Brailsford and Barton are guys I was interested in last year before returning to college for another season.

In scanning this year's draft, I came across Zakee Wheatley from PSU. Not exactly the same build, but Senior Bowl measurements have him at a hair under 6'3" & 200lbs and runs a 4.4. His acceleration, ability to span the field and be a true center field coverage safety would allow Moehrig to float more near the LOS and play to his strengths with a worthy compliment. Wheatley is a modern day lengthy SAF and he excels in zone coverage, isn't afraid to get dirty in the run game and has a nose for the ball. 

We play such a soft cover-3 scheme that having someone with speed to roam would be great. I'd especially like to see us roll Ransom out there with these two as well with Horn/Jackson to secure that backend for us.

Looking like a R2 pick as of now with some saying early third. If he truly is an athletic specimen that his numbers show, I assume he will only climb higher after the combine. 

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25250463-nfl-draft-2026-scouting-report-penn-state-s-zakee-wheatley

Will defnitely look to see how he does at the Sr. Bowl this weekend and in Indy next month.

Looks like a very good player needs to get a little bigger to play MLB....right now big enough for a weak side LB.

Opinions

https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-senior-bowl-roster-reveal-things-you-need-to-know

https://youtu.be/xsi8PCMMhrY?si=iGeognxaRyIUrh8L

Currently we have 8 selections, the actual slot in each round still to be determined by finishing order, but I can't see a huge swing one way or the other.

(This as of Week 10)

Needs: (no particular order)

ILB, CB, DL, Edge, S, QB, IOL, OT

Rd1: ILB/EDGE

Rd2:OT

Rd3:Edge/ILB (opposite of round 1)

Rd4:S

Rd5-a:CB

Rd5-b:QB

Rd6:IOL

Rd7:DL

All college QBs are developmental players.  With the transfer portal etc. players are hopping from program to program, often getting paid more than they would if drafted as juniors. I do not know if that is the reason and I only hypothesize about the fix, but it seems to me, this year there is a ton of developmental talent-risers, fallers, etc.  To prove my point, let's gander (yes, I used the word gander here without help from AI) at the early first round (top 10) draft picks over the last 10 years.  This should convince you to stop shopping at Oscar de la Renta and start checking out WalMart (if you can avoid being caught staring at a 250 lb woman wearing tights, a cut off wife-beater with a skull and crossbone naval ring) you can find some real bargains.  

Blake Bortles (3) 2014

Jameis Winston (1) 2015

Marcus Mariota (2) 2015

Jared Goff (1) 2016*

Carson Wentz (2) 2016

Mitch Trubisky (2) 2017

Pat Mahomes (10) 2017

Josh Rosen (10) 2018

Josh Allen (7) 2018

Sam Darnold (3) 2018*

Baker Mayfield (1) 2018*

Daniel Jones (6) 2019*

Kyler Murray (1) 2019

Joe Burrow (1) 2020

Tua Tagovailoa (5) 2020

Justin Herbert (6) 2020  

Trevor Lawrence (1) 2021

Zach Wilson (2) 2021

Trey Lance (3) 2021

Bryce Young (1) 2023

CJ Stroud (2) 2023  (borderline, but not a star yet)

Anthony Richardson (4) 2023  

(*not counting the late bloomers who are now playing well, but too late to benefit the team that drafted him, arguably)

In the past 10 years (2014-23--too early to tell on the rest), 7 QBs were drafted first overall, and only 1 has lived up to it with the team that drafted him, Joe Burrow.  And if you recall, Burrow transferred to LSU because Ohio State he was (on the depth chart) behind household names like:  JT Barrett, Dwayne Haskins, and even Cardale Jones. Aside from that, in 10 years only 1 QB in 7 has panned out as the first overall draft pick.  That is less than a 14% chance of the player being successful in your uniform.  However, Other top 10 first-rounders such as Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Jared Goff, Daniel Jones, have experienced some success after becoming traded, cut, or even being Journeymen for a while.  

In all, only 4 of the 22 (18%) of the QBs taken in the top 10 in the draft (between 2014-2023) are what I would consider a "franchise QB."  The others HURT their team in terms of salary and time.  The franchise will spend (in most cases) 2-3 years trying to develop a player who should make an immediate impact, based on draft status.

If you consider that there are also 4 players on this list who are experiencing success on other teams, you might say that if you pick one of the 8 of 22 (36% chance if you don't count Trevor Lawrence or CJ Stroud--10 of 22-45%- if you do) who will experience first-round pick level success in the NFL at some point in their careers, you can conclude that your odds of drafting a starting-caliber NFL QB in round one is less than 50%, and of that group, the odds are just as likely they will become your franchise QB as they will the franchise QB for another team.

In essence, you either hit the jackpot (18% chance of doing so) or you draft a bust (55% chance) or you (even worse) draft a player and become the farm system for another team that will benefit from the development. 

MHS's Better way

A better way to find your franchise QB is to do the following:

1.  Draft a QB when you don't really need one at the moment (desperation).  Green Bay knows this--Farve was on top of his game when they took Rogers, Rogers was on top of his game when they took Love.  

2. 53% of the current NFL QBs were NOT drafted in the top 10.  12.5% of the STARTING QBs were not drafted in the first round--that percentage is nearly as high as the success rate (18%) for top 10 QBs.  We are talking about the most important position in sports.  If your QB is not shining, do not put all your eggs into one basket and waste 3 years trying to develop him.  Personally, I think you draft one (with solid measurables) when that player is on your board--even if you don't think you need a starting qb.  

3.  Trade back a bit in the first round and get your QB, adding a second or third rounder, to be used on a WR or OL.  The odds are greater that the QB will succeed if he has weapons and protection.  Sounds crazy, but GMs drafting a QB in round one are acting in desperation.  (Anthony Richardson 4th pick overall?  Really?) 

About this draft (2026)

Personally, I think the top of this draft is "Red Flag City," a term I am getting a copyright for because it is awesome.  However, we need to develop a QB to complete only when he is ready; let him play behind the starter for a year or two.  Instead, we have some 40 year old Ginger milking the salary cap until his grandchildren are grown.  Bring in competition.  Look for players with solid mechanics, not stats.  Any qb should succeed at Ohio State.  WR heaven, OL get drafted, solid TE history.  Instead, look at feet, his ability to read the defense (percentage of plays where he throws to the best option--completion percentage is secondary), release time, leadership qualities (only Alphas need apply), his size, etc.   In today's NFL, however, the ability to make the best read an release the ball quickly are essential to success.  

I might even de-emphasize running ability and athleticism if the reading and release times are not elite.  Why?  Running QBs tend to hide those deficiencies and they run instead of waiting that extra .3 seconds.  Slow reading means the QB is not anticipating the WR getting open. It means their feet switch to run mode subconsciously even before they go through the progressions.  There are a few, such as Lamar Jackson, who have developed their processing speeds and release, but it took time.  In my view, good WRs, TEs, and OL are essential for any QB, and no young QB should be expected to succeed if the GM has not.

The 2026 NFL Draft

At this point, I am amazed how much the bigger names entering the season have fallen and how the unknowns from 2024 have staked their claims.  

I see top 10 picks as follows (not that they are worthy, but desperate times and desperate men do desperate things during times of desperation):

1. Ty Simpson, Alabama:  The most NFL-ready QB, in my opinion.  Watch him read the defense.

2. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana:  In the right system (West Coast) he could prosper.  If the right team is available, he will be the second QB taken.

3. LeNorris Sellers, THE University of South Carolina:  I am higher on Sellers than some because he has the skill set to be great.  SC may not have been the place to showcase his talent.  By draft night, I think he rises into the top 10, around 7th overall

4.  Dante Moore, Oregon:  Some will have him at #1 or #2, but he has some issues and I am not fond of drafting QBs from the West coast conferences.

After this run on QBs, there might be crickets for a while.  If the Panthers are picking #12 or so (as I predict), they should trade back and get a developmental QB.

But look at these names that have fallen--is anything worth developing there?

• Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
• Cade Klubnik, Clemson
• Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
• John Mateer, Oklahoma
• Drew Allar, Penn State
• Carson Beck, Miami
• Taylor Green, Arkansas

However, if I am the Panthers GM, I think I would draft the best LB in round 1 (as of Nov 16) and take one of the fallen players who meet the criteria mentioned earlier.  I do not do so with the intention of starting the player, but developing the player.  If you see potential, you build your offensive philosophy, your offense, and your playbook for the future around that skill set.  

The player I would like to see us research extensively (based on what I know about him)?  Brendon Soresby, Cincinnati.  Stay tuned.

this is how I see it (using OTC for the 2026 roster information) on December 22, 2025.  This is rather basic, focusing on the core needs.

Blue: Potential players to re-sign in the offseason.  Green: Players under contract for the 2026 season.  Italics: Possible cap casualties

Analysis

Offense: 

Center:  First, sign Mays for the long term (He is 26–I’d give him a 3-4 year deal).  He is not great, but he is decent and we need consistency on the OL. He does not make stupid mistakes.

While the draft is not great in the interior offensive line, signing a veteran who can backup G and C would be a strategy.

Guard:  Canalas seemed to be impressed with Curhan, as I was.  He will be 28 next year, so he has a few years in him. I think he comes cheap and is quality depth.  He can play center, but is perhaps best at G and T.  Valuable reserve.

Tackle:  While Nijman returns as the swing T behind Moton and Ekwonu, the Panthers need to start developing a RT to play behind Moton.  A late-round draft pick that is rough but has all the tools is ideal. As the fourth OT, he can develop behind some pretty good veterans.

Wide Receiver:  We need a playmaker to play opposite TMac.  I believe in Coker, but think he is the AT-type slot. He needs to be re-signed. XL cannot be counted on to step into that role.  He is not that familiar with the WR position and he does not seem to be a student of the game.  This is a strong WR draft. First or second round.

Tight End:  I dunno.  I can see us upgrading the position, but Tremble does a lot of stuff well aside from catching the ball.  Evans is a decent all-around TE, and Sanders has some upside.  I’d love a weapon, but add the WR.

Running Back:  If Dowdle wants to be here, how do you let him walk?  He will be 28, and most RBs hit the wall then.  He deserves a big contract, but 28-year old RBs on big deals don’t earn them.  Go with Hubbard, Brooks, and Etienne.  Build the OL and the backs get better.

Quarterback:  Well, Bryce is improving and his confidence is growing.  Look at how many other QBs have taken time to get it. He is going to be the QB, regardless.  I want a young QB behind him, not the Red Senior Citizen.  

Overview: Free Agent Priorities are to re-sign Mays and Coker.  I have Dowdle in blue, but I would let him walk (for reasons provided).  Cuhran played well and is versatile and should be signed if possible.  Draft a developmental OT, a raw, late-round OT.  In the draft, take a WR in rounds 1 or 2.  The offense is in tact–little needs to be done.  Let the OL develop chemistry, sign Mays while he is entering his prime, and get a weapon opposite TMac.  Give Coker a long-term deal. 

Defense:

ILB;  With only Wallace on the 2026 payroll, this position needs to be addressed.  Rozeboom might be able to be re-signed. I think ILB will be addressed in free agency and the draft. ILB will be the second or third round pick.  We will re-sign Rozeboom and maybe Cherulus and another priority free agent.

Edge/OLB: Scourton seems to be the real deal, but Princely (needs to develop) and Jones II are role players.  The draft is LOADED at the edge rush position.  I expect a first or second round edge player to be taken.

Defensive Tackle:  We have some big salaries at DT, and with Brown on the field, you dont need stars beside him.  I think the team cuts Robinson to get $8.5m in cap room, especially since C Jackson seems to be ready.  

Cornerback:  Morgan has done a tremendous job finding talent in the bargain bins at CB.  Smith-Wade has been very solid.  Thornton seems to be a find.  Mike Jackson is a solid pro.  

Safety:  Ransom seems to be the heir apparent for the Scott job, and Moehrig gives them a very aggressive, violent pair of safeties.  I like the safeties in this draft, fwiw.  I expect a late round pick.

Overview:  The Panthers must address ILB and Edge as priorities.  The ILB could be a free agent, Rozeboom re-signing, and maybe a draft pick. However, they need a pass rush more than anything else.   This is a great draft for edge players; I would not be surprised to see Dan Morgan double dip at edge.  Depth at S.

As soon as the season is over, look for Morgan to re-sign Mays, Coker, Cuhran, and possibly Rozeboom and Dowdle.  That would lock up the starting C, #3/slot WR, versatile depth on the OL, and get your leading tackler back at ILB.  Three HUGE moves that sould not break the bank.

Free agency would be focused on adding an ILB and a Safety who can play FS in three-S or big nickel sets.

The draft would target Edge, WR, and ILB on days 1 and 2.

Day 3:  OT depth, S depth, ILB depth.

A little late, was posted 6 days ago, but i just finished watching Dane Brugler's midseason top 3 prospects at each position

0:00 Intro
4:53 Quarterbacks
16:04 Running Backs
22:06 Wide Receivers
31:06 Tight Ends
35:31 Offensive Tackles
39:45 Interior OL
41:55 EDGE rushers
45:02 Defensive Tackles
47:52 Linebackers
52:57 Cornerbacks
55:23 Safeties
57:47 Week 7 Lookahead

Here is the all-time leader in TDs in the whole NCAA, even division I. I see no issue at all using a 7th filter on him. Even without his dad, hes got plenty to offer. 

https://nfldraftblitz.com/2022/10/04/2023-senior-bowl-watchlist-scouting-notes-qb-tyson-bagent-shepherd/

Just a few rumors that could indirectly impact the Panthers--please add to the list, except those that personally attack Jon Snow.  He is sensitive about being teased about his man boobs, it would appear, and does not appreciate any online references about them--or his third testicle--which is only an unsubstantiated rumor and should not be repeated by anyone, including the UNC med students doing research about it.  Spreading unsubstantiated rumors is classless and should not be permitted in any situation, so under no circumstances should the Huddle engage in any form of rumor mongering, such as spreading that nonsense about Special Juan and the reason he is not allowed within 500 feet of any Chucky Cheese or schools that have monkey bars or swings.  Finally, that vicious rumor that I had sex with the Spice Girls at a party in 1998 needs to stop.  It implies that all Spice Girls were involved, yet Ginger was not at the party.  These kinds of rumors can be damaging.

Rumor:  McShay just reported in his podcast that the "winds have shifted" about Shedeur Sanders.  He referenced back in October when Dad basically said, "If we tell you not to draft him, don't draft him" to Shedeur wearing a Browns hat.  Recently, Deion has come out to announce that he is OK with wherever his son goes--while the intentions were good, he is still one-too-many voices in the process.  I think it was at the combine when Shedeur responded to a question, "Do you know who my dad is?"  while laughing.  He was asked about the Raiders during an interview, and Shedeur said, "I ain't going sixth..."  He was referencing living with criticism, etc. but continually referencing Dad may not be helping--but this shift in his and his father's approach to the draft suggests that they are not quite as confident, now that teams have signed free agents.  McShay suggests that Cam will go #1 to the Titans, but the Browns may not think Sanders (who some have a second round grade on--he has him at #19 overall) is worth the #2 pick, and that might lead to them taking the best player in the draft (Carter, but do not rule out Hunter). 

• Side Rumor:  There are rumblings that the Browns could land Cousins from the Falcons, giving them a starting QB and the #2 overall pick.

The Giants just signed Russell Wilson and J. Winston. Daboll and Shoen may not be ready to put their jobs on the back of a developmental QB--so they take the best player on their board, Hunter (if the Browns take Carter).  New England probably drafts an OT, but they would like to trade back. Some mocks have them taking Jeanty--but I do not see Vrabel going RB with so many needs.  

• Side Rumor:  The Jets may want to move up for Hunter (if he is there) and the Pats may want to move back and take a T.  So if Hunter is on the board at #4, look for a NY-Boston trade.

The Jags do not need a QB, but most mocks have them staying put and taking Mason Graham, DT Michigan. 

• Side Rumor:  The smart money has the Jags taking Mason Graham, but some think they are in love with TMac.  Others have TMac going to the Seahawks later.

The Raiders are supposedly in love with RB Jeanty to go in Pete Carrol's offense. I see that as a likelihood.

The Jets seem to like Fields and bringing in Sanders makes little sense, but it could not be ruled out.  The drama, however, after the Rodgers experiment, is not ideal.  Most NY area experts have the Jets taking Membou OT or Warren TE--always take the top OT over the top TE. 

The Panthers are likely to have Walker on their board and should be fielding offers.  According to McShay, a team still needing a QB would be calling the Panthers to get ahead of the Saints.  McShay mentions that the Giants could be in play to move back up to grab Sanders, but I see Indianapolis as a more likely candidate, with Richardson and Daniel Jones as their QBs at the moment.  For the Colts to move up to 14 it would not require a huge investment in draft capital.  The Colts could send Carolina their first (14) and second (45) to Carolina for their first (8) and a fourth (111) and fifth (140).

Side Rumor:  According to McShay, the folks at FanDuel give the over and under odds for Sanders being drafted at 7.5 to 8.5.  The Panthers pick 8th. 

What does this mean?   First, Jon Snow will have to change his user name and I think Special Juan is required to report his status to us to be on this board.  Secondly, it means the Panthers could sit at #8 and take Walker or move back, where players like Warren, TMac, Mykel Williams, or a top S (Starks/Emmanwori), Golden, etc. would be in play.   In addition, getting pick #45 would land a player like Princely (Edge).

Anyway, although everyone is talking up Cooper as this generational WR, I have my eye on Lockett(Kansas St.) and Diggs(Maryland) as some impact guys that could go later. I just have a feeling.

Also could potentially look at OT. Chandler and Bell are just not it. I would say maybe take a look at Donovan Smith(Penn St.). Could be a solid LT for years to come.

I think that the team is going to be looking at investing a premium pick at RT should Bryce's development continue, and might even look to double dip at the position in order to have a swing tackle that can also kick inside when needed. There's also the question of starting center...

Prospects I'm watching this upcoming college season...

Centers

• Jake Slaughter (Florida)
• Iapani Laloulu (Oregon)
• Connor Lew (Auburn)
• Logan Jones (Iowa)
• Parker Brailsford (Alabama)
• Connor Tollison (Missouri)
• Bryce Foster (Kentucky)
• Pat Coogan Notre Dame)
• Raheem Anderson (Michigan)
• Carson Hinzman (Ohio State)

RTs

• Francis Mauigoa (Miami)
• Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)
• Spencer Fano (Utah)
• Gennings Dunker (Iowa)
• Blake Miller (Clemson)
• Isaiah World (Oregon)
• Caleb Tiernan (Northwestern)
• Monroe Feeling (Georgia)
• Earnest Greene III (Georgia)
• Monroe Mills (Louisville)
• Charles Jagusah (Notre Dame)
• Tree Babalade (South Carolina)
• Trey Zuhn III (Texas A&M)
• Nolan Rucci (Penn State)
• Tristan Leigh (Clemson)
• Fernando Carmona (Arkansas)
• JC Davis (Illinois)
• Riley Mahlman (Wisconsin)
• PJ Williams (SMU)
• Tosh Baker (Notre Dame)
• Aki Ogunbiyi (Texas A&M)
• Courtland Ford (Kentucky)
• Ethan Onianwa (Rice)

Some spring game highlights from Ewers, Sanders and Beck

I assume one of these guys will emerge as the 1st pick overall. Bo Nix just went 12th overall. A QB will go 1st overall despite being a weak class