CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Nobody should be surprised the Carolina Panthers selected Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler with the 30th pick of the NFL draft knowing general manager Dave Gettleman’s love for big men who can pressure the quarterback.
Yes, he got another "hog molly," as he calls them.
My take: Gettleman said when Butler came in for a visit, he "filled up the chair" in his office. He’s a true "hog molly" at 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds and has the potential to fill up the backfield of opposing offenses. Adding Butler to a rotation that already includes Pro Bowler Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei means even more possibilities for Carolina's defense. It also gives Gettleman flexibility in keeping the salary cap under control down the road. The plan is to give Short a long-term extension, probably before this season. Lotulelei is secured through the 2017 season because Carolina used the fifth-year option on him. But if the price becomes too high after that, Gettleman has Butler as a fallback at a lower price. In the meantime, the Panthers have three tackles who can create havoc up the middle. As Gettleman likes to say, "big men give you a chance to compete."
Choices, choices: Gettleman admitted he was shocked that Butler remained on the board at No. 30, so he didn’t hesitate pulling the trigger on a player Carolina put through the full draft process. Butler was surprised he was there as well after the Lions told him they’d select him at No. 16. What set Butler apart from Alabama’s A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed, in the mind of coach Ron Rivera, was his potential. Although he didn’t play at one of the so-called big schools, Butler showed the ability to play big-time football. As Gettleman said, "He’s got everything." The Panthers also had several options at defensive end in Clemson's Kevin Dodd and Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah. But, Gettleman admitted, he "couldn’t help myself" in selecting a "hog molly" like Butler.
History-maker: Butler is the first defensive player in Louisiana Tech history to be selected in the first round of the draft. He didn’t start playing football until his junior year in high school in Summit, Mississippi. Until then his sport was basketball, but for a player with his bulk he figured he needed to be 6-foot-9 instead of 6-4 to have a long-term future on the court. So he moved to football, where he could play end and tackle. He excelled at Louisiana Tech with 170 career tackles, including 29.5 for loss.
Better learn to dab: Butler said he pulled for the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 against Denver because he’s partial to quarterback Cam Newton. He actually said he’s a "big Cam Newton fan." Stay tuned to see if he can dab.
What’s next: Carolina’s biggest need remains a cornerback to replace Josh Norman, now with the Washington Redskins after his franchise tag was rescinded. Gettleman smiled when asked if he might draft more than one corner. In all likelihood, that will be the focus on Day 2 with either the 62nd (second round) or 93rd (third) pick. Don’t be surprised if Gettleman trades up if a player he covets is available. He did that last season to get wide receiver Devin Funchess in the second round. He still might add a defensive end, and if Alabama running back Derrick Henry falls to 62, he might be too good to pass up for a team that wants to run.