MOBILE, Ala. - The Panthers' coaching staff made the most of their time at the Senior Bowl, though frankly they'd rather not attend next year's college all-star game.
"You don't want to come here every year," secondary coach Steve Wilks said, "because you hope that you're still playing."
The Panthers are continuing to build toward being a playoff-caliber team, and there are prospects at the Senior Bowl that can undoubtedly help that cause. The evaluation process will continue over the next few months, though Wilks views the Senior Bowl as a unique opportunity for coaches and scouts.
"It's a little bit better than the combine because you get to see the guys actually doing football stuff – drills, seven-on-seven and other team concepts," he said. "I think you get a little better feel for their talent and how they move than you get at the combine."
Here's a quick look at some of the movers and shakers with local ties that will play in the Senior Bowl on Saturday (4 p.m., NFL Network):
QUINTON COPLES, NORTH CAROLINA
Senior Bowl measurements: 6-5 3/4, 281
Current NFLDraftScout.com projection: First round – No. 1 defensive end, No. 12 overall
It's a fact: Coples is the first Tar Heels defensive end to be named first-team All-ACC in consecutive seasons since Julius Peppers in 2000 and 2001.
Coples says: "This week has been very productive. I'm out here with the most elite players on the collegiate level, and I'm just trying to show that I can compete at a high level and that I'm ready for the NFL."
MELVIN INGRAM, SOUTH CAROLINA
Senior Bowl measurements: 6-1 7/8, 281
Current NFLDraftScout.com projection: First round – No. 1 outside linebacker (listed elsewhere as a defensive end), No. 19 overall
It's a fact: Just the third consensus All-America in school history, Ingram scored two touchdowns in one game – on a fumble return and a fake punt against Georgia.
Ingram says: "I know there are only 32 NFL teams, but I feel like I've talked to 64 down here."
BRANDON THOMPSON, CLEMSON
Senior Bowl measurements: 6-2, 311
Current NFLDraftScout.com projection: Second round – No. 6 defensive tackle, No. 44 overall
It's a fact: Nickname is "Yams" because of his big thighs that pay dividends in the heart of the defensive line.
Thompson says: "This is a big week, to be able to come down and showcase my talents to all 32 teams. I'm not going to back down. This is a game I love, and I'm here to show that I'm a dominant player."
BRIAN QUICK, APPALACHIAN STATE
Senior Bowl measurements: 6-3 1/2, 222
Current NFLDraftScout.com projection: Second round – No. 7 wide receiver, No. 60 overall
It's a fact: Didn't play football until his senior year at Ridge View High School in Columbia, S.C., but played well enough to earn an invitation to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.
Quick says: "I'm a hard worker, and I'm a team player. I'll bust my tail on every play."
ANTONIO ALLEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
Senior Bowl measurements: 6-1 1/2, 202
Current NFLDraftScout.com projection: Third round – No. 2 strong safety, No. 73 overall
It's a fact: Allen played the "Spur" for the Gamecocks, a fifth defensive back that plays much like a linebacker and takes on leadership responsibilities for the defense.
Allen says: "I don't think you can find anywhere on film where I miss tackles – that's one of my strengths. They want to see what I can do in space, so I've come out here and showed my capabilities."
DWIGHT JONES, NORTH CAROLINA
Senior Bowl measurements: 6-3 1/8, 226
Current NFLDraftScout.com projection: Third round – No. 9 wide receiver, No. 74 overall
It's a fact: Led Cummings High School in Burlington, N.C., to state basketball championships in 2006 and 2007, totaling 47 points and 32 rebounds in the title games.
Jones says: "I just want to show that I can play football, that I'm a good route runner who knows how to get open. I also want to show that I'm coachable and that I love playing football."
