Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft Preview
Football Betting Lines
04/04/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Panthers had glaring weaknesses at linebacker and on the offensive line last year, and though both positions should be healthier in 2007, upgrades are also needed. With top tackler Chris Draft now a member of the Rams and oft-injured Dan Morgan always a question mark, LB help would seem to be the bigger concern. Elsewhere on defense, the play of the secondary was inconsistent in 2006 and Carolina could target a first-day playmaker there. Apart from the o-line, the offense has a void behind Jake Delhomme at No. 2 quarterback (Chris Weinke was released), though it appears as if the Panthers are targeting a Joey Harrington/David Carr type to fill that gap. Also, will Carolina ever draft a credible pass-catching tight end?
2006 Record: 8-8
First Pick: No. 14
Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2006 - DeAngelo Williams (RB, Memphis); 2005 - Thomas Davis (S/LB, Georgia); 2004 - Chris Gamble (CB, Ohio State); 2003 - Jordan Gross (OT, Utah); 2002 - Julius Peppers (DE, North Carolina); 2001 - Dan Morgan (LB, Miami); 2000 - Rashard Anderson (CB, Jackson State); 1999 - none; 1998 - Jason Peter (DE, Nebraska); 1997 - Rae Carruth (WR, Colorado); 1996 - Tim Biakabutuka (RB, Michigan); 1995 - Kerry Collins (QB, Penn State), Tyrone Poole (CB, Fort Valley State), Blake Brockermeyer (OT, Texas).
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A pair of pitchers will make debuts with their new clubs this afternoon when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies conclude their three-game series at Coors Field. Left-hander Doug Davis was acquired by Arizona in
<< Philadelphia Eagles 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Outside linebacker and defensive tackle were two of the
Eagles' biggest need areas entering the offseason, but a trade for ex-Bill
Takeo Spikes and the acquisition of former Colt Montae Reagor helped offset
those respective r
<< Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - If he is still available at No. 4, there is no way the
Buccaneers can pass up Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. However, if
another team trades up to snatch Johnson with one of the first three picks, it
won't be the
<< San Francisco 49ers 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Niners are in major need of a No. 1 receiver after
releasing Antonio Bryant, and might have to look long and hard at multi-
talented Ohio State standout Ted Ginn, Jr. There are also secondary needs,
though the signings of
<< Green Bay Packers 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With Ahman Green now a Houston Texan, the Packers have a
hole at running back that the franchise has not experienced heading into a
season since the pre-Edgar Bennett days. Head coach Mike McCarthy says he's
comfortable with
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Saints defense was held together with duct tape last season, and the New Orleans brass wasn't delusional enough to believe the team could get by under similar circumstances in 2007. Head coach Sean Payton has spoken publi
Pettitte's return to the Bronx rained out >>
Bronx, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Andy Pettitte's much anticipated return to the
Bronx will have to wait as Wednesday's game between the New York Yankees and
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium has been postponed due to rain.
No makeup da
Washington Redskins 2007 Draft Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Washington places little to no value on the draft, as
evidenced by the fact that it has one pick among the first 142 and has an NFL-
low five selections overall. Which isn't to say that the Redskins are without
needs, particu
Detroit Lions 2007 Draft Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - For all the speculation about the Lions taking Brady Quinn,
Calvin Johnson, or trading down for multiple picks, it would still fly in the
face of the logic if GM Matt Millen does anything other than draft Wisconsin
left tackl
Cain hopes to get Giants on track against San Diego >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Young Matt Cain officially takes hold of the No. 2
starting slot in the San Francisco Giants rotation tonight when they host the
San Diego Padres in game two of their three-game curtain-raising series at
AT&T Park.
Cain,
Football Betting: Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards
Oddsmakers have released the odds for the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry has been made the opening favorite.
Seattle took Curry with the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft and plan on inserting him into its starting lineup right away. The Hawks traded linebacker Julian Peterson in the offseason, so Curry is expected to have a significant role in Seattle's defense next year and that's one of the primary reasons he is the favorite to win the NFL ROY Award.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook MySportsbook.com have made Curry a 5/1 favorite to win this year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Given that he was the best defensive prospect in this year's draft and how he'll have plenty of opportunities to make plays in '09, Curry offers a ton of value at 5/1.
Another thing working for Curry is the position he plays. A linebacker has won the defensive ROY award six straight times and eight of the last nine years. Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, DeMeco Ryans, Shawne Merriman, Jonathan Vilma, Terrell Suggs, Kendrell Bell and Brian Urlacher were the most recent linebackers to take home the award.
Following Curry at 5/1 are Tyson Jackson (Chiefs) at 7/1, James Laurinaitas (Rams) at 8/1, Brian Orakpo (Redskins) at 10/1, Rey Maualuga (Bengals) at 10/1 and Jerry Peria (Falcons) at 10/1.
All the players mentioned above are expected to start for their respective teams, but Jackson and Peria are going to have a tough time being recognized on a national level given they're both defensive linemen. D-linemen rarely put up the numbers that it takes to win an individual award like the ROY.
A couple of players with some value are Clay Matthews (Packers) at 12/1 and Larry English (Chargers) at 15/1. Matthews is expected to start at outside linebacker in Green Bay's new 3-4 defense and could rack up a ton of tackles. English, who was an impressive player at Northern Illinois, is expected to be a situational pass rusher for the Chargers and could rack up a ton of sacks.
For complete odds on the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, see below. And for complete odds for the 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, click the link provided.
2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award
Robert Ayers (DEN) 12/1
Ron Brace (NE) 25/1
Everette Brown (CAR) 16/1
Darius Butler (NE) 40/1
Patrick Chung (NE) 30/1
Aaron Curry (SEA) 5/1
Brian Cushing (HOU) 12/1
Vontae Davis (MIA) 30/1
Louis Delmas (DET) 30/1
Larry English (SD) 15/1
Evander Hood (PIT) 25/1
Tyson Jackson (KC) 7/1
Malcolm Jenkins (NO) 25/1
Paul Kruger (BAL) 50/1
James Laurinaitas (STL) 8/1
Sen'Derrick Marks (TEN) 20/1
Clay Matthews (GB) 12/1
Aaron Maybin (BUF) 15/1
Rey Maualuga (CIN) 10/1
Roy Miller (TB) 20/1
Michael Mitchell (OAK) 45/1
Fili Moala (IND) 30/1
Brian Orakpo (WAS) 10/1
Jerry Peria (ATL) 10/1
B J Raji (GB) 7/1
Clint Sintim (NYG) 35/1
Alphonso Smith (DEN) 40/1
David Verkune (CLE) 20/1
Jason Williams (DAL) 30/1
Field (Any Other Player) 6/1
To visit this internet sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.