Panthers offense gets needed boost

Carolina gambles its 2009 first-round pick to acquire help for offensive line

The Carolina Panthers used a one-two power punch in the first round of Saturday's NFL draft to change the personality of their offense.

Thinking old-style smash-mouth football, the Panthers picked Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart with the 13th overall pick, then went to work immediately to move back into the first round to get him a blocker.

Their target was Pittsburgh's 6-foot-6, 339-pound offensive tackle Jeffrey Otah.

The Panthers called the Chicago Bears about acquiring the 14th pick and did the same with every team beneath that spot before finally striking a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 19th selection.

It was an expensive move, costing the Panthers their 2009 first-round pick, plus their second- and fourth-rounders this year.

"You never want to give that up," general manager Marty Hurney said of the future first-rounder. "That says a lot about how we feel about Jeffrey Otah.

"To get these two players together will really help us toward our goal. They are two very physical players who will help the character of our offense and our team."

Coach John Fox said there was a point in the draft where it looked like the Panthers would get neither Stewart nor Otah.

"But we got both of them," he said. "I think at the end of the day, time will tell, but they were two guys we thought both physically and mentally would help our offense."

Stewart (5 feet 10, 235 pounds) is a big, bullish back who not only breaks tackles but has breakaway speed (4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash). He led all running backs at the NFL combine with 28 repetitions bench-pressing 225 pounds.

Panthers college scouting director Don Gregory compared Stewart to Jamal Lewis of the Cleveland Browns.

"He bounces off tackles and he's put together," said Gregory. "He's a pounder who has speed."

Otah has been called a mauler. He's especially proficient as a run blocker.

Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt, former head coach of the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, has called Otah the best lineman he's ever coached.

Together, Stewart and Otah are expected to help the Panthers toward their goal of having a punishing running attack and a balanced offense, which was the recipe when they reached the Super Bowl in 2003.

Stewart figures to start at running back and split carries with DeAngelo Williams, a 2006 first-round pick. Otah is penciled in as the starter at right tackle, which likely means Jordan Gross will move from right to left tackle and Travelle Wharton from left tackle to left guard.

Stewart is recovering from turf toe surgery, which was performed March 12 in Charlotte by one of the Panthers' team doctors, Dr. Robert Anderson. Anderson is one of the nation's most respected foot surgeons.

Stewart said he expects to begin rehabilitation in about a week and to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. He won't participate in the Panthers' post-draft minicamp practices next weekend, but will attend.

Stewart was asked during a conference call with reporters to describe his running style.

"Just all of the things that a great back has," he said. "I'm an explosive, powerful runner. I run North and South, but mostly North. I just try to make the best out of every opportunity, whether it be going around a defender or going through a defender. You have to do what it takes."

The Panthers believe an improved running game will take some pressure off the passing game and provide more opportunities for wide receiver Steve Smith.

Carolina has seven picks in rounds 3-7 today, including the 67th and 74th overall in the third round.