Just got out of Monday afternoon's pre-draft press conference at Bank of America Stadium with general manager Marty Hurney, coach John Fox and director of college scouting Don Gregory and here's what I've learned: The Panthers will indeed draft players they feel like will help their team this weekend.

   Outside of that, not much to report.

   Seriously, this press conference is normally the biggest waste of time given the team is so tight-lipped (and rightfully so), about their draft plans.

   Hurney's favorite line today was that "being open-minded going into the draft is very important."

   I specifically asked them about the perception that they will draft an offensive tackle, running back or defensive lineman with their first pick and Hurney said, "You just don't know because it just depends on who is there. It's just impossible to say right now. Two weeks ago everybody thinks you know who are going to take and you really don't. I think it goes back to if there is a player there who happens to be there that is is high on your board, then you have to seriously consider selecting him and see what happens."

   As for trading up or down, the Panthers are, you guessed it, keeping their options open.

   Hey, I don't blame them. In fact, I give them credit for actually coming out and talking to the media. It's just hard to get blood from a stone and the Panthers are in full lockdown mode when it comes to handing out information to the press.

   More on this (non)breaking news later.