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MHS831

HUDDLER
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Posts posted by MHS831

  1. 36 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

    Then Dan should be quietly shown the door if this happens

    They addressed D in free agency in a big way (Edge, ILB) and they signed a starting OT and a player they think could be a swing OT in reserve.  They have claimed to be adding "Weapons" to the offense.  I think that will be their focus.  I agree 100% that we need a T, but a reserve, developmental OT in a weak (at the top) draft does little to address that weakness in 2026.  If they are telling the truth, a reserve developmental OT is not a weapon.  The will draft a WR if that statement and their actions in free agency are accurate.  That does not mean we ignore OT--I just dont see where he takes a T if he is filling holes. As a coach, I am concerned about OT, but when I look at the roster, I see bigger immediate problems.

    S: We are OK if you want Scott for another season. Not ideal.  There is also talk of Smith-Wade being moved to S.  If so, we need a CBN.

    DT: Who took Robinson's job?  He played a lot.  All DTs (NT-DE) were average to below average, (except Derrick Brown) including 280 lb wharton.  We need a DT (my preference for the first pick, to be honest)  I am guessing a DT will be our third rounder?

    ILB:  Unless we want Wallace out there in coverage, we need a compliment to Lloyd.  I think Lloyd's starting mate is the second rounder. (speculating)  This pick is likely to occur in the second round because it is for a starting position.

    WR:  Some are fine with what we have.  sIn 2025, Coker had 3  TDs on 394 yards.  Legette had 3 TDs and 363 yards--and only 1 drop.  I love Coker, but neither should make us feel secure about WR with those numbers.  A lot depends on both stepping up in 2026, but Canales has been screaming weapons.  Could he mean Tight end?  That depends on how good they feel about Coker and XL.

    Center:  You can get a player ready to start relatively early in the middle rounds.  Very similar to the OT situation but I think C may be more of a priority right now than OT.  

    Tight End:  They seem to like Delp from Georgia who projects round 4.

    CB:  There was some talk of moving Smith-Wade to S (to learn for a season with Scott, maybe?) and that might require adding CB depth inside.

    Tackle?:  I agree that we need one, but this draft is simply not strong at the top at T.  The ONLY way to get a quality OT that is still developmental is to take one in round 1.  Canales has all but said we are not doing that.  But after the first 40 picks or so, they pretty much level out for a good while.  The fifth rounders and the third rounders are about the same.  For that Reason, I am guessing (It is all guesses) that they take someone like the OT from Boston College or Memphis.  Work with the OL coach (OT specialist) for a season.  I dunno

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  2. 13 hours ago, flagfootballcoach28 said:

    Some of you fail to listen to what the coaches and GM say. They’ve been saying we need more explosion on offense for months now. It’ll be Omar Cooper Jr or KC Concepcion at 19. My money is on KC. Esp after how bad our PR game was last year.. 

    If you throw Boston into that mix, I think that is what they do if I were forced to bet.  

    I think they have Delp (TE UGa) on their list; if he is there, watch him in round 4.  Rodriguez (going at the end of round 1) and Hill and maybe Golday as the second pick.   I think they would like to trade back a bit in the first round and add a third.  With those picks, a G/C, DT, or maybe a S makes sense.  I don't see OT until the fifth round or so.  There are some projects with upside there. 

  3. 22 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

    Yep, in this draft tier 2 opens up around pick 9/10.   And that tier is probably 30 players that are all ranked pretty tightly together.  Good problem for us to have for once

    It allows us to trade back without compromising quality.  If a team wants a player or has a huge need, we are open for business. 

    We pick just ahead of Pittsburgh, and I am confident that a team like the Jets or Cardinals or even the Rams will want to move ahead of them for Ty Simpson.  A lot of people are down on him, and I get it, and next year is a QB draft--so they say (I think they said that about this year--but the QBs from South Carolina, Miami, Penn State, LSU, etc. fell off the map.)  Simpson could use a year behind Rodgers or Smith or Stafford or even Brissett.  I see the Cardinals being the team to watch.  Some say, "They will take Simpson in Round 2..." Not if they want the fifth year AND not if they think others might be interested.  I know this is a reach, but I see it happening.  

  4. 8 hours ago, csx said:

    Yet you want a WR of which only Tate is projected as a year 1 starter. The WR in our range are depth. 

     

      I never said "I want a WR"  I said that it is time to consider the possibility.  Keep up.😁  But your premise is based on the fact that you think a WR would be sitting on the bench and not part of a rotation or certain sets.  Would Cooper be better than XL?  The only way a T plays in 2026 is in the event of injury, for the  most part.  We have 2 starting tackles right now--2 is how many we need.  We have 2 starting WRs right now. We need 3 or 4.

  5. 5 hours ago, Basbear said:

    me too, last year I wanted Tmac, but I also took the walker cheese. 

    I still "think" the odds fav is WR, but I don't have a name. 4-5 WRs, no idea who.

    I mean Dave could be pulling a ruse with his " I don't draft depth in the 1st " stuff. I don't know, the teams drafting around the Panthers, I don't like the group....they are good drafting teams and a couple have similar needs. 

    I think trade is the way, but again no clue on up or down. The feeling right now there only 13-15 players with 1st round grades......so why would they want a 2nd and 3rd for a 1st round player?>

    the 9000 IQ play maybe to trade back into early 2nd and getting a 2027 first to do so....

    ugh.... too much and no firm clues.....

    I appreciate the honesty in your posts--I am not sure Canales is rusing(?) because I don't think we are good enough yet to draft players for depth on day 1.  I do think we are in limbo, fwiw.  At 19, I think you are drafting second rounders in the first.

  6. 16 minutes ago, TD alt said:

    We needed this. Many Huddlers are going to disagree to varied extents, but the 2026 OT class has more question marks than exclamation points. There is a higher than normal chance that someone is going to overdrafted. But, if you have conviction that the guy will be a starter this year at the position you are drafting him for, you have to pull the trigger. 

    It's possible, but I wouldn't necessarily say it's likely. It's going to depend upon the guy. Canales basically said that we're not going to draft for depth in the first round (and he said it with what I consider was low-key disdain).

    Yeah, I just really enjoy this time of year and all the tea leaf reading, etc.  Some attack any idea that is not consistent with their own--I knew the critics would emerge because that is what they do--much easier to critique than create, but this really is based on what I was able to round up--I tried to take it from the angle that if we are going to draft a T, and we probably all agree that is a need, these are the items on the shelf and here are the "buyer beware" warnings.  These are good players, no doubt.

  7. 14 minutes ago, csx said:

    I feel like you approach this as if the decision on what position to draft is made in stone before draft day. They decide based on their assessments and who is actually available in real time, not whats predicted to happen. 

    Understood.  Based on information I have been reading.  Not really my thoughts--but a synthesis of comments--some may be poker comments and some may be a result of over analysis, but it is what it is. 

  8. To be clear, I am not advocating for drafting a WR.  As for the OTs we have met with--I am not sure how or when or where and whether or not that even matters.

    I can say this about OL:  Those tackles would not play much (unless there is an injury and Fano is probably going to be a guard.  Lomu seems to have slipped a bit (based on the perspectives of crackheads who publish on the interweb or broadcast from their pods.) I like Lomu.  I like Proctor--I think he is the #1 OT but the weight (he was 390) scares me.  Imagine him with $10m in his bank account at the gas station when the 16-pack of Reeses Peanut Butter Cup is right below his fingertips at the counter.  NOOOO!

    Blake Miller might be the most practical option, to be honest. I watched his vidoes for several minutes (not to exceed 10 because my father played for the Gamecocks when I was born) and I was impressed.   At 19?  A bit rich, but we don't know what the GMs know.  

    Bryce's contract is another issue.  If they decide to give him a bag of money (suicide hotline 1-800-JUMP), they are going to have to part ways with some vet contracts.  Moton, Hunt, and Lewis come to mind.  Ickey could be gone too.  So....I assume we will have a starting center by next year...

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  9. 52 minutes ago, tukafan21 said:

    Drafting a WR in the 1st only guarantees one of T-Mac, Coker, or the new draft pick has zero chance of still being on the roster 4 years from now because they can’t all be paid at the same time.

    Which is why a WR in the 1st makes no sense, if we do that, I’d be pissed if we don’t also trade Coker this offseason, and I have zero interest in trading him, so………

    We know T-Mac is that dude, so unless the team has serious concerns about Coker taking the next step, WR makes so sense to me in the 1st

    It is hard to say--if you look back at our roster from 4 years ago...In addition, we have a ton of money going into our OL right now (which might strengthen the argument to draft a tackle now)  The average NFL career is under 4 years, but the average NFL career for first rounders is 9.3 years, so most get 2 contracts.  

    So having said that, I look at it as capital--if your concern (legit) becomes an issue, then you should have the same vision and trade that player and draft his replacement.  However, TMAC, Coker, and a rookie is not likely to be a problem for another 4 years--2030.  

    But to your point, we have a situation right now that the OL has 2 guards and a RT around or over 30.  The make about $70m per year.   I like the perspective of reality you bring, however.  Is that a factor to morgan in 2026?

     

  10. 1 minute ago, firefox1234 said:

    Panthers have met with all these potential 1st rounders to my knowledge: Faulk, McCoy, McDonald, Fano, Lomu, Proctor, KC, Cooper Jr., and Boston. I don’t think it’s a given that WR is the pick. I know we met with Faulk extensively at the combine, I won’t be surprised if we run to the podium if he’s at 19.

    Yeah, nobody said it was a given, but the type of WR they are looking at in relation to where they expect to be drafted--can you find a position where we KNOW the Panthers have shown extended interest in three or more players who are expected to be drafted in round 1 at one specific position?  If you can, please post it for us to discuss.   I could not find one.

    This is all about reading and anticipating what they might do--based on very limited information.  It is also to throw things out there to see who has an open mind or a closed mind.  Of course, this is speculative--it is not even what I want, to be honest.

  11. 14 hours ago, Jon Snow said:

    I think they go defense in rounds 1 and 2. Then offense in rounds 3 and 4. Positions are yet to be determined. 

    I wanted DT and LB then maybe a C. 

    I also think someone will fall to 19 and make it difficult to stick to WR.   An OT, perchance?

    Recent interest (seemingly) in WR suggests that they are giving up on XL.  If so, I see WR as a big need since they want to surround their MiniQB with $200m worth of talent.

    I see Morgan rebuilding the OL in 2027 because he will have to make cap room for the $50m qb.  Moton, Hunt, and maybe Lewis?

     

  12. We read each other and we bring together influences from a variety of sources--that is what makes this time of year great.  However, when you realize that the Panthers have talked to three (3) WRs expected to be there around #19, it must give us pause.

    We all knew about Cooper (who has been heavily mocked to the Jets at #16) and Concepcion (deemed to be the perfect Z WR based on his skill set).  Then the other day, the Panthers quietly brought in another tall WR that seems to be less than a good fit at first glance.

    First, a glance at the top 2 WRs the Panthers have shown interest in:

    Cooper (projected to Jets at 16--could possibly go as early as 9)

    Concepcion (considered to be a perfect fit for the Z WR (leaving Coker in the slot and TMac at X) has one major issue that has plagued the Panthers (see Legette, Xavier, TMac) in the area of drops.  Coker, on the other hand has never dropped anything in his entire life--including "in" or "by."  He can't even eavesdrop.   So, does that stat about Concepcion bother them?  It does me.  XL dropped 14% of his catchable balls as a rookie.  Last year, he found new ways to screw up, such as not knowing the boundares or lateralling to Rico for a big loss.  Yes, TMac was ROY and was terrific, but he had 8 drops, catching just under 60% of targets. Top NFL WRs are in the 70%-80% range--which is good news--it means that TMac can improve.  He caught 70 passes and dropped 8, meaning that his drop rate was about 10%. 

    If you are counting, Denzel Boston is another first-round WR whose stock may have dropped a bit because he did not run a 40 during his pro day.  However, I see him as the #3 or #4 WR in this draft.  

     
    Most people feel that Denzel Boston is in the TMac mold--a tall X.  Many of the same criticisms (about separation and speed) face Boston now. Although he is primarily viewed as a physical X (split end) receiver due to his 6'4", 212-pound frame, Boston has a weakness that makes him less valuable as the X but more valuable as a Z. Boston's ability to get off a jam at the LOS has been questioned--something an X does nearly every play. While his size and contested-catch ability make him a prototypical X, scouts and analysts note he has the versatility to move across the formation, including taking snaps in the Z or as a big slot, often helping to create mismatches. This would make him interchangeable with Coker.  Even if Legette does not come around, the Panthers would have a three-headed hydra at WR.  For much of last season, the Panthers had TMac, a goofy XL, and
    • Versatility: Beyond being an X receiver, he is considered capable of playing Z or in the slot, allowing for movement across the formation.
    • Physicality: With his size and strength, he can play on the outside, making him a strong red-zone target.
    • Role Projection: While he primarily played on the boundary, his profile fits as a versatile receiver who can align in multiple spots to exploit matchups. 
    His 6-foot-4 height and 209-pound weight are ideal for an outside receiver who can play both X and Z positions at the next level.
     
    NFL Combine write-up:  Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.

     

    The Panthers have looked at three Z WRs who will be first-rounders in all likelihood.  They have a proven track record of bringing in first-round picks.  The tea leaves are strong in this case.  

    here is Greg Cosell talking to the Bills analysts.  What he says about Boston (compares to TMac) is interesting (4:45).  https://www.buffalobills.com/video/greg-cosell-breaks-down-wr-draft-class-buffalo-bills

    Screen Shot:  No share available.

    image.thumb.png.44dbbc5de4de747b5762c71f9c66dc54.png

    "I don't think you have to just line him up inside (slot).  I think you can play him outside (X)."  That comment suggests he can play X, slot, or Z.  He then compares KC Concepcion vs. Boston--very different WRs.  In my view, Boston is more versatile.  Boston has excellent hands and he wins contested balls.  Red Zone--giving TMac someone on the other side of the field with the sure-handed Coker inside.  What Cosell says later (about Hurst, actually, but it applies to Concepcion): "You can teach guys to catch a ball."  

    He talks about Concepcion, Boston, and Cooper in succession.  I get the feeling he is less impressed with Cooper than others are because he questions the competition--based on the Indiana system vs. zone etc.  I would also say that any WR who has a good WR on the other side of the field probably gets less defensive attention.

    I should add that this also reflects poorly on XL, but I have said he would be a late bloomer.  I had no idea how much he did not know about football.  We shall see, but can you imaging how potent we'd be in 4 WR sets if he comes around?  How do you cover that?  (OT people are biting their lips right now)

    THE DRAFT

    It sure looks as though the Panthers are looking seriously at WR (the Z spot specifically) in the draft. 

    Can you see any other position that has garnered this much attention for potential day 1 players?  I cannot.  

    I am concerned about the OT situation, don't get me wrong, but Morgan is going to think, "I have a starter and I brought in a swing T (Forsythe).  Moton is a real concern.  We may look at RT later--and I know how others feel about it.  We could re-sign BC and he would be available after a month or two....I dunno.

    Less than 2 weeks to go--just thought I would take a look at WR because it seems, based on available "evidence," that a WR will be our pick....again.

     

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  13. 1 hour ago, strato said:

    We have taken two TEs in three seasons I think, and Sanders may not pan out or it may have been a sophomore slump, but we took a guy last year that was coming on. 
    I am not in favor of TE in round one and really don’t consider it a high priority in any round. 

    well said.  The TE is great for the middle of the field (crosses, curls, seams, etc) and Bryce is not great throwing there.  Maybe they blame the TE.

    • Pie 1
  14. In the first, draft a guy who plays a position that you have to pay $25-60m on a second contract.  If you have 4 of these players starting (over time), you save a lot of money that can be spent upgrading many other positions.  The first rounder is not just about the talent of the player--it is a business arrangement.

    WR?  I am fine with it.  OT?  I get it.  Edge? Sure. CB? I understand.  Safety or TE?  Not in round 1.  

    I think the Panthers will target Delp early day 3.  So it was written.

     

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  15. 7 hours ago, Jon Snow said:

    Early money favors offense. I'll take Max in the 1st for 100. Subject to change as the list grows. 

    I would not mind it, but I just don't see it.  

    I see TE Delp here in round 4.  I might go with Cooper (WR) in round 1.  Travis Burke (was he a local visit?  Played at Gardner-Webb for a while--I see him as a 6th or 7th).  It sure looks like Safety could be the round 2 pick --I was hoping to grab a LB there--QB?  We are going to bring in a UDFA.  

    Of course, this is probably totally wrong.  

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