MHS831

Edge is not getting better---and no OT was taken--so I assume those were addressed in free agency. Id rather see an edge go earlier and a RT/swing T instead of another DT, or a mediocre WR. However, you can't fill all our needs in 1 draft.

I am starting to get worried about Horn. Metcalf is only 27. If I had to choose, I think I would be looking to trade Horn for Metcalf.

The coach of the Chicago Bears just referenced the turnaround of the Panthers once they invested in guards. He then has just signed 2 high profile guards. How is that not copying the Panthers? I agree that there is not a lot to copy here, but step back. We lost Darnold before investing in the OL. We lost Baker before investing in the OL. We drafted Bryce before successfully investing in the OL. We invest in 2 guards. After a slow start, Bryce ends the season 4-5 and is very close to both Philly and New England. Later, the new coach of the Bears references the Panthers and how they turned it around after signing high profile guards. A week or two later, they announce they signed 2 high profile guards. I think all GMs paid attention to what has happened here. It may not be the sole basis for their decision, but the defense cost us 2024, not the offense. In addition, we did it without our #1 WR, a top TE, and the cupboards were pretty bare at WR. I think they noticed. As you say, Frank, we shall see.

I did not know that either--I knew UNC. Williams and the Bears are in the same situation Bryce and the Panthers were in a year earlier. Bryce turned it around. Surely he paid attention to what Carolina did. I don't see that as being polite (unless I missed your meaning); I see that as being smart. How many times have we heard, "It is a copycat league?"

Some are saying, "build to OL is not new information." That is not the issue. The issue is how much can you invest in G without under funding other positions. The cap makes it tricky. Spending on Guards is not widely-practiced; it is a trend-- In the past, the LT, C, and RTs got the coin. Guards were not prioritized (you have to drop $$ at some positions to pay other positions). So the concept of building an OL as a key to success is not new, but the commitment to certain positions over others is tricky. KC showed the world how their OL troubles backfired, and they just traded away a 4-time All Pro OG. ???? Salary cap. They have some big salaries elsewhere. So they are going to try to find studs in the draft--I am guessing KC would love to sign Banks (Texas). I think they would trade up to get him. Maybe to #8.

OK. The people who know football and the cap must manage that money to get the biggest bang for the buck. The Saints started investing in Guards when Brees was the QB. It worked. The Panthers just saved a QB who was a near-certain bust by adding Guards. Nothing else was new. It was a good example, and football execs pay attention--yes, the Panthers won 5 games. But down the stretch, they were 4-5 with two close losses to both Super bowl teams. But I assure you, GMs will not worry about a team's reputation or some inferiority complex inherent in its fan base. They saw a rather amazing turnaround and they are in the same situation with their rookie QB.

This kid can catch passes, block blitzing LBs, throw passes, and he runs hard. I think he becomes a key rotational piece and not a backup. And he is a dawg

Smart business move too. We need a player the fans can get behind--and I see him being a fan favorite--like a Hoover.

The Chicago Bears are trading for Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Jonah Jackson in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported. ESPN first reported the news. Bears to acquire All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from Chiefs in trade for their 2026 fourth round pick. Thuney, a 32-year old stud G, is in the last year of his contract and saves the Chiefs about $16m. Sound familiar? Making this Panther related: The Panthers have 3 solid OGs and it has paid off, so it seems. The Panthers have 2 OTs, Ickey and a 31 year old solid player with knee concerns. The Panthers have Cade Mays at C and I am not sure if they have a backup at this time, or if they want to make Cade Mays the backup. People with these young QBs are starting to get it. OL first. Grabbing a first overall pick QB (you're welcome, Chicago) without an OL is like buying a Corvette when all the roads around you are dirt or gravel. It seems that the Panthers will address depth at OT and possibly draft their 2026 starter now, in the event Moton becomes Motoff at some point. A worn and torn knee on a 10-year vet 300 lb OT is not something you go "all in" on.

When a player has those kinds of measurable talent and skill and he under performs, and then I hear rumors that he is a head case, I think I remove him from my board in round 1. Obviously, that same player would be a steal in round 2, but his red flags could be so strong, it could cause him to drop into day 3. Gives me Greg Hardy vibes, in that most teams removed him from their boards and Marty took him in the fifth, I believe. However, I do not know details--background checks and interviews will be important. Id rather have Z from BC.

I have been taking him in the second round in mocks....Love him.

I really liked taylor (LSU) at the combine. I think he will be special. And I think, if you had a meter that showed how much you improve with each player, a stud TE might move the needle more than a deep threat WR--just speculating

Combine results from 2019 A 3-4 DE at 280. Stronger vs pass than rush last year.

Film Analysis: Shemar James is a true junior linebacker who has been a key contributor to the Florida defense since his arrival in Gainesville as a freshman in 2022, even earning starts in his debut season. Throughout his time at Florida, James has consistently showcased his instincts as a linebacker, thriving on a high motor and explosiveness to track down ball-carriers. In the 2024 season, James had his most productive year, recording more than 60 tackles, an interception, and two sacks, demonstrating his ability to be an impactful defender in all phases of the game. James’ athleticism, combined with his instincts, grit, and hustle, enables him to make game-changing plays both as a run defender and in pass coverage. As a run defender, James displays high-level linebacker play. From the snap, he does an excellent job reading his keys and working downhill toward the line of scrimmage. James attacks with quickness and effectively maneuvers over or under blocks to penetrate the backfield and make tackles. As a tackler, James exhibits solid power, striking with good pad level and leverage while driving through ball carriers. His sideline-to-sideline speed makes him a strong pursuit player, capable of cutting off plays that stretch to the perimeter. James’ relentless effort is evident in his ability to chase down plays from the backside and pursue ball-carriers 20-plus yards downfield. Overall, as a run defender, James combines football IQ, instincts, and athletic ability to excel against both inside and outside runs. James also stands out in pass coverage, where his athleticism shines. As an inside linebacker in zone coverage, James can drop to significant depths, using his range and athletic ability to eliminate passing windows. While quarterbacks might believe they have a window, James’ burst and acceleration allow him to close the gap quickly, either intercepting the pass or breaking it up. In man-to-man coverage, James’ quickness enables him to plant and redirect effectively, allowing him to cover running backs out of the backfield and tight ends on various routes. He also possesses the foot speed to line up in the slot and carry some slot receivers vertically up the field. James’ athleticism in pass coverage is a significant strength, offering defensive coordinators confidence in both zone and man schemes without creating mismatches. Trust Morgan to see LB talent The primary concern with James as a player is his overall size. He appears slightly undersized to handle the middle linebacker position on a down-to-down basis. At times, James struggles against offensive linemen who can overwhelm him and delay his ability to shed blocks and make tackles. He seems to thrive most when playing in space, making him better suited as a weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or paired with a complementary downhill "thumper" linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the inside linebacker position. Overall, James has tremendous upside as a draft prospect. If placed in the right system, he has the potential to become one of the better linebackers in the NFL, flying around the field and making plays both in the run game and in pass coverage. Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter

High character, intelligent. I am in.

When I mock, which we all know it has become the gold standard, I struggle to select an edge in round 1, and that was BEFORE I considered the character red flags concerning Pearce and Green. I think, if what I have seen is true, we cannot afford risk. You have to remove Pearce and Green from the board at the top of the first round. I love Walker the person. I am just not seeing the fit yet, but I do feel that the Panthers are really interested, which means that Evero could be frothing at the mouth for him. If that is the case, I am for it. HOW they use him is more important than his skill set, but man, I see a leader DAWG in him. I am not on the Walker bandwagon like others on here--I envision him as an ILB who can move outside or blitz from the ILB spot. I just don't see the whole picture, just the puzzle pieces. I think they are looking at Edge in the second, and here is why: We have 9 picks and I see us moving up if a guy drops. I see Princely, Sawyer, and a few others as being the "fall back" picks, but I love Ezeiruaku. I could see us trading back and grabbing him late in the first. I would be elated. Then grab a 3/4 DT/DE.

No, It was my mistake--I did not read your intro correctly. thought it was a list of "no offensive guys". my bad.

He might be great, but man, you are drafting the drama, glitter, baggage, Dad, etc. along with the player. One Browns reported described Sanders at the Combine presser: (paraphrasing) "His hat was backwards and sideways, he had two diamond necklaces around his neck..." Cam Ward is almost the exact opposite. Sanders takes credit for turning around Colorado, but his Dad pulled in 23 portal transfers. I dunno. I don't want to sound like a hater, but I just don't get a good vibe with him. Now, the Browns might try to trade back a few spots (let a team like the Raiders, Giants, Jets) move up. Their needs? Edge, even before Garrett wanted a trade. DT (Graham could be on the table) and OT. I could see them taking Carter and then moving up for Dart or sitting still in round 2 for QB Howard.

Was Warren a mistake?

Walter Nolen: A to Z Sports--"The biggest test for Nolen in Indianapolis is to sell himself as a person to teams. There is some worrisome feedback regarding character for Nolen, which goes back to his high school days, and continued both at Texas A&M and with the [Ole Miss] Rebels. There are even a couple of NFL teams who have already taken Nolen off their boards." His work ethic is also questioned, but I could not find specifics.

Pearce: Per another report from Cory Kinnan, Pearce was "seen as undeniably uncoachable" at Tennessee, where he had "one foot out the door" last season. One NFL scout said that Pearce has "the worst character report of any player in this draft class." A TOTALLY UNBIASED report from a Tennessee Vols website relating to a SI report states the following, based on conversations with GMs: "He doesn't fight with his hands very well right now. You see the build, and the traits, his arm length, but you see him winning with those traits alone." Sources went on to express concern about general run game instincts as well. "He has a hard time right now recognizing pullers, shrinking space and defeating blocks in the run game." There have been rumors relating to character concerns as a potential reasoning, one NFL GM quickly extinguished that. "There are no character concerns that we are aware of. He wants to be great," one NFL GM told Vols on SI exclusively.

I need to do more homework. Was not aware of Pearce and Nolen.

I have not looked into him as much as others. If so, he is likely the pick. Since Graham is probably gone, It could be down to picking SEC players from Charlotte or Salisbury.

no need. trust. This time of year we are like seagulls on the beach diving for every scrap of food we can find.