MHS831

Good point. I was using the players to help visualize the value of these picks--but you are right--

Would you trade Burns, Brown, and Horn for a franchise QB?

I imagine Daniel Snyder made life difficult in Washington.

Red Alert needs (needs that MUST be addressed this offseason): Both G positions, TE, and QB. Next level needs (needs that should be in the longer-term plan): LT (depending on BC), and Center. I am OK with the WR group if they involve Shi Smith and Marshall more--I like Zylstra as a possession WR. I really hope to see a TE emerge as an offensive weapon, and I like the RB rotation when CMC is healthy.

So we bring in the least experienced for a second interview. SMH https://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/36032/carolina-panthers-coach-matt-rhule-prioritizing-nfl-experience-in-search-for-new-offensive-coordinator

that is the question and I wish I knew. There seems to be a dropoff around #10-12 in this draft, in my opinion. The top talent is shallow. I am guessing, if we have a list of 4-5 players we want, that one might fall to the middle of the round, but not necessarily. I am very anxious to see how Fitterer handles this.

Philly has enough draft capital to make some noise--if they are not happy with Jalen Hurts, they could be the first domino to fall. Imagine trading away 2 firsts this year for a top QB...Then Hurts and Minshew become available. Just spitballing-nobody knows.

No, I agree--but when the cap is factored in, the fact that we have 1 pick in the top 100, etc. What is he going to do? Free agency going after a starting QB--will he sell the farm--I see no QB worth the farm or the #6 pick---what is Rhule the Fuhle going to do?

This summarized (nicely) the predicament the Panthers created. This is why I see them leaving BC at LT, Elflein at C, and signing 2 higher end guards in free agency. Then they will draft a QB (they are all developmental in this draft) and hope that he eventually takes the job from Darnold. This way, we get to see Darnold behind an improved line and we get a young QB to develop. Not my plan, but I see them doing it.

All of them are flawed--contracts, injury history, play, etc. I think I would take Carr (being practical) if he were affordable.

...according to this article. Thought it might be nice to see who might be available. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2022-nfl-offseason-aaron-rodgers-russell-wilson-kirk-cousins-among-15-veteran-qbs-who-could-be-on-the-move/ It is a bit dated (3 weeks) but it features Carolina as a possible landing spot for several top free agent QBs. Enjoy---sorry, no mention of how much Rhule sucks in the article.

We are going to go after him.

According to another article I read written by Newton, Elflein had (going from memory--did not save the link) something like a 64 PFF grade as a guard, and was rated at 90 (above Moton's 87) as a center. Perhaps Newton is basing his assumption about Elflein on these numbers.

From what I saw under these conditions (and film from Minn/Jets), I have to agree. I wonder what Newton was told/heard/saw where he would arrive at this conclusion (that Elflein was part of the OL core)?

I agree, but this was not my opinion--based on this passage from David Newton: -- David Newton https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33080968/offseason-needs-priorities-all-32-nfl-teams-free-agency-2022-draft-targets-plus-coach-questions

This is not my opinion--but David Newton got me to thinkin about what they might be thinkin once the reality of their situation, free agency, and the draft sets in. David Newton is writing as if Taylor Moton and Pat Elflein are the core OL and the other three OL positions need to be addressed. According to PFF, Elflein surrendered no sacks in just over 500 snaps but had a 50.1 rating during a season in which he played G and spent time on IR before taking over at C. Some of that is due to poor performance at G before transitioning to C. At Center, Playing beside two of the worst Guards in the NFL was a difficult task, and it made it (for me) difficult to see how good Elflein can be at C. But, according to Newton in a recent SI article about each teams’ biggest needs, the Panthers are looking for 2 guards and possibly a LT. That assessment completely omits any indication of where Brady Christensen will play— My point: I understand that the first reaction is going to be, “He sucks!” and that may be accurate, but let’s assume that we have a serviceable center in Elflein (he has 2 years left on his deal and he will be 27). We are all fairly certain Christensen will start next year; we just don’t know where yet-LT or LG. If we sign one offensive lineman (probably a high end Right Guard UNLESS Deonte Brown is that guy)—can we draft a LT and let BC compete with him, the loser going to LG? It is really hard to gauge what we have at OL because it is about chemistry—knowing what your teammate is going to do—nonverbal communication. We had 12 or so different combinations. Elf had to learn a new offense from the G role, and then is moved to C as he returns from IR. 50.1 is a low rating, but that should be improved considerably with some consistency and if he is flanked by competent Guards. You can’t fix every problem this year, and Elf might be decent enough for us to pass on C this year, according to Newton. Now, consider what we have in Brown and his potential to play RG. Rhule was right--at 365 lbs. he is too fat for his body to play G in the NFL. However, at 330 or less, he can play at a higher level. If that could work—and he looked good in the few plays he got a chance vs. the Bucs---could we really only need a LT (Christensen/Brown as the new guards surrounding Elflein)? So my point is this—did we have the answers on the roster but could not tell because we moved people around so much? Final “mind blown” statement of disbelief that will earn me pie and praise: If they believe in what they have in BC at LT, and they plan to play Elflein at C and Brown at RG---we only need a Left Guard, and we could get a good one in free agency. Real World: I am not sure you want to bank on D. Brown staying at 325. I think we need to sign a free agent G and draft a LT. However, if they like what they see on tape from BC, do not be surprised to see Guards in free agency and a QB in the draft. Just sayin.

Bravo.

Desperate teams do desperate things. I think it is possible that a team gives Corral and Howell a high grade. If two go (Detroit and the Giants, for example)I could see a Washington or Pittsburgh reaching. It is not a strong draft and the gamble would likely cost the team a second rounder to move up. I can see any team falling in love with Howell, Corral, Willis, or Pickett. Detroit might not like Pickett while the Giants do like him, so the Giants and Lions swap first rounders. At #5, the Lions take Corral. Washington and Pittsburgh supposedly like Howell (rumor--they have been in attendance at UNC games) and they pull the trigger and call Carolina. Willis is a wild card--I could see him going anywhere from 5 to 45. This is unlikely, but possible. We have seen drafts (the 2011 Cam draft--Gabbert, Lock, Ponder, etc.) went very early after Cam was removed from the board. I think 4 QBs in the top 12 in a stronger draft than this one. But I would not bet it will happen--but it could.

We did find a way to finish in sixth place--we have to do better if we want to draft #1.

And the Giants pick after we do--if they dont pick QB at #5, we will get buried with phone calls. I think--by the time the draft rolls around---there will be three QBs--maybe 4--who could cause a team to contact us about a trade. We need to watch free agency too. It is possible that we address the OL needs there if Brady is to play LT. Here is how I see it: LT: Christensen LG: Free agent C : Free agent/Elflein/Ervin (remember he played C in college?) RG: Brown RT: Moton (This would make the OL better on paper, but good enough?) If we do that with 2 free agents, then we could look at sitting still at #6 and taking a QB. We are going to have desperate men making decisions. Sticking with Sam Darnold for another season is not going to be the only plan.

I think we are going to trade back--there will be QB movement by then. If we trade back, we are going to know one of the players on our board will fall. I think you could see Pickett and maybe another QB like Corral go top 6 or so. Pass rushers will go fast (3). We could (theoretically) have 4 top OL when we pick--and if we are OK with any of the 4, move back if you can.

Bills might go all the way. A hot QB and a solid Defense---I am thinking that has been the recipe for some time.

Moore has been solid, but moving him would increase Anderson's looks and probably cause Shi Smith and Marshall to step up.

I love seeing the Pats get blasted

Brady is our new Travelle Wharton--play him at LG and let him backup LT. Hopefully, Brown will be ready to play RG. Sign a C in free agency, draft a T (and if you want to trade down, you can--if you miss the T, you still have BC--it allows you to be a bit aggressive in the draft.)