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We read each other and we bring together influences from a variety of sources--that is what makes this time of year great. However, when you realize that the Panthers have talked to three (3) WRs expected to be there around #19, it must give us pause. We all knew about Cooper (who has been heavily mocked to the Jets at #16) and Concepcion (deemed to be the perfect Z WR based on his skill set). Then the other day, the Panthers quietly brought in another tall WR that seems to be less than a good fit at first glance. First, a glance at the top 2 WRs the Panthers have shown interest in: Cooper (projected to Jets at 16--could possibly go as early as 9) Concepcion (considered to be a perfect fit for the Z WR (leaving Coker in the slot and TMac at X) has one major issue that has plagued the Panthers (see Legette, Xavier, TMac) in the area of drops. Coker, on the other hand has never dropped anything in his entire life--including "in" or "by." He can't even eavesdrop. So, does that stat about Concepcion bother them? It does me. XL dropped 14% of his catchable balls as a rookie. Last year, he found new ways to screw up, such as not knowing the boundares or lateralling to Rico for a big loss. Yes, TMac was ROY and was terrific, but he had 8 drops, catching just under 60% of targets. Top NFL WRs are in the 70%-80% range--which is good news--it means that TMac can improve. He caught 70 passes and dropped 8, meaning that his drop rate was about 10%. If you are counting, Denzel Boston is another first-round WR whose stock may have dropped a bit because he did not run a 40 during his pro day. However, I see him as the #3 or #4 WR in this draft. Most people feel that Denzel Boston is in the TMac mold--a tall X. Many of the same criticisms (about separation and speed) face Boston now. Although he is primarily viewed as a physical X (split end) receiver due to his 6'4", 212-pound frame, Boston has a weakness that makes him less valuable as the X but more valuable as a Z. Boston's ability to get off a jam at the LOS has been questioned--something an X does nearly every play. While his size and contested-catch ability make him a prototypical X, scouts and analysts note he has the versatility to move across the formation, including taking snaps in the Z or as a big slot, often helping to create mismatches. This would make him interchangeable with Coker. Even if Legette does not come around, the Panthers would have a three-headed hydra at WR. For much of last season, the Panthers had TMac, a goofy XL, and Versatility: Beyond being an X receiver, he is considered capable of playing Z or in the slot, allowing for movement across the formation. Physicality: With his size and strength, he can play on the outside, making him a strong red-zone target. Role Projection: While he primarily played on the boundary, his profile fits as a versatile receiver who can align in multiple spots to exploit matchups. His 6-foot-4 height and 209-pound weight are ideal for an outside receiver who can play both X and Z positions at the next level. NFL Combine write-up: Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value. The Panthers have looked at three Z WRs who will be first-rounders in all likelihood. They have a proven track record of bringing in first-round picks. The tea leaves are strong in this case. here is Greg Cosell talking to the Bills analysts. What he says about Boston (compares to TMac) is interesting (4:45). https://www.buffalobills.com/video/greg-cosell-breaks-down-wr-draft-class-buffalo-bills Screen Shot: No share available. "I don't think you have to just line him up inside (slot). I think you can play him outside (X)." That comment suggests he can play X, slot, or Z. He then compares KC Concepcion vs. Boston--very different WRs. In my view, Boston is more versatile. Boston has excellent hands and he wins contested balls. Red Zone--giving TMac someone on the other side of the field with the sure-handed Coker inside. What Cosell says later (about Hurst, actually, but it applies to Concepcion): "You can teach guys to catch a ball." He talks about Concepcion, Boston, and Cooper in succession. I get the feeling he is less impressed with Cooper than others are because he questions the competition--based on the Indiana system vs. zone etc. I would also say that any WR who has a good WR on the other side of the field probably gets less defensive attention. I should add that this also reflects poorly on XL, but I have said he would be a late bloomer. I had no idea how much he did not know about football. We shall see, but can you imaging how potent we'd be in 4 WR sets if he comes around? How do you cover that? (OT people are biting their lips right now) THE DRAFT It sure looks as though the Panthers are looking seriously at WR (the Z spot specifically) in the draft. Can you see any other position that has garnered this much attention for potential day 1 players? I cannot. I am concerned about the OT situation, don't get me wrong, but Morgan is going to think, "I have a starter and I brought in a swing T (Forsythe). Moton is a real concern. We may look at RT later--and I know how others feel about it. We could re-sign BC and he would be available after a month or two....I dunno. Less than 2 weeks to go--just thought I would take a look at WR because it seems, based on available "evidence," that a WR will be our pick....again.

What I liked about this was…up until pick 19 I think who is on the board is going to be close to the reality. If it fell like that I’m going KC or a tackle, offense or defense, doesn’t matter.

I really like this draft

You keep trying to make this about Bryce Bryce Bryce Bryce, and in the most important respects, it's about the team. Bryce is part of the team. You can say it however many times you want, but we're not in better shape than most teams in the NFL as far as our receivers, but even if I concede that (which I'm not), we certainly aren't in line with the teams that threaten championship every year.

Im sure the people paid to make them hate them more than I do. It has to be the most mind numbing boring thing to create.

If we tool a WR in the 2nd I think it would have to be the by far and away BPA and a guy we were utterly shocked to see still on the board to the point of the front office frantically making calls to friends around the league to try to find out why. Bernard isn't that. Honestly, I think he'd be a reach in the 2nd and I definitely don't want to see us reach on a WR in the 2nd. When you look at our needs and then look at this draft class and draft projections, 2nd round LB is looking like a likely match made in heaven.

He nailed the analysis of this team. I do not agree with him on who we should draft this year except for a center. But he's 100% spot on about this team and the importance of this season.

I wonder how many mocks you would have tho piece together to get the first round 100%? Take 1 from, we’ll all of them, and then 2 from whoever gets it both right and then 3 from another if needed etc. May not be able to with some of the more unusual picks not to mention trades

It should be Bryce Young is at a pivotal point. I think the panthers are finally building something sustainable that eventually would need just a solid qb I mean the Seahawks just won it all with Sam darnold who we got rid of

It's an ongoing theme. If you point out that he's being an idiot with terrible takes he just blocks you. The guy is probably seeing very few posters' comments at this point. I honestly didn't pay any attention to who I was actually responding to. Now it makes sense. LOL

He's getting it in both threads cuz his takes are so bad

So because Cam elevated players around him, he didn't deserve more help, and because you feel Bryce doesn't elevate players around him, he also doesn't deserve more help. Got it. Sink or swim as a QB in Carolina is a great message to send out to the league and potential future players.

Cam elevated the players around him. He showed more in his 1st 2 games as a rookie than Bryce has his entire career. At some point, Bryce has to be that guy. Bryce can't have a top 5 oline, 3 top WRs, a Greg Olson TE, top 10 RB and get a 60m AAV salary. Bryce seems like a likeable enough guy outside of football. On the field though, he hasn’t put together 2 games of football that show he's anything more than a bottom tier QB. Maybe our receivers are an issue. Or maybe our QBs inability to get them the ball with consistent timing, accuracy and velocity from terrible footwork is part of the problem. One that Bryce refuses to acknowledge or work on.

I think, especially after their visit with Boston, that the Panthers are going WR again unless some player falls to them that they did not expect.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48447175/sources-colts-agree-seek-new-team-cb-kenny-moore-ii I'm not going to pretend to know much about a Colts CB and how he played last year, just didn't pay enough attention to them. But if he still has some game left in him, he's a nickel back who was a pro bowler not too long ago, feel like he could be a great addition to our defense. Horn, Jackson, Moore, CSW would be a pretty nice CB unit.

I wouldn't mind it. Everyone talks about TE not being a need and that Canales doesn't utilize TEs in the passing game, meanwhile we have one of the worst TE units in the NFL and we'd be dumb to heavily utilize them in the passing game. If Canales wants to use the TE position as a core part of the passing game then it's quietly actually a huge need. Every TE on pur roster is a guy who should be competing for a backup spot at most and honestly probably just simply fighting to hang onto a roster spot and a paycheck.

well said. The TE is great for the middle of the field (crosses, curls, seams, etc) and Bryce is not great throwing there. Maybe they blame the TE.

At 41 minute mark, Sadiq TE Ore

In the first, draft a guy who plays a position that you have to pay $25-60m on a second contract. If you have 4 of these players starting (over time), you save a lot of money that can be spent upgrading many other positions. The first rounder is not just about the talent of the player--it is a business arrangement. WR? I am fine with it. OT? I get it. Edge? Sure. CB? I understand. Safety or TE? Not in round 1. I think the Panthers will target Delp early day 3. So it was written.

Not getting the "not understanding impactful players part. An afterthought of a 2nd round pick won three MVPs under him.

Can you at least say what the pick was in op?

He's a troll to troll. One of those people that have to go against the grain

Career 21 yards per game for Sadiq. Would be one of the worst picks of all time.

So this could be the most likely outcome based on our top 30 visits?

That is so not true. Our receiving corps is wanting, and everybody seems to know it but you. Coker has proven to be good, not great. He's not fast or uber quick. And as you already have heard, the best ability is availability. The problem is that you don't want to use a first round pick on it because of your own rather arbitrary notions.