In this morning's press conference Dave Gettleman and Ron Rivera spoke openly about the Panther's draft strategy and the need to balance needs with BPA.

"Our staff, Ron, and myself have had numerous and extensive conversations over the past couple of months regarding draft strategy. Our strategy is always to go with the best available, but we cannot deny that our team has significant needs this year."

When asked to elaborate on this statement, Rivera fielded the response.

"We feel this team has turned a corner, and that we are just a few pieces away from greatness. Though our funds have been limited this offseason, we are committed to providing the best product we can, and part of that process is looking to fill needs in the draft, even if it means a temporary step back from our pure BPA strategy."

Asked about what they felt their specific needs were, Gettleman did not say directly what positions there were intrested in, but did make public a few visits that have been made to team facilities.

"We brought in some of the big names. When you're talking about your first round pick, you've gotta make sure you're getting a difference maker. It's a big investment you're making, and these types of long term commitments are not things we take lightly. We want an all in one solution, we value versatility."

Asked about specific names, Gettleman hesistantly threw a few out there...

"We had Minolta in here, Ricoh, Canon, Sharp... all the big names."

Reporters asked about any potential surprise selections.

"Well that wouldn't make it much of a surprise now would it." joked Rivera. "We did have a couple smaller names visit us. Kyocera and Okidata were both very impressive in our private sessions."

There was some chatter amongst reporters, until Joe Person finally stepped forward with a direct question. "What impressed you about some of these prospects?"

"I think I speak for Ron and his staff when I say that we were thoroughly impressed with Ricoh. They offered by far the greatest options as far as workflow integration, remote print and copy management, as well as integrated security that allows us to know who is making copies of what. In the past we have had massive issues with protection, and are really looking for a franchise cornerstone that can provide all of these solutions in one package. It may cost a little more than the others, but didn't I tell you guys we weren't shopping at the dollar store anymore?"

Silence filled the room.

"Also, it has a mode where it will totally collate and staple your documents automatically. This is going to give us a huge advantage when it comes time to hand out playbooks." said Rivera

Reporters began leaving the rooms in droves as Rivera and Gettleman continued to sit at the podium ready to field questions.