Professor

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observe...htm?source=syn

White might slip to Panthers
USC back's stock drops after mediocre workout

The "other" Southern California running back available in the NFL draft, LenDale White, looked like a potential top 10 pick less than three months ago, but could be slipping far enough to be in serious consideration for the Carolina Panthers with the 27th overall selection.

White's stock -- at least in mock drafts -- has fallen steadily the past week after he looked out of shape and didn't run a 40-yard dash at Southern Cal's pro day Monday, saying he had a sore hamstring. Teammate Reggie Bush, predicted to be the top pick in the draft, was electronically timed at 4.33 seconds.

White, whose playing weight is believed to be between 235 and 240 pounds, is the lone big power back forecast for the first two rounds of the draft. He could be a good fit for Carolina's power running game -- and an ideal complement to Deshaun Foster -- if the Panthers decide they aren't overly concerned with his physical condition.

Carolina appears to be closely evaluating White, who told a Los Angeles Times reporter last week that he had dinner with Panthers coach John Fox the evening before the Trojans' workout.

Some pro scouts have warned that White needs to run a 40 before the draft April 29-30 and have said that he could climb back up the draft board if he runs well.

White's strength also didn't dazzle scouts at the pro day. He bench pressed 225 pounds 15 times, nine fewer than the much smaller Bush.

Among teams picking ahead of Carolina believed to be interested in White is Denver, which owns the 15th and 22nd picks.

Buckner draws interest from teams

Defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, released by the Panthers following the season, is drawing interest from a number of teams, including Atlanta and the New York Giants.

"I would love to play in Atlanta," Buckner said this week. "That would be ideal. I think that would be a perfect situation."

Buckner, 34, believes he can bring experience and expertise to another NFL team.

"I know there has also been contact with New York and some other teams," he said. "My agent is handling all that right now."

George Mavrikes, Buckner's agent, could not be reached for comment. -- STAN OLSON

juggalo6772

Im not a fan of white, and he hasent impressed anyone at the combine or pro day. He has wieght problems is lazy and compairing him to most of the other backs physically is a joke. Even so alot of teams seem to be very intrested in him. but you cant deny what he did on the field. The panthers could use a stable #1 back davis and foster are allways hurt. I think the panthers whould be better off looking at other running backs but i could see them drafting white.

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Professor

you can say what you want about pro day and combine, but the guy is a force and there is rumors that he has tanked because he was told that he was taken by some teams. The guy gets the yards when needed and scores TD's like a monster.

pumzy

to tag onto your point, prof, I think everyone is kind of overlooking what white did in the rose bowl against a pretty good texas defense - 120 yards and 3 TD's, not a bad day for any back. if he can get into shape he could be a draft day slide that turns out to be a late first round steal (if he winds up in the right system, one that favors bruising backs)

juggalo6772

Prof pumzy i agree with what you both said, but let us not forget white faking his own suicide as a prank infront of the whole team, and being totaly out of shape all the time.

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Professor

i know its not a fair comparison at this point, but bettis was never known to be in good shape and he ended up doing alright

juggalo6772

Why is this in the saints forum?

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Professor

because the saints forum is right next to panther's forum at the top. don't worry someone will move it to the panther's forum, either mickey or bigboy.

MickeyG

i moved it

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Professor

thanks mickey.