SCO96

Even before Luke we had John Beason & Dan Morgan. Beason (1st team All-Pro in 2008) was so good at his position prior to his injury that Luke had to began his Panther career as an OLB. Sam Mills wasn't a classic MLB due to the 3-4 scheme we played under Capers in the 90's, but even then he was a formidable force on the inside. When you see how much of an impact the ILBs have had on our teams during the Richardson era, it's quite shocking that we haven't placed more emphasis on that position in recent years.

I've noticed this as well. If you have a dominant LB core, or even a lone dominant force at MLB, it makes a huge impact on the defense. I think as offenses emphasized the passing game, the pass rushers and CBs became the glamour positions on defense (which is somewhat understandable) Well said...and the Center is the QB of the offensive line!

I wouldn't say I was "relying on current AI" for information. I input a question to see how it would respond out of curiosity. I wouldn't even say that I'm an analytics guy, especially in the terms of the draft. I believe the game film ultimately tells the story. But, even back in the 1960s the Cowboys revolutionized the NFL draft process by using a computer to help them pick (or not pick) players No one would deny that 2 of our weakest spots on defense are S and LB. I was curious to see what an AI program would pick as the optimal time to pick these spots. They seem to have narrowed in on Day 1 and Day 2, which is the exact opposite of what the Panthers have done in recent years. We haven't made an effort to use our higher choices on these spots this decade and both positions are weaknesses for our defense. The position of Center has always fascinated me. Take a look at most of the dynasties in NFL history, or even a one and done super bowl winner. I guarantee you over 80% have a stud manning the center position. This guy is usually going to be among the top 5 players at his position at any given time and often a multiple Pro Bowler.

Agreed. I actually asked Chat GTP why are centers so important to the O-line. You'll find their response interesting. The center is absolutely critical to the offensive line, even though he rarely gets the spotlight. Here’s why: 1. He’s the “quarterback” of the offensive line The center identifies the defensive front before the snap — calling out who the “Mike” linebacker is and setting protection assignments for the guards and tackles. He adjusts the blocking scheme based on shifts, stunts, and blitz looks. In most offenses, the QB and center share communication responsibilities, but the center’s call is often what the rest of the line follows. Without a smart, communicative center, the whole line can fall apart under pressure or disguise. 2. He’s central to blocking coordination The center is literally the pivot point — coordinating combo blocks, zone steps, and double-teams with both guards. In zone-blocking schemes, he’s essential for lateral movement, reading the defensive tackle’s leverage, and passing off blocks smoothly. A poor center can destroy run-game timing or allow penetration that blows up plays before they start. 3. He handles some of the toughest matchups Centers face nose tackles — often the biggest, strongest player on the defense — directly over the ball. He has to snap accurately, then instantly anchor against 300+ lbs of power, often with one hand still finishing the snap motion. That’s one of the most technically demanding jobs in football. 4. He ties the line together mentally and physically The center’s ability to recognize stunts, delayed blitzes, and coverage disguises helps the entire line stay in sync. If a guard or tackle makes a mistake, the center can often help bail them out through quick adjustment calls or recovery blocks. A great center also brings leadership and stability — think of guys like Jason Kelce, Travis Frederick, or Alex Mack — they elevated everyone around them. 5. Why some teams don’t draft centers early Despite the importance, centers rarely go in Round 1 because their positional value (impact on points/wins per dollar or cap hit) is lower than QB, LT, Edge, or CB. But analytically, a great center can add similar efficiency gains to a good left tackle by reducing QB pressure and improving run-game consistency. In short: The center is the brains and anchor of the offensive line — the glue that makes five individuals operate as one. He might not be the highest-paid, but when you have a great one, your offense usually runs smoother in every phase. ------- I'd NEVER complain if we took an elite prospect in the 1st or 2nd round.

Now that I think about it, didnt we draft Chinn in the 2nd round, or was it the third?

Quick Summary Table Position Ideal Round Range Notes Safety (S) 2nd–3rd Best value and depth here Center (C) 3rd–4th Often overlooked; steady starter range Guard (G) 2nd–4th High floor in 2nd–3rd rounds Linebacker (LB) 1st–3rd Scheme-dependent; 2nd–3rd best value -- I was playing around on Chat GTP today and asked them to find the ideal round to draft the above positions. We're pretty good at guard so I know we aren't too concerned with those spots. I did pay attention to the S, C, and LB data. We picked 2 LB's in those rounds in 2025, but prior to that had we drafted LB on Day 1 or Day 2 since 2020 besides Tevin Wallace? We haven't picked a Safety as high as round 2 since Mike Minter. But what about the 3rd round? I can't think of any. We got Ryan Kalil in Round 2. I'm pretty sure we haven't picked one on Day 2 since. Am I right on this? I'd love to see us use are top 3 picks in 2026 to grab a LB (or 2), a Safety, and may be even a Center. Although, I think Cade Mays has done ok for a 6th rounder and could improve with more playing time and a D-lineman might be a better prospect for team overall.

FA may or may not be the best option each time. You know as well as I do that the LT is the highest paid position on offense behind QB and WR. If you have cap concerns, it would be better to draft a quality LT and hold him for 3-4 years before you have to sign him to a long term (and expensive 2nd contract). I wouldn't want to acquire a run stuffing DT in FA if I could get a younger one much cheaper in the draft. Let's say no good Safties are on the market when prior to drafting. Once again you'd go to the draft. FA is a good way to feel out the roster prior to the draft, but it's possible to REACH there too. FO's usually end up over playing guys (at least at certain positions) who have already peaked. Besides, you always have to consider that the team that let them go didn't think they were worth the price they were asking to retain them. That certainly applies to our defense. We could draft the BPA at any level of our defense and immediately improve our team. A stud on the line beside DB would help the the run and pass defense. Our LB core needs a thumper/impact player at any position. We need another CB to play alongside JC. We have yet to see a Safety on our roster significantly impact a game this year.

What you are saying isn't always true and I'll give you several examples to demonstrate this. 1) The best player on the board at the end of in round 1 by all consensus is RB (top 15 player in draft who slips b/c of the devaluation of the RB position). Your team is in desperate need of a LT because the current one is getting your QB killed. You already have a serviceable RB in place. The LT has a 2nd round grade and you have the first pick on day 2 of the draft Who do you choose? 2) Your run defense was abysmal the previous season. A DT in round 2 does not provide much in terms of pass rush, but most reports have him rated as the best pure run stuffing DT in the draft. The two highest rated players on your board at the time are a TE and tweener at OLB/DE who slipped into round 2 after a run on WR's. Who do you choose? 3) Your pass rush rush is solid across the board. You even have guy coming off of the bench to provide production. Your secondary in below average. No Safety on the roster is a difference maker and as a unit the squad doesn't have an INT. The highest rated player on the board is a DE. The 5th highest rated player on the board is a an intelligent ball hawking Safety. Which player would make the team immediately better? 1) I think the BPA logic applies when your team is solid across the board and you can afford to draft for depth 2) I think it also applies when your team stinks and any solid player will be an immediate upgrade over what you already have. I agree that you should NEVER reach for a player when you are need at a position like we did for Bryce Young. But I also think if there's is a player on the board that will fill a glaring weakness you need to take him even if a player with a higher over all ranking is available at another position (which isn't a need)

Everyone (I'm not just focusing on you sir) seems to think that trade set the team back for a decade. It really didn't. Scott F was a terrible GM. I do not think for one minute that we would have turned those trades into draft gold. All you have to do is look at this draft record. Fitterer had the top pick in the 2023 draft and blew it. We've passed over players we could have used in each of his drafts to trade down and pick up gems like TMJ . Other times he'd trade up a pick gems like Matt Corrall and DJ Johnson . He probably would have used those picks to acquire more picks in lower rounds and choose the players with the highest RAS scores. I think the season before Burns left he literally had about 1/3 of our sacks. I said it would be a bad idea to not resign him if you didn't have a player (or players) on the roster to replace that production. To this day we still don't have a consistent pass rusher off the edge on either side. Our lack of of a pass rush is arguably our biggest weakness on defense.

There are several reasons you shouldn't consider a TE in the 2026 draft, especially during the first two days. 1) Canales offenses do not place a very high priority on the TE. You can look at his coaching history to notice this trend. 2) We've spent back to back #1 picks on WR's (TMac/XL). We also have players who have shown potential like Jalen Coker and Brycen Tramayne at the same position. All of our RB's can catch the ball out of the backfield. There's only so many touches these guys are going to get per game, especially if we run the ball 50% of the time (which we should). I can't see any TE making major contribution to our offense over the next couple of seasons. 3) Our defense has too many needs to take a TE over a top defensive prospect. We have 11 sacks on the year and 6 of those came last week against the worst team in the NFL. We have 6 INTs in 2025. One player (J.Horn) has half of them and 2 of those also came last week. None of our safties has an INT this season. Our LB's are looking better recently., but we really could use an impact player at ILB if we continue to run this 3-4 scheme. 4) BY is still an underwhelming presence at QB. I'd rather spend a high choice on a QB than a TE based on our current passing game.

That's a good analysis. He's not a RB that you can really build an offense around. But, if he was starting behind a solid O-line, and on a contending team, he'd be a perennial 1,000 yard back during his prime with 16-18 carries per game.

I honestly didn't know that Jimmy G was still in the NFL

Rico (5'll/215) also has a more violent running style which enables him to run thru contact despite only outweighing Chuba (6'/210) by 5 lbs.

Both guys had over 1,000 yards rushing last season on their respective teams. I think Dowdle has clearly been the more dominant back in 2025, but it's not like Chuba is a scrubb. He's rushed over 2,000 yards combined in the past 2 seasons. I'm one who believes both guys can be alternated throughout the game to create one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the NFL. Imagine how effective they'd be if our best 2 run-blocking guards weren't injured.

This team is much more effective offensively when we run the ball. We should be calling run plays at minimum 30 times a game. Chuba hasn't had more than 17 carries in a game all year season. Dowdle is the more effective back at this time and needs to get around 20 carries a game. Chuba should get the rest. Both guys are capable catching the ball out of the backfield so either is capable of playing on 3rd down. At the end of the season you may have a problem though. Rico is a year older than Chuba. Would it be wise to try to bring Rico back with a new deal at 28 with Chuba already under contract for the next several years?

Its hard to make the playoffs when your QB is significantly less talented in terms of physical attributes than the other QBs in their division (NFC South). Its practically impossible when your QB is physically less talented than every starting QB than nearly every QB in the entire NFC. A shorter QB can succeed if he has the arm strength, accuracy, and head knowledge to execute the game plan. Bryce is severely lacking in the first two beyond the 10 yard range and that's what is hurting the team on offense. If he could improve those two attributes I think he could excel in the NFL and our team would be a playoff contender. But, at this stage in his career I don't think things are likely to change.

You and I will have to agree to disagree on this topic.

The Jets are in similar situation with the Panthers. They have some talented players on both sides of the ball but they don't have a QB that can lead a strong passing game. In most weeks they enter an game outmatched at the leagues most important position and that's not a recipe for success in the NFL.

I see you didn't accept my challenge. Let's just limit this discussion to the NFC. Given me a team in NFC East (Dallas, Washington. Philadelphia, or NY) that would take Bryce over their current starter. How about the NFC North (Green Bay, Minnesota, Detroit, or Chicago) How about the NFC West (LA, SF, Seattle, Arizona) In the NFC South he'd never beat out Mayfield or Pennix. Outside of New Orleans, what team in the NFC has a current starting QB that Bryce would beat out in a fair competition?

Denver scored over 30 points today and I think all of them were put up in the 4th quarter. Bryce could have never orchestrated a comeback like that. Bo Nix led his team to the playoffs in his rookie season in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. He threw 29.TD last season. He had more TDs in his rookie year than Bryce has in almost 2.5 years as a starter. I'd say Denver fans have reason to feel optimistic about their young QB's potential and the success of the team as a whole. The most important piece of the puzzle is in place there. You can't say the same thing for Carolina.

With the possible exception of the Jets and Titans, 1) give me team in the NFL that would see an immediate improvement in their passing game if Bryce became their starter. What team would he make better just by having Bryce line up under center? 2) List 5 starting QBs in the NFL that are less productive than Bryce (injured starters do not count). Based on his career so far, I can't think of one team in the NFC with a starter that he could beat out in a fair competition. He wouldn't start on any team in the NFC East, NFC North, or NFC West. The only team that he could possibly have a shot at earning some playing time would be New Orleans b/c he never beat out Mayfield or Pennix.

Bryce is easily one of the 5 worst starting QBs in the NFL. You could take a starting QB from almost any team in the NFL, make him our starter, and our passing offense would immediately improve. I would love to see Bryce succeed. Our team has sucked for years and we gave up a fool's ransom to acquire him. That's one of the reasons I watch the games every week. I keep hoping that he's going to show something to justify taking him in the 1st round. After 2.5 seasons, I still don't see anything in his game that shows that he's a franchise QB. You really can't build a Panther team around Bryce's talent to win in this league. You need to build a strong team that's able to win despite limitations. A QB with that type of game is not worth $50 mil a year (the going rate for starting QB's on their 2nd deal these days). Carolina has a MAJOR DECISION to make at the end of his 3rd year. If his play doesn't DRASTICALLY improve over the next 2 seasons then then FO needs to part ways with him and find a formidable QB. If we extend him and he continues to play at this level then we will be in QB purgatory for the rest of the decade.