MHS831

I realize that the coaches see the players on the roster and practice squad at practice, but there are several players I want to see play substantial minutes in a game situation. I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT WE START ALL THESE PLAYERS--I AM SUGGESTING THAT WE GIVE SOME MEANINGFUL PLAYING TIME TO A FEW FROM THIS LIST. This article about 2022 draft pick (Bears) Velus Jones led to this thread: https://oldnorthbanter.com/panthers-urged-to-give-former-draft-bust-a-chance-entering-season-s-final-games-01jfzg7bj02n Velus Jones, WR/RB/KR: Very fast and can be elusive. The article compares him to a Cordarrelle Patterson. Stood out at 2022 SR Bowl. Drafted in the third round (I think) by Bears. I did not know he was on the roster. He is 27. Caleb Farley (CB/S): He has had his fair share of injuries and his play has been sub par, but maybe the former first rounder was in the wrong position. Let him face the LOS and move him to Safety. His injuries (back and knee) and size 6' 2" 200 lbs make it tough to play CB, but I think he might be able to handle Safety, based on my limited knowledge of the skill sets for both positions. For now, let him play CB, but if he looks decent, consider S. Demani Richardson (S): Yes, he made a play last week. Let him play more to see if it was a fluke or legit. Xavier Woods is set to become an UFA at age 30. Jaden Crumedy (DT): I have a feeling there will be some house cleaning at DT/DE (3-4) this offseason. Ray and Tuttle have been embarrassing this season, and Ray becomes an ERFA. Tuttle can be cut post June 1 for a $6m savings. A. Robinson has been average at best, but he is signed for 2 more seasons (he too can be cut post June 1 for a $6m savings). We know we get Brown back and I am confident we draft a DT. Can Crumedy work into the rotation? What if we go 4-3? We need some film on him playing from the 3 tech and the nose. Jacoby Windmon (ILB) I realize that he is playing, but we need to put him in different situations to see how he looks. At 6-2, 250, he has the size to play ILB in a 3-4 or 4-3, but he has also had some reps as a DE in college, if I am not mistaken. I would like to see him in coverage and blitzing. He led the team in tackles last week (8). Andrew Raym (C) We may have something in Mays, but we need depth. Can Raym play? We'd have to bring him up from the PS, but he could step up and keep us from drafting a C late.

Look at our WR situation from the other side. Who are you going to put your better CBs on? Johnson and Theilen went out early---XL had 138 yards in the first three games on 12 catches. Yardage-wise, that is over 30% of his total for the season. 12 catches is nearly 30% of his catches for the season. When these players went out--Johnson, AT, Mingo, etc. it left XL facing the best corners of the opposition for many games. He is raw--we knew that when we drafted him. You can't throw a raw WR at the best CBs in the NFL and expect instant success. If he spent the season facing the second or even third best CBs on each team, he'd probably have better stats. Legette is still thinking out there, in my view. When the light comes on, he will be good. ------------------------------------------------ Hearing that there is noise to play Velus Jones over the next two games. We will see if they do.

Our biggest weakness right now is DT/DE in the 3-4. I think we might be better equipped to run the 4-3 than a 3-4 right now. (Have not given it a lot of thought, but I can put it on paper quickly.)

He had a top 5 Defense in San Diego as the DC and it took him 8 years to be hired as a head coach. Junior Seau and company--there has to be a reason. When I talked to him at OTAs, he was not impressive. Remember, he made the comment about being a left handed left tackle and some of his game management decisions were super stupid--and with Cam Newton at QB, he never had back to back winning seasons. Now take Mike Tomlin--he has never had a losing season--Kenny Pickett, etc. at QB. That is a coach.

I do too--not sure about any after that. Maybe the kid from Bowling Green? Boom or bust.

Not saying we have to break the bank; TE is a position you can draft later and pay less, so it is a good value to have a good TE. Who does Miami have at WR to keep Jonnu covered with LBs? Hill, Waddle, and if they need more speed and quickness, Malik Washington from UVA. He is benefiting from the attention the Fish's WRs get every play. Speed. Tua needs a solid TE who probably plays beneath the radar a lot. I am talking Greg O good. Kincaid in Buffalo has 424 yards and he is ranked 24th among TEs in receiving. He has potential, and in that system, he is likely to not get much more than that. Ja'Tavion Sanders has 29 catches--and he got 15 in three games--which is promising, but not dominant--he is not even listed in the top 32. Tremble, fwiw, has 21 catches. I think these two would be excellent #2 and #3 TE options, but Sanders is not really showing Alpha chromosomes at this time. However, to your point, if we bring in some stud WRs, our TEs get better and they get open more. We are close.

I think he is going to be good--are you putting his potential (4th rounder, I think) up there with the elite TEs--I see some offenses where you have 2 TEs--sometimes in the backfield--etc. I don't see Sanders as the elite TE I had in mind, but I like his potential. I think he is a #2. he could prove me wrong, but I don't see it yet.

about returning to the 4-3---I think we have the personnel for it--maybe better than the 3-4. I think our Strong OLB/Edge players would be better in a 4-3 (speculation). I think we'd need a true MLB, but Jewell and Wallace could provide depth or play outside. I also think Windom could fit in better as a 4-3 OLB--in college, he played LB and defensive end--could he be a swiss Army knife? Seriously, add a stud MLB, DT, and Edge/4-3 DE...that is 3 players added to a defensive roster that should improve.... In fairness to Evero--who got exposed by the Dallas Cowboys (do not underestimate the intelligence of McCarthy), he did lose Burns, Action Jackson, Gross-Matos, Shaq, Chinn, Luvu, and Brown from last season to this season--but he was outcoached vs. Dallas.

Mayo is another who could be available, but it is unlikely. I am not sure how Kraft liked him--there was some issue about race early in his hiring process. If that seed rooted, it could mean an early exit.

Vrabel seems like a perfect fit for the Browns' job. Ohio State product, Super Bowl Champion--I see the Browns hiring from within. Personally, I would like to see Leslie Frazier here. I think, in today's NFL, your DC needs to be very familiar with the defensive backs. Horn would become great and if we sign Mike Jackson back, he would be even better. Curry is my second choice--it depends on the type of Coordinator Canales is looking for.... Not Rivera, please. I just feel that he is not very smart--and I feel that he sacrificed Cam for his own career. Just me--not looking for affirmation.

Stroud has had some weapons and a good defense. Bryce did not when his OL was terrible. However, I wanted Stroud. I tried to support the Young decision, and I think Canales is doing all he can to make Young maximize his productivity.

I think Bryce needs a stud TE more than most QBs do. Do not be surprised to see us draft a TE earlier than most expect or sign a bigger name in the offseason.

Yup. So much of a player's success is based on chemistry. Too often, a bad team drafts a great/good college QB in hopes that he will swoop in and save the day (and jobs). It simply does not work that way. The Bulls were good, but even with Jordan, they had a formula. Pippen, obviously. They also had a shooting guard who was deadly beyond the arc, a seven footer, and a rebounder. Without those elements of Phil Jackson's offense, they were not invincible. Stroud can play QB-he has a great attitude, composure, and he can throw the ball. And a lack of success that is not your fault that is laid upon your 23-year old shoulders will rattle your confidence. That makes a QB hesitate a half a tenth of a second before passing the ball, or it makes him lock onto WRs who have bailed him out. A defense is also very important, and Houston has had a good one. Field position, fourth downs, etc. Cam got bailed out a lot by his defense, allowing him to have a strong fourth quarter and win the game if his first three quarters were not great. From this perspective, I think Bryce needs solid, sure handed WRs who move chains. Forget the #1 WR crap-give me a group who can get open and catch the ball. Period. For example, I like this WR from TCU (Beck) who is rated around 11th overall. Young/our qb needs a dominant TE--Sanders? Tremble? Not what I would call dominant yet, but as #2 and #3 TEs, I would say "good." So I think we add a WR and a TE. I would like a dominant center, but Cade Mays is learning the position and getting better. PFF has his pass blocking grade over 70. That will improve. We are not far away from having all the pieces--I think this offseason will complete the process. Add an Edge, DT, maybe an ILB--re-sign Mike Jackson.

I think the psychological side is the most important side--these are kids playing under tremendous pressure---it is very mental. Good point.

I suppose it has to be obvious to some, but the title of this is "Players nobody is talking about." and your response is "everyone is talking about Coker."Regardless, He is an Undrafted free agent whose numbers have surpassed or equaled what players drafted day 2 are doing. He is a positive during a time when we have few positives. He has been injured too, btw, which might explain how you think he has been "nonexistent." He has played in 9 games and has nearly 400 yards. He was not drafted. Keon Coleman (33rd pick overall) has played in 12 games and has 498 yards--with Buffalo--an established team with a pro bowl/MVP QB. So I am not sure that you are grasping the value of Coker--which may explain your lack of appreciation for him.

Games on netflix, NFL Network, Amazon---all NFL will be pay per view of some sort soon. Greed is the American way.

We could try a different approach on D--if you can get penetration up the middle, it makes your edge rushers better---a few of these 3 Techs are aggressive pass rushers--Not saying that is what I would do, but drafting a DE (3 tech) who can get after the passer, or a Sam OLB who can move inside and create chaos could be better than drafting another Burns. If we traded back and took Walker and a stud DT--we could be much more damaging than if we took an OLB who only rushes the QB---I am not sure how it might work... It is kinda like the fact that we need a #1 WR. However, in my view, if you drafted a WR who can get open, runs good routes and has good hands and a TE who can do the same, are we not better off (in this system)? I dunno--just spitballing, but there are different ways to address a problem--gonna be a fun offseason.

Of course I am not an insider or expert, but he small for an ILB--I think his body is going to continue getting injured because he is worn out--even a team-friendly deal would not be worth the risk, imo. I met his after otas (he was late--Washington was on quarter system) and he looked like a strong safety--I am guessing 5'11" and 220 then. I think he is under 230 now. I am not sure his body is not already telling him to retire....Just my guess--I see your point.

I think we are seeing one of the Panthers' greatest coaching seasons in our 30 year history. Bryce was horrible--how he is approaching average. The defense was not really addressed in the offseason and we lost Burns, Gross Matos, Shaq Thompson, Derrick Brown, and Action Jackson from last year. On offense, Canales benched Bryce after 2 games. most of us thought he was done. Teams offered conditional seventh rounders and the brain trust on the Huddle was shouting, "Do IT!!!" Canales stayed with Bryce. On offense, we lost our starting center early, our #1 WR, our #2 WR (AT), our #3 WR (Mingo), and a former second rounder (TMJ). For much of the year, we have had XL, Coker, and Moore at WR. This team was getting blown out early on--with wins against powerhouses Vegas, the NY Giants--then November happened. A win vs the Saints, and heart-breaking losses vs. Tampa, Kansas City, and Philly--all playoff teams (probably). This team has gone from a joke to being competitive. A few players away from being relevant. I cannot think of a better coaching job--except maybe 2003. And this team is likely to win 4-5 games. Think about it. A rookie head coach with a positive attitude has done this in about 15 games. I am sold.

Sack totals are overrated--I look for tackles and a decent number of sacks--but crazy sack numbers are misleading. You can have a game where you get 4 sacks because the backup OT in front of you turned his ankle and you are now facing a freshman a year out of high school. Look at the per game stats and look for consistency---tackles 4-7 per game, sacks (half the teams they played or more), etc.

There are some good DTs (NT, 3 tech in this draft). In my mocks, I take 2. For that reason, I go edge in round 1. WR you ask? I look for those who run good routes and catch the ball cleanly. If you had to choose right now, who would you keep on the roster--XL or Coker? One was a first rounder, the other an UDFA. So don't tell me there are no Wideouts to be found. I can list 12 that would improve us...but you asked about DT--any of these in round 2 would be great---Grant (mich) Nolen (Ole Miss) Harmon (Ore), Williams (Ohio St), Walker (KY), Sanders (SC). Sleeper? Collins (Tex). I love the DTs in this draft. Edge? ( I am discarding the Sam LB--holds the edge and plays run to pass--capable of moving down into the 3 tech--I think we have that on the roster in Wonnum, Johnson, Barno, etc. I am looking for either a true pass rusher or a hybrid who can cover and rush from multiple positions--like Parsons from dallas) After Carter, I really like jalen Walker from Georgia.I like Mike Green (Marshall) in round 2 or Jack Sawyer (Ohio State). Sawyer is an excellent all around edge player with a great motor and bats down a lot of passes. Finally, in round 2, I might take BC's Donnovan Ezeiruaku--he had 80 tackles at Boston College and 16.5 sacks. who does that? Princely Umanmelien (sp) from Ole Miss is highly rated, but I am not that high on him personally because I think he is a one-trick pony--sack artist. In the third round, We could add another South Carolina edge--Kyle Kennard who is learning the position with success (11.5 sacks, 3 FF) but he is weak vs the run, imo. In the third I'd rather have Bradyn Swinson from LSU who had over 50 tackles, 8.5 sacks. If we do not get Carter, I would trade back and grab Mike Green or Jalen Walker and grab a DT or two in round 2.

I agree--as the OL goes, he goes--but if he trends north, that is a good thing. We bought the stock at its highest possible price--it crashed--and now it is eeking back up--but nowhere near the price we paid--I look at Bryce as 1/3 of the equation--never an all or nothing proposal. We are like Alaskans seeing the sunlight for the first time in months. Bryce has some value and is improving--that is good. However, this is not about Bryce--it is about getting a QB under center who can win a super bowl. Bryce has a shot to win the job next year and I feel much better now than I did in September, but decisions based on emotion bring pink slips. Draft a qb with good skills in the middle rounds this year, and if we do not have a consistent, winning qb by the end of the 2025 season, we go back into round 1 and get one.

I think some think pro bowler to fufure hall of famer, Consistent winner--but that is pretty rare--Cam was neither, but most Huddlers would take him back in a minute if in his prime. I mean, some would consider Murray with the Cardinals a franchise qb based on his contract--

If this season--with Cousins sucking in Atlanta, Darnold and Sam doing well in their playoff races, Rodgers sucking in NY---does not teach us anything about the role of coaching (system, play calling), weaponry (WRs, RBs, and TEs) and protection (OL, good defense) in QB play, nothing will.

But...but...but...he su...sucks? Good sign, Nas. I would love to see us end the season on a positive note.