top dawg

That's your preference. I like the thought of Wilson, but for me, he has some important questions, just like the other two. His level of competition leaves a lot to be desired, and his durability is of real concern. My bet would be on Lance!

I get what the OP and you are saying. I understand (even if I don't think it would happen). My thing is, if we could get to number three, then why not just stay there? At that point, I'd really have to consider if DW is worth all that, especially when I would be in a better position for Lance, Wilson or Fields (and their rookie contract). It would be worth considering, as would trying to use it to trade for DW. But I could see a team trading a first round pick for an established player of CMC's caliber if they feel he could play a vital role towards their success.

That's bad!

You are intent on hunkering down, but that hole you're digging will ultimately cave in on you. Just saying.

Roy looked solid in relief. I expect his development to continue and be legitimately beneficial to the team. Haynes has always surprised when given the opportunity. He's excellent depth. Christian Miller is a hard one to gauge with so few snaps, but I believe his floor is at least better than average. He just gives a vibe of energy that may be just a tad chaotic, but will be valuable when harnessed (by gaining more experience). Omar Bayless legit flashed in training camp by all reports, so much so that the Panthers protected him from being poached. As such, he'll get a legit opportunity to compete which may lead to a legit opportunity to contribute. Don't count him out as JAG so soon! The others? Who knows? I believe that most will be, at most, solid depth in case of injury, if they make the roster.

Well, what did y'all think he was gonna get? That's in line with his market.

I know that's right! He's been in a pro FO for years, and is supposed to be this collegiate evaluation guru who has his finger on the pulse of personnel. I'm not necessarily giving him too much of a grace period. Now that could change until the 2022 draft and season depending upon whether we'd have to give up a king's ransom for Watson (because Tepper wants him), but I'm not inclined to give him much grace beyond that.

Sorry, @Ja Rhule, every time I see the thread title I can't help but think: "Houston will let Watson, rot, son"

Watson ain't the sturdiest QB...

That would be excellent!

We've all heard Scott Fitterer say some good things, and heard Matt Rhule and David Tepper say good things about him, but, honestly, we still don't know what the Panthers have got in Fitterer. Tim Weaver and Panthers Wire have endeavored to give clarity as to what we've really acquired, but basically we'll just have to wait and see. As a fan, I think Fitterer has received some immediate kudos for NOT being Marty Hurney much like Joe Biden did for not being Donald Trump (by millions), but I can say that for me, there is no honeymoon. Fit has to come in here and hit the ground running by making some good to great acquisitions, practical common-sense money-personnel management, and make sure the needle for the franchise is always moving towards excellence. All that being said, Weaver gives us some food for thought, and (like always) I'm going to give you a selected cliff notes version in my own words. Having a solid initial impression of Fit is difficult because we probably will never know how much responsibility and influence he had over Seahawks' drafts. We do know that he wasn't the shot caller, so that's why Fit probably deserves some benefit of the doubt when Seahawk drafts went south. By the same token, he gets some amount of praise as well. 2011 and 2012 were some really outstanding drafts by the Seahawks. In 2011, they got a solid lineman in James Carpenter in round 1, and acquired two very important pieces of the Legion of Boom in the 4th and 5th rounds in K.J. Wright and Richard Sherman respectively. "To have three players in one draft class still around a decade later is impressive as hell and Sherman might be the greatest value they got during their golden era of draft classes." The Hawks drafted two other important pieces on defense with generationally good linebacker Bobby Wagner in round 2, but started it out in the first with Bruce Irvin. And then, just for kicks, they drafted their future HoFer franchise QB in round 3 in Russell Wilson. That's damned good, and it's the main reason why they became champions (should've been twice). But 2013 and 14 were pretty meh. For some reason the Hawks drafted not one but two RBs and a bunch of other nondescript players. Spencer Ware made a little more noise than the uber-athletic bust Christine Michael, but the Seahawks basically wasted the 2013 and 14 drafts. Sure, they got Paul Richardson, and Justin Britt (OL), but they probably could have done better with FAs. Weaver gives them a little more credit for Richardson and Britt, but I'm not impressed. Richardson was really a round 2 bust in my opinion. One thing that is pretty notable, as we all know, is that the Seahawks have gotten some gems outside the first round. In 2015, Frank Clark was drafted right before the 3rd, and Tyler Lockett was an excellent pickup at 69. But honestly, from 2016 all the way to now, but for the absolute prize that is D.K. Metcalf (drafted with the last pick of the 2nd), there hasn't been much to write home about. I mean, they may have had some finds like Chris Carson, but the Seahawks haven't really been maximizing their drafts in my opinion, and I don't care that they acquired so many draft picks. Who cares if you aren't hitting paydirt? Weaver pointed out the Seahawks' inability to hit the broadside of a barn with a pick of a decent O-lineman. "This failure has several fathers. A lot of the blame has to fall on the front office for making poor evaluations on OL prospects." I mean, wasn't Fit a primary player in scouting OL prospects?¯\_༼ •́ ͜ʖ •̀ ༽_/¯ "This one area is probably the most concerning as far as what Fitterer might bring to the table in Carolina. Hopefully he’s learned from Seattle’s failures, or will at least offer different ideas on how to scout and develop linemen." Why should I believe that he's learned anything? That's a long and indistinguishable record. But, "hopefully"...乁[ ◕ ᴥ ◕ ]ㄏ Weaver goes on to point out that the Hawks weren't afraid to trade away firsts for splash FAs. That's not bad when you actually hit the nail on the head, but Percy Harvin and Jimmy Graham didn't really pan out all that well, and it was likely ill-advised for them to trade for Jamal Adams, but that's how they roll. Hopefully Fit will have us rolling a little bit smoother if deciding to give up first rounders for a big payday. Weaver thinks willingness to make a splash in FA is a good thing that Fit will hopefully bring from his time with the Hawks. "The major takeaway here is that Seattle’s decision-makers aren’t afraid to go out and get a player they’re in love with. While the devil is in the details, that’s a good instinct and hopefully one Fitterer will carry over with him." But I'd be cautious with that assessment. Like I said, you have to hit in order for it to be a good thing. Perhaps the biggest thing that Weaver points out is how the presence of Scott McCloughan in the Seahawks FO, or lack thereof, may speak to the success and failure of their drafts. To me it's kind of ominous, but I hope that Fit has taken notes from the guy. "Before McCloughan came to Seattle, he had a hand in building their most bitter rivals. As the 49ers’ general manager from 2008-2009 he was instrumental in putting together the Jim Harbaugh-era Niners...After San Francisco, McCloughan also helped build a dynasty-that-should-have-been in Seattle, then he also had a strong run with Washington from 2015-2016." "Since McCloughan left town, the Seahawks’ draft classes seemed to get weaker and weaker every year...it’s been a long time since they put together a truly impressive draft class." "We don’t know exactly how much influence McCloughan had over the process compared to Fitterer, Carroll or Schneider. That said, the downward trend after his exit is significant enough to think he was the party most responsible for their success in the draft." Post-McCloughan it seems like the Seahawks drafts have gone off the rails a bit. As Weaver points out, they've invested in RBs too much. I've already mentioned their inability to draft quality O-lineman. They also continue to seem to value linebackers more than most, which is arguably becoming for the defense akin to what RB is to offense in regards to value and return on investment. Like Weaver, I guess we can hope that Fit has this same evolving philosophy about the position (but I don't know that you'd ever pass on a generational type guy...if you need one...{Micah Parsons} Anyway, like I said, the jury is out on Fitterer! We're about to find out what type of GM he is. I just hope that our drafts and acquisitions are better than what the Seahawks have had for the last half decade. Matt Rhule seems like a really effective leader, so I'm going to watch with much anticipation as to what he and Fitterer can create and manifest in Charlotte. Read the article! It's great food for thought. https://www.google.com/amp/s/pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/panthers-scott-fitterer-seahawks-history-draft-themes/amp/

Dak is coming off a bad injury, and throughout his career has thrown big interceptions at the most inopportune of times. And yet, he wants to get paid like Mahomes. 35 mil per sounds about right.

I find this shortsighted. Sure, throw in some designed runs at the beginning of his career while he's making the transition to the pros, but Lance has the goods to be a great all-around NFL QB. Developing him to reach that potential will be the most efficient and effective way to ensure that he will become an apex predator on the gridiron that can help the team threaten for yearly championships!

Panthers Wire decided to make a list of our illustrious left tackles since Gross. It's kinda criminal at the end of the day. Hopefully Fitterer will do us a solid! https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/gallery/panthers-left-tackle-history-since-jordan-gross-retired/

Just wondering, why would any Panthers fan hate Smitty? Sure, he was far from perfect off the field, but "hate?"

I am just having a hard time understanding why some of you are taking "any price" literally. But, y'all keep thinking that Tepper is a fool if that's what works for you. Me? I think that our braintrust, including Tepper, will figure things out...and we'll be better for it!

That maybe true, but they will ultimately trade him!

Most times, you get what you pay for.

He's going to be traded! There's too much for Houston to lose.

And there's this, for good measure!

The fact that there is a hard salary cap makes the smarter smarter, not dumber. Like I mentioned, Tepper purchased the franchise at a markedly lower bid than what was offered. Does this sound like a guy that just opens up the Brinks truck for no reason?

Why is everyone taking this so literally? I take it as a sign that we aren't going to be outbid unless someone really earns it!

You sound more like someone who isn't willing to pay anything, than someone who is willing to analyze the efficacy and value of a trade.

I expect the Texans to continue this strategy as long as Watson remains silent. He's at least going to have to say that he isn't playing for them regardless of what they do, before they soften their stance. And of course, if they want to call his bluff, a sit-out may be in order.

Tepper purchased the Panthers at a lesser dollar amount than what his competition was offering! Remember that?