MHS831

I worry about the OT situation, but I do not expect to see them invest a  first rounder after signing a starter until they get information about Ickey.  I see drafting Moton's depth, but not if you reach in round 1 to do it.

WR?  I am not happy with them either--the best WR in the draft was the second best WR on his team and the second best was a slot.

Edge?  Deep in this draft.  Want to build your future?  Take advantage of the deep talent pool at edge.  

LB? I love the expected day 2 collection. 

C?  The draft is deep and round 3 and after  is when to shop. 

Yes, we need a tackle and when we know more, we can be more strategic. IMO

3 hours ago, csx said:

OL or DL is my preference. Its a proven approach that doesn't involve racking your brain with analysis . Keep the trenches stocked. Especially over another WR. We are over due to invest draft capital there.

It is simple if you focus only on OT.  But there is the cap, talent levels that differ from year to year, and team needs that fluctuate, as you know.  While I would be happy with an OT and understand it, I am not sold on OT as the answer. I agree that the game is won or lost in the trenches, but I do not think over-drafting with the first round pick is the only way of addressing it--especially if it may be a year before you know what you have or reap the rewards.  We both agree that you have to stay ahead of it.  Just because you take a T in round 1 does not mean that you have met the need. Teams need qbs too, but drafting them too early in round one is usually disastrous

A few weeks ago, I was high on Freeling.  I still am (cautiously), but there are reasons to approach some of these tackles with a "Buyer Beware" approach.  Again, I am not against drafting an OT in round 1, but not if that OT has a late first or second-round grade.  That is not good value.  On top of that, put him in the garage for a year?  Take Freeling, for example.  Some project him to Cleveland at 6.  Really?  He is a fringe first rounder, IMO.  IF you want to give away draft capital to get a non-starter, that is how GMs get fired.

First, we can address Freeling’s seemingly massive improvement in pass protection. He did earn an outstanding 86.1 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025, which ranked seventh among qualified FBS tackles. That was an improvement over his 65.3 mark in 2024. Georgia’s passing game was heavily built on play action and screens, which allowed Freeling to partake in just 95 true pass sets all season. That ranked just barely among the top 200 tackles in the country.  

Freeling earned a solid 75.4 PFF pass-blocking grade on those true pass set reps, but that pales in comparison to top tackles in the class, such as Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano. Mauigoa earned his 85.8 true PFF pass-blocking grade, second best in the nation, across 212 such reps, more than twice as many as Freeling.   What about Freeling's run blocking?  61.3--which is slightly above all tackles in the country.  So if you draft Freeling in round 1, you are getting a guy whose numbers were padded by play action and screens--but in pure passing sets and in run blocking, he was average when compared to every tackle in the country.

Elite?  Buyer beware.

Lomu?  Athletic, Can struggle in the run game and against power rushers.  Late first rounder-early second, imo.  Arms less than 34", which could scare some teams.

Proctor?  Can play high and the weight could be a problem he fights.  Personally, I see him as the best option for an immediate starter but his ceiling is lower.  

I realize all players have areas of concern, but I think you will see some of these OTs drop on draft day, with good reason.  

Fano?  32 inch arms may kick him inside to G.

You will respond that all OTs have question marks, and they do--but not researching the situation is not the answer.  Freeling is a stud athlete, and despite the stats, I like him, but not as depth at 19.  Proctor?  I get it if you needed your starter now, and speed rushers give him fits.  To adjust, his angle to block a 9 tech is nearly 90 degrees when it needs to be closer to 45 degrees.  That decreases the pocket, and a short QB can't have that. 

14 minutes ago, PNW_PantherMan said:

Feels like they just changed like 2 years ago.

They had the abbreviated airport name on the chest--ATL  Which I translated to mean "Another terrible Loss" -- I suggested that they put "28-3" on their sleeves to commemorate their last Super Bowl appearance, but they rejected my proposal.

7 minutes ago, csx said:

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-offensive-line-success-why-building-through-the-nfl-draft-is-the-key

 

Conclusions drawn

This article took a deep dive into evaluating recent offensive line trends regarding the draft and free agency while incorporating team success into the equation. Here are the biggest takeaways:

 

The best offensive lines in football (PHI, DET, TB) were built through the draft in the early rounds

Other teams (most notably LAC) are following the same approach in team building

Offensive line is something a team should target in the early rounds (1-3), as the success rate significantly declines in the later rounds both in the short and long-term

Offensive tackles have a higher success rate through the draft than interior offensive linemen, regardless of round

Acquiring free agent offensive line does have its benefits, particularly for elite units filling one hole. Interior offensive is typically the way to go

Top-end offensive line talent is far less likely to be available via trade or free agency compared to other positions year to year, only emphasizing the importance of the draft

 

My words: we were forced to make some big signings on interior after years of poor OL drafting and neglect. It worked but isnt sustainable. We need to get right. Drafting tackles high is a successful formula. We need to start now to have any hope going forward.  

I definitely see your point, but the issue to me is this:  Do we have the immediate urgency right now to draft a T in round 1 when there are other positions that could use starters from the draft?   Secondly, I find this draft to be weak this year, with about 14 players with first round grades (arguably).  I do not think the OTs in this draft are average, but there are more of them considered to be first round candidates based on the weakness of this draft.  Since we have 2 proven starters, maybe we should draft a project later and if we have the need next year, draft the OT then?  Your facts are indisputable, but we have to take our situation and the availability of talent at OT in 2026.  This is a very debatable topic--so I definitely see your view.

It kinda looks like a generic Cardinals uniform to me.  I guess the news is they are ditching the black jerseys.

And I think this will be their alternative helmet:

Let's say we have a LT for 2026, because we do.  After that, let's say Ickey could be back and we would have the option of extending Walker.  That too is truth.  Don't get me wrong--I LOVE drafting OL, but drafting a first-round OT now is either wasting the money we just paid for a free agent OR it is like paying top dollar for a new car and keeping it in your garage for a season.  A first rounder should give us 4-5 years of cap relief by playing from day 1.

I shall elaborate here:

Teams obviously get desperate for OTs and if they enter the draft without 2 solid tackles, they are almost obligated to reach for a first round OT.  This year, I see 1 OT who is probably worth first-round consideration, and I am not putting him in the top 10 players in the draft.  Lomu, Freeling, Miller, and Proctor, for example, probably and arguably have second-round value.  So why would you reach for an OT in round 1 when you already have starters at both T positions but you have other needs?

We do need depth, however, and I think there is decent OT depth that needs development on day 3. They are no slouches, by the way.  

Drew Shelton (could drop to round 4): Surrendered 1 sack as Penn State's LT in 2025. 33 3/8" arms.  Pass pro improved every year (4 years--experienced).  "For a team running a zone-heavy scheme that values lateral movement and reach-blocking ability over phone-booth mauling, Shelton has real appeal. He is not a plug-and-play starter, but the athletic tools and the clear year-over-year improvement suggest a player who can develop into a capable starter if a coaching staff invests in his strength base and cleans up his technique. The ceiling depends entirely on how much stronger he can get and whether his feet can stay alive after initial contact."  

Austin Barber  (could drop to round 4): I see him as a RT at best and a probable kick inside to Guard where his strengths would switch from secondary to primary tools.  Considering Lewis and Hunt may be gone in a year or two, this would give the Panthers a chance to work him at RT and then move him inside if he is not effective, and there is confidence that G may be his best position.

Jude Bowery (4th round projection) was LT on a Boston College OL that was effective in the run game.  Bowery is one of the most athletic OTs in the draft.  His arms are not ideal but not too short (33.75") to play LT.  He surrendered 2 sacks. He is raw, and needs some technical refinement with his hands.  I think he has the best upside and value for this offense.  

Dametrious Crownover  TexAM (5th round projection; 35 3/8" arms) is one of the more fascinating developmental tackles in this class because the physical tools are legitimately rare. A strong run blocker who should be better in pass protection with his tools.  "You do not find many 6-7, 336-pound men with that foot speed and who have the athletic background of a converted tight end. When everything clicks, he looks like a starting right tackle in a gap-heavy run scheme, smothering defenders at the point of attack and using his length to erase speed off the edge. The 2024 tape, when he anchored one of the best rushing attacks in the SEC, is the version of Crownover that gets offensive line coaches excited."  THIS is the kind of player our coaches could develop until Moton is done.

Isaiah World  (Oregon, injured ACL in playoffs, 5th round projection--could slide to 6th).  World will not play much if at all in 2026, which is why he might fall.  For the Panthers' purposes, however, this would give the OL coaches time to work with him.

"What made World intriguing coming out of Eugene was the untapped ceiling, a fifth-year transfer who arrived as the top-ranked offensive tackle in the portal and looked the part for stretches. The improvement he showed against Big Ten competition in his one Oregon season was real, and the physical foundation, length, athleticism, and improving technique in pass protection, is still there. The ACL tear suffered in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Indiana doesn't erase that, but it changes the conversation significantly."

"That said, the investment argument isn't crazy for the right organization. This is still a tackle with first-round portal grades and the kind of athletic profile that doesn't just disappear. A team with patience and a strong offensive line room can afford to stash World on the roster, let him develop his lower-body power and pad-level consistency during the recovery process, and potentially unlock a starting-caliber right tackle somewhere in his second or third season. The path is longer now, but the destination hasn't changed for a scout willing to bet on the physical tools."

You get the idea. If we do not need the OT immediately, draft one later and develop him as depth and for next season.  Most college players drafted in round 1 were not first rounders if they had entered the draft the year before,  so why not grab a player with upside?

Personally, I don't think so.  Here is why:

Blocking--our T situation could need help.  A 245 lb back can help.

If we keep a RB in to block and release, we are able to release a TE without chipping the speed rusher more.  It sure seems as if we are going to address a pass-catching TE.

Short yardage. 

4 minutes ago, strato said:

 

the job isn’t finished.  We are paper thin on OL and the cupboard is bare for the future, as well. It screams for a quality T in the draft. If the opportunity is there, passing on one in favor of a pass catcher would be a mistake.  IMO. 

yep, and how many combinations of the OL did we have last year?  Our free agents are decent, but they could digress in this offense.

On 3/31/2026 at 11:32 AM, ForJimmy said:

Rodriguez please!  Hill would be nice too.

hes a good fit

1 hour ago, mrcompletely11 said:

But that doesnt mean you keep spending prime capital trying to do so

IN the past, 2 have been enough in carolina==with a sure-handed slot.

XL should feel like crap.  Anyone with his skills should be successful by now.  Instead, we need 3 quality WRs that other teams fear.  If not, TMac gets doubled.  Coker?  does not really run the entire route tree.  We need 3...

3 hours ago, Basbear said:

Weeks ago I tried to warm the huddle that WR/slot/TE was in play for 19, mainly 19 since the number state its correct.

I mean Matt millen drafted a QB at #2 overall.

Then the next three he used on WRs.......

Odds have Panthers to copy this..... 

Another thing--Dan tips his hand a bit when he loads one side of the ball in free agency--then he uses the draft.

He addressed Edge, LB, S, with starting-level players.  On offense, he let starters Mays and Rico go-- we lost Nijman, and Ickey, XL is possibly a bust--it makes sense that he leans into the offense this draft.

3 hours ago, Basbear said:

Weeks ago I tried to warm the huddle that WR/slot/TE was in play for 19, mainly 19 since the number state its correct.

I mean Matt millen drafted a QB at #2 overall.

Then the next three he used on WRs.......

Odds have Panthers to copy this..... 

Yet we mocked you.  Look who's laughing now!

I am still not TE warm, but I sense they might take a duck.  He would change the offensive packages more than any other position, imo.  

4 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

very good read from Joe

and notable that Canales says the Panthers want to bring in players "that will complement what Bryce does" - 

RBs, WRs, and OL who can tackle?

Just kidding.  On a roll.

2 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

And now you know why I broke up with her---she sounds nasal at times.  Once I told a joke and when she was laughing, she snorted.  Deal breaker.

23 hours ago, Cpt slay a ho said:

We trade up for Caleb Downs 

that is mine--he could drop to 10 or so--if so, we could.  

I also think we are looking at moving Smith Wade to FS--and if so, we could daft a  CB.  But if downs falls, he is the pick.

23 hours ago, Aussie Tank said:

KC Conception 

I think they like him---that will tell us a lot about XL.  

My shock move?  trade up for an Ohio State player (Styles or Downs)

27 minutes ago, Basbear said:

https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-new-playing-rules-bylaws-resolutions-for-2026

 

2026 Approved Playing Rules Summary

1. By Competition Committee; to permit the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game.
2. By Competition Committee; to eliminate the kicking team's incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line.
3. By Competition Committee; to modify the kickoff alignment requirements for the receiving team players in the setup zone.

4-A. By Competition Committee; to allow League personnel to consult with on-field officials when considering disqualifications for both flagrant football acts and non-football acts without being called on the field.

5. By Competition Committee; for one year only, to allow the NFL Officiating department to correct clear and obvious mistakes made by on-field officials that impact the game, in the event that there is a work stoppage involving the game officials represented by the NFL Referees Association.

Thanks for this....Why not just eliminate kickoffs unless there is an onside kick?

I am going to go out on a ledge here--assuming we are not taking a TE, our first rounder will be either a DT, DB, or WR.

OP I appreciate bringing up new topics that require analysis (reading the tea leaves).  This is a good question.  I am not satisfied that A) Our LT is anything but a rental-and you do not want rookie OTs starting,  B) Moton is going to play much longer, and C) our depth is good enough should we have an injury.

On the other hand, The top tackles have concerns (arm length, run blocking film, or weight issues).  

I have no idea what we are doing first round, but there will be a LB in round 2.  You have my word.

15 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Sure seems like they want to go OT/LB with the top two picks.

Either that, or they wanted to confirm their measurables and address concerns.  Short arms on the Utah Ts and the obvious concerns about Proctor.  I also noticed the private visits seem focused on UDFA candidates while pro day meetings are at the top end.  I really like the Memphis OT Burke and see him as a player we would target.

2 hours ago, WUnderhill said:

“The Panthers could rebuild their offensive line around him and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.“

Says all you need to know.

that sentence made me want to beat his ass.  Yet I am a peaceful man by nature.

I think I have it figured out....

The Panthers are going to wait to see if Caleb Downs falls close enough to them to move up.  Safeties tend to fall for QBs, Edges, OTs, WRs....If he is not there, they could take Thieneman, or they could take a top CB and move Smith-Wade to FS.  Jackson will be 30 and an UFA in 2027, so it makes sense. 

In round 2, LB

In round 3, DT

On day 3:  C, T, etc

If you look at it, this process nearly guarantees a starter in the defensive backfield, a starting LB, a rotational DT, and developmental depth at C and T.  

12 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Some good stuff here, well worth your time. 

- Joe says interest in Kenyon Sadiq is real

- if he’s still available @19, there’s a good chance he’s the pick 

- CB in the 1st is also a strong possibility 

- Chau Smith-Wade would then move to SF 

- Julian Council reveals he’s gay

- lots more!

There has been too much talk about Smith-Wade going to safety for there not to be something there.  

IT MAKES SENSE to move him now with Scott as insurance and draft a CB in round 1.

Jackson is unlikely to be back next year, and you probably upgrade both Nickel and Safety.

If they are considering trading up, Delane could fall into their crosshairs--unlikely, but he could.  If not, they could like Terrell or McCoy---just sayin.