KatsAzz

Let's face it, Sam Darnold has essentially zero trade value. If a trade were to be made, you can expect that the Panthers will have to foot most of the bill, similar to what they did in the Teddy Bridgewater trade. Releasing Darnold would be a tough pill to swallow in terms of cap money and trading him seems impossible but the one thing the Panthers can't do is have Darnold on the roster for 2022 and beyond. Let's face it, even if Darnold recovers from his shoulder injury, there's no way he's going to touch the field. So if you know he's not going to be your starter, you can't pay a guy $18 million to sit on the bench.

My guess is the Panthers will have all 3 ( Pickett,Corral,Willis) rated fairly close and would be happy with any of the 3 if they decide to go QB with the #6 pick.

My bet is that more people than Rhule will have a say in the direction this draft takes for the Panthers and what players they take.

https://arrowheadaddict.com/2022/03/23/kc-chiefs-trading-tyreek-hill-huge-mistake/ KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 23: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with teammate Patrick Mahomes #15 after scoring a 64 yard touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) KC Chiefs: Trading Tyreek Hill was a huge mistaken In a turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have reached agreement on a trade to send franchise wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins after failing to come together on a long-term contract extension to keep him in K.C. for the next few seasons. It was reported just a week earlier by NFL reporter Ian Rapoport that the Chiefs were “deep in talks” to extend Hill which made all the sense in the world. He’s been a Pro Bowl player every single year of his career and was arguably already the best wide receiver in Chiefs history. Hill, 28, has accumulated 6,630 receiving yards and 56 receiving touchdowns in six seasons with Kansas City and is widely regarded as the fastest man in football. He’s also showed no signs of slowing down. Trading Tyreek Hill is a mistake for KC Chiefs.So why trade him? We’re all wondering the same thing. How does trading Tyreek Hill make sense? Sometimes, there are trades that don’t make sense at all, and Hill’s deal is one of the few that don’t.How did we get to this point, though? It seemed as if the two sides were talking for quite some time about a new deal, however, it seems as if the Las Vegas Raiders trade for Davante Adams that paid Adams $28 million per year threw a wrench into negotiations. Hill likely wanted that or more and the Chiefs were only willing to go so high before a trade was considered. The consensus from a lot of Chiefs Kingdom is that the Chiefs should have probably just paid Hill what he’s worth. They really should have. Because for one, Hill took a discount the last time around in negotiations because of his ongoing legal troubles at the time. He’s kept his nose clean since then and has improved on the field. Pay Hill what he’s worth.Instead, the Chiefs sent him to Miami for a multitude of picks including a first rounder and second rounder in 2022 while Miami makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. Why general manager Brett Veach decided to make this move is mind-boggling. With Hill now out of the picture, the Chiefs offense will likely never be the same as it was since the beginning of the Mahomes era. Hill changed the way defenses played the Chiefs and took up loads of attention. Now, that’s gone and you have a relatively unknown receiver group and an aging Travis Kelce. Some could argue this means the Chiefs are moving towards a more balanced offense where they run the ball more bu that seems unlikely and trading Hill doesn’t make that happen, because it’s an easier decision for teams to load the box. With no Hill, a worse offense, and a worse defense as it stands and really only the draft left to fill all the holes, it’s foolish to predict the Chiefs to win the division or the AFC with all the improvements the league has made. Everyone is taking a step forward while Kansas City takes a step backwards. We thought the Chiefs were set after finally finding their WR2 in JuJu Smith-Schuster, only for them to create a need at WR1. Now you have all these lottery ticket draft picks with no guarantee any of them work out. Even if they do, it’s highly unlikely that they even equal the loss of a player like Hill. If the Chiefs were uncomfortable paying Hill what he’s worth and close to $30 million per year, then that’s one thing, but they didn’t even get back a player in the deal. They have cap space now from trading Hill, but not much to use it on at this point. This is what unfortunately has to happen when you give players like Frank Clark bad contracts or when you pay a left guard left tackle money. The Chiefs had to make a decision and they made the wrong one on a truly great player. They could have moved around money and kept Hill, but they decided it wasn’t worth it for whatever reason.

Rhule was hired by Tepper because of his reputation for quickly turning around programs at Temple and Baylor. Tepper said Rhule fit the job description of "the right mix of old-school discipline and toughness with modern and innovative processes". The Panthers had not made the playoffs or had a winning season since 2017. Tepper said he was willing to view the Panthers rebuild as a seven year process. However, the boneheaded moves the team has made shows me he is an impatient owner who has allowed decisions made that have set the team back. If one wants to play the blame game for the Panthers present state of affairs, it should start at the top and work its way down.

Hey Deion,i had no idea that Jackson State fielded a football team. Thanks for the information.

Exactly. It’s been awhile since Mel’s official announcement way back in 2010. If your memory needs to be jogged a bit, he did it while debating ESPN foil Todd McShay on “NFL Live” leading up to that year’s draft. The topic? The NFL future of then-Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Kiper had Clausen ranked as the fourth best prospect in the entire 2010 NFL Draft even though most other draft pundits had the QB projected to go in the second round (Clausen was subsequently selected 48th overall by the Carolina Panthers). At the time, people accused Kiper of being biased since he and Clausen shared the same agent, Gary Wichard. But Kiper only dug in his heels further, making this infamous proclamation on ESPN: “If Jimmy Clausen is not a successful quarterback in the NFL, I’m done. That’s it. I’m out.” Replied McShay: “What is your time frame, Mel? When do we make that assessment?” Kiper: “I want eight years.” McShay: “It will only take three years, Mel. We can tell inside three years.” Kiper: “I want eight.” Well, Kiper got his eight years and here we finally are in 2022 — over 10 years after Clausen’s final NFL game. As for whether his career was a “success,” the stats speak for themselves:

I won’t go as far as to call Kiper a clown, but that has certainly entered my mind about him before. He said Jim Drunkenmiller was the best QB of his class, that Steve Emtman was a can’t miss and that Tony Mandarich was the best OL ever. He’s most famous for being absolutely right that Trev Alberts would be an absolute bust, but he wanted Trent Dilfer taken in that spot. He writes a million mock drafts per year and constantly contradicts himself, regardless of the teams’ needs. The fact that ESPN has been paying him (and paying him well) for over 30 years is just short of astounding.

I do not any anymore retread quarterback cast offs from other teams. Let's roll the dice, draft our own quarterback and stop taking the ones other good teams reject.

If the Panthers are sold on Pickett’s talent and his ability to play at a high level immediately like I think they are, he should be their pick at # 6 in the NFL Draft. The Panthers are a QB away from competing for the NFC South in 2022 and landing the right starter could change everything for this franchise. Plus, this organization holds a lot of connections to Pickett. David Tepper grew up in Pittsburgh, Penn. and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. He later became part-owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and remains an influential booster for the Panthers’ college football program. Plus, Pickett reminded everyone that he already has a strong relationship with Matt Rhule. Considering how much influence Rhule and Tepper will have over the Panthers’ QB decision, I will not be surprised if Pickett goes to the Panthers at #6 in the up coming NFL Draft.

I do not want to give up draft choices for other teams QB castoffs, unless it would be Minshew, who would eventually be a great backup and good emergency starter.

I would like to see the Panthers obtain Minshew if they don't select a QB in the current draft. He should come cheap and would compete with Darnold for the starting position this year. He would also be a good mentor and a great backup if the Panthers select a QB in the draft next year.

Exactly. He should have no problem getting use to his new teams name if Carolina selects him.I suppose that would be a plus to some degree.

The NFL game is all about matchups and if the Panthers offensive coordinator can put McCaffrey in the slot matched up on a linebacker seemingly all game long, it's going to be a long day for the opposing defense. He's a terrific route runner already and knows how to attack a defensive back's leverage to put his man in a vulnerable spot. Although they are completely different players, McCaffrey could be used in a similar way to Deebo Samuel of the 49ers. As the season moved along Samuel lined up more and more in the backfield while also being the team's No. 1 receiving threat. This would save a large number of hits on McCaffrey but it doesn't take the ball out of his hands. Throwing him in the backfield for 8-10 carries a game will keep defenses off balanced.

Granted, I usually don't like the thought of a trade back but I'm more open to it this year since the Panthers don't have a 2nd or 3rd round pick and could probably still get a QB later in the 1st round. It may not be as hard as some think to find a willing trade partner who will give up what the pick is worth because there many edge rushers in this draft that should be worth it.

We all know that Cam Newton struggled after rejoining the Panthers midway through the 2021 campaign. There is no reason why the Panthers should even entertain the notion of bringing him back There’s no need to hide the truth. The Cam Newton experiment and reunion mostly bombed for the Panthers last season, enough to the point that one would rationally believe the team would have less than zero interest in bringing him back in 2022.

Just Ran Across This Recent Mock Draft For What It's Worth 2022 NFL Mock Draft NFL Draft 1-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis is the new era for the Carolina Panthers With three first-round quarterbacks and surprises aplenty, this 2022 NFL Mock Draft is the last ahead of the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. By Cam Mellor Just hours ahead of the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, the Pro Football Network free Mock Draft Simulator takes one final spin at a 2022 NFL Mock Draft. The PFN Mock Draft Simulator ventures through the first round and selects all 32 players based on need and fit. With a few surprises, here’s how the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft could shake out ahead of the Combine and free agency period. Just how many quarterbacks are selected in Round 1, and who are the future faces of those NFL franchises? 6) Carolina Panthers: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty The first quarterback selected in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft heads to the Carolina Panthers, with Malik Willis becoming their future franchise QB. With Matt Corral opting to not throw at the Combine as he continues to rehab the ankle injury he sustained in the Sugar Bowl, his pro day on March 23 became must-see television. That also gives the edge to Willis to be the first quarterback selected, as no one has seen Corral throw since that first half in the bowl game. Willis is a dual-threat with an improving arm and pass-first mentality. He’ll throw for 200+ yards and run for another 100 yards if given the chance. His arm talent is rare, raw, and improved this past season with every throw. He is not a dual-threat, run-first quarterback. In fact, he’s much more prone to buy time, keep his eyes downfield, and uncork an accurate shot to all levels of the field.

Charlotte Observer Sports writer Ellis L. Williams had this to say pertaining to QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the Panthers in an article this morning ( 3/20/22). JIMMY GAROPPOLO Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery last week. All went as well and he is expected to be throwing well ahead of training camp. Still, recovering from offseason surgery complicates his trading market. There are some within the Panthers organization who do not view Jimmy Garoppolo as an upgrade over Darnold. He carries an injury-prone stigma and benefited from a run-first Kyle Shanahan scheme. Eight years into Garoppolo’s pro career and there is still no league-wide consensus on his value or potential. The Panthers need a quarterback who solves their problems rather than one their offense must support. Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article259434349.html#storylink=cpy

If the Panthers effort improving the offensive line is successful,i can see Sam Darnold having a better year this year than last. However, the long term answer at quarterback is not on our present roster, in my opinon. Like you stated, it would be great if "He then comes in next year and is instantly transformed into Jake" . But for the life of me I just cannot see that happening. Hopefully, for the team and fans sake, i hope i am proven wrong.

Stats are not bad at all. I think this big guy is a good signing.

Bingo! These are my exact feeling. The Panthers were already kicked back to the curb as Watsons third choice. Adding fuel to the flame was the long contract demand, the straw that broke the camels back. The Panthers have been known to make some boneheaded decisions in the past, to their credit they avoided making another one.

I would have been highly ticked off and say the whole Panthers organization was insane by willing to pay whatever it cost for Watson. Which was three first-round draft picks, a few mid-round selections and a combination of Jeremy Chinn, Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn or Brian Burns would have likely been dealt . Plus,Watsons huge salary would have held the team back for years by playing havoc with the teams salary cap.

I feel that Liberty QB Malik Willis will be something really special in a few years. The team willing or able to wait while he adjusts to the NFL will be greatly rewarded. I would love for that team to be the Panthers but I will be surprised if it is because they don't seem the type team that would be willing to wait.

This is a win/win for me. I did not want the Panthers to gut the team and give up valuable players and future draft choices for Deshaun Watson but i did not want to go to our rival Falcons or Saints. Happy days are here again. Let's go Panthers.