d love to play against him – that might increase the likelihood that Mike comes back for another season?”

   Tee Rucker: “Yeah.  Just gotta get everything right, talk to the right people, make sure all the numbers are right and everything that they are talking about, his role, would it be reduced or increased or whatever.”

   Tim Hasselbeck: “Well, let’s face it, too.  If people are concerned about your blocking what better way to prove to people you can block than just pancaking your brother, right?  That’s got to be some kind of incentive, right?”

   Tee Rucker: “Most definitely and that’s what would happen.  If we ever go up head-to-head you guys will see it.”

   “The SIRIUS Blitz” airs weekdays (11:00 am – 3:00 pm ET) exclusively on SIRIUS NFL Radio channel 124.

   The Carolina Panthers will face a different Manning in the preseason this year -- Peyton instead of Eli.

   The NFL announced a schedule switch Thursday that calls for Carolina to host  Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in their first exhibition game Aug. 9 instead of the Eli Manning and the defending champion New York Giants. The NFL said the change was made to accommodate stadium availability and local television partner commitments.

   The Giants will now play at Detroit on Aug. 7 in their first game instead.

   The rest of the preseason remains the same. On Aug. 14, the Panthers will travel to Philadelphia for a nationally televised

contest on FOX at 8 p.m. Then August 23, Washington will make its first visit to Bank of America Stadium since the 2005 preseason to play the Panthers. Carolina will conclude the preseason with a trip to Pittsburgh August 28. This will be the 10th time in franchise history that the two teams have met during the preseason, making the Steelers the Panthers most common preseason opponent.

   Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett pleaded not guilty Friday to driving while impaired. Although Jarrett did not attend a hearing Friday, his attorney entered the plea.

   A trial date is set for June 23.

   Jarrett, the team's second-round draft pick out of USC in 2007, was arrested on March 11 after when he allegedly ran a red light in Mint Hill. According to the police report, Jarrett's blood-alcohol level was 0.12, above North Carolina's legal limit of 0.08.

   There were no setbacks on Monday as quarterback Jake Delhomme stepped up his rehab and threw some passes with a regular football. To be clear, Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said Delhomme has thrown a few passes over the previous two weeks with a real football prior and that he's "continuing to make progress."

   "Everything is going well so far," said Hurney, adding that the team expects Delhomme to be ready for training camp.

   Delhomme was unavailable for comment on Monday.

    *Hurney, coach John Fox and director of college scouting Don Gregory have begun putting the final touches on the team's draft board.

   "We're in the stage where we're getting together with the coaches and talking things out," Hurney said. "We'll be meeting a lot for the next three weeks and we'll go over the final touches. We'll sort out things position by position and the areas we need to have a better feel for."

   The NFL draft is April 26-27.

   *The Panthers have interviewed a number of free agent defensive tackles this off-season -- Ian Scott, Rod Coleman and Darwin Walker are included in that mix -- but have yet to sign anyone. That could change depending on what the Panthers do in the NFL draft.

   "Right now we have four defensive tackles on the roster, so we'll go through the draft and see what happens," Hurney said. "As with every position, we're always looking to improve and we'll continue to do that."