Charles Godfrey, the first of the Panthers two third-round selections in the 2008 NFL Draft, is facing some extremely high expectations as a rookie. After being switched from safety to cornerback during his sophomore year at Iowa, Godfrey is being switched back to the free safety position for his new NFL team. Terrence Holt, a sixth-year veteran with three years of starting experience, signed a one-year deal in the offseason and seemed to be penciled in as the starter beside Chris Harris at safety. But even as soon as the Panthers minicamp and OTA’s, Godfrey has been inserted into the first-team defense – and even has drawn praises from figures such as Steve Smith and John Fox. Godfrey runs the 40 yard dash under 4.4 seconds and allowed no touchdowns to be scored against him as a senior cornerback at Iowa. But is it really fair to expect him to hold down the fort at free safety from day one in the NFL? Not to be the pessimist, but that just seems like a lot to ask of a guy who hasn’t played the position as a starter his entire college career. But, given John Fox’s natural tendency to play the veteran over the youngster, Godfrey must’ve really impressed the coaching staff to some major extent. I for one thought that Holt would be the starter this season at the position due to his experience, not necessarily should be, but would be the starter.
Here’s hoping to another young defensive cornerstone emerging in Charles Godfrey.
