Two more choices in the Panthers' 2009 draft class are officially in the fold, as fourth-rounders Mike Goodson (111th overall) and Tony Fiammetta (128th overall) signed their first pro contracts on Friday.
A 6-foot, 212-pound running back, Goodson played in 36 games with 14 starts and twice led Texas A&M in rushing before entering the NFL Draft following his junior season. He compiled 1,964 career rushing yards on 374 carries for an average of 5.3 yards per attempt and 13 touchdowns. Also a capable receiver, Goodson registered 90 catches for 860 yards and seven touchdowns.
As a junior in 2008, Goodson played in 10 games with seven starts and finished first on the Aggies with 406 yards and five touchdowns on 94 attempts. Part of a three-back committee at tailback as a sophomore in 2007, he produced 711 yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries. Goodson earned honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition as a freshman in 2006 after ranking first on the team with a career-best 847 yards and four touchdowns on 127 attempts despite starting just one game.
Fiammetta, 6-foot and 245 pounds, played in 45 games with 18 starts at fullback for Syracuse. He completed his career with 16 rushes for 89 yards and 28 receptions for 202 yards and one touchdown but earned his reputation as a fierce blocker, making 108 knockdown blocks during his junior and senior seasons. Fiammetta served as a team captain as a senior in 2008 when he started 10 games and notched seven touchdown-resulting blocks to go along with 66 yards on five carries and 16 catches for 127 yards and one touchdown.
Carolina now has three of its seven draft picks under contract with Goodson and Fiammetta joining seventh-round choice Captain Munnerlyn. The cornerback from South Carolina signed his deal on Wednesday
To make room for Goodson and Fiammetta on the 80-man roster, the Panthers waived two players - long snapper Patrick MacDonald and defensive tackle Babatunde Oshinowo. Both had joined the team as free agents in January.
