Round 3 under way: Time to address needs (maybe)

The third round of the NFL draft is the weekend's nexus. After two rounds, most teams have nabbed who they believed to be the most valuable players for their system.

In the third round, the attention turns to players who might have slipped through unexpectedly. While the temptation is to start plugging holes, sometimes there are guys the scouts just won't let you pass on.

That happen just a little while ago to the Carolina Panthers, who nabbed Penn State linebacker Dan Connor (more from Dan himself later). Connor was expected to be one of the first linebackers off the board when the draft began but, for whatever reason, was sitting there when Carolina's No. 74 overall pick arrived.

It goes without saying that Dan is a little confused as to why the Panthers would take him, since Jon Beason so ably established himself at the same position. Here at Bank of America Stadium, we've already heard from Dan. As soon as GM Marty Hurney and coach John Fox become available, we'll fill you in on the thought process.

Just off the cuff though: Connor was the best available player at that point of the draft. We'll see what the bosses say.