MHS831

On 4/29/2026 at 7:53 PM, Davidson Deac II said:

 

Personally I think that to many teams force a guy to be a day one starter from the get go.  You draft in the first round because you think the player has the potential to be a star.  Playing and starting should be based on how they adjust to the NFL and draft position shouldn't matter.

When I arrived at college, I was 18, not too much younger than some of these draft picks.  It was not a huge school, but there were guys on the team who were 21, 22, 23....playing ahead of me.  I was seventh on the depth chart.  Those guys have been through a few seasons, were stronger, more knowledgeable.  I was a better raw player than some of them, but those other factors matter.  As I grew stronger, more familiar with the playbook, and learned what it was like to play in college, I gradually improved and with that, I rose up the depth chart.  It took most of my freshman year for the light to come on.  Had the coach thrown me into the starting lineup day 1, I would have probably failed.   

And that was college.  So I agree with you based on my experience on a much lower level.  Frankly, I think that is why so many kids drafted to fill huge gaps bust.  The teams are desperate.  Anyone who looks to fill vacancies in the starting lineup through the draft is desperate.  You draft depth to develop.  For this reason, I say, "Let Walker start for a while."  Maybe Brazzell can be our WR 4.  Throw Hunter into a rotation and ask him to do one or two things.  Freeling needs some strength and he needs to work on run blocking.

I see Bryce's development this way: He improved when his supporting cast improved.  TMac and Dowdle saved his arse last year, but in fairness, most good QBs have good WRs and good RBs--and good OLs.   The 2025 OL underperformed, actually. They were above average, but they should have been elite if you consider the salary cap.  

As soon as we signed Lewis and Hunt, I started thinking, "That's not sustainable.  With Ickey about to get paid a LT salary, Moton and Hunt grabbling $50m per season combined, and Lewis around $17m--that would be nearly $100m and the Center just walked.  Yikes. 

What does that mean?  Rico walks, Mays walks, and we do not have a top 5 WR on a second contract.  We do not have an elite TE, and only 1 is on a modest second contract.

And now Bryce will demand $50m for his incremental rise to mediocrity?  

So when we sign Bryce, we will get weaker at other positions.  Hunt, Moton, maybe Ickey and Lewis, will all be casualties--that is the right move regardless (not sure yet about Ickey, but he was not elite)

Bryce is one lucky, entitled camper.  No competition since being drafted, and he lost his job for a while to the aging clipboard holder.  Now we are bringing in UDFAs and busts to compete with him.

But who is going to do those security camera commercials...Who???

On 4/27/2026 at 12:08 PM, Growl said:

I’ll toss this out again-Wallace charts pretty well actually dropping into coverage. Rotating him in situationally and signing Bobby Wagner to come in and play early downs is a nice little boon to the defense.

They can probably get by with what they have, but with the developmental nature of the draft, boosting the team in the immediate is a good idea. 

People seem to forget that Wallace is still 23 and will not turn 24 until February 2027.  There were a lot of players drafted who are older. 

15 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

If we pay Bryce like a franchise QB we're completely and utterly buttfuged.

I can't think of one team that has paid a mediocre QB the obligatory $50m and then became a dynasty.  To me, it is like locking in hopes of mediocrity.  If you do not have a franchise, championship qb by year 5, move on.  I have no issues with bringing in damaged goods as backups and continuing to draft QBs until you hit jackpot, but we have been protecting Bryce from competition and babying him as he played below average since he was drafted.  I don't get it.  

If you draft players who can push the starters in competitions, then you have depth.  Gantt's focus is Week 1, 2026.  That is never my view.  if your focus is on talent alone, and if you do not consider the salary cap, then this is accurate.  If a player making $25m per season can be traded or not renewed because you have a player on a rookie contract who can do the job almost as well--before the maturation and experience occurs, then you may take a small step back for a moment so that you can leap forward later.  About Walker--LTs have done pretty well in Green Bay's system.  He is a good pass protector, and so is Freeling. About DT--they are often rotational.  Hunter will still play and he will improve with experience.  The WR field is not that crowded.  If you have 5 different WRs who can play, they usually do.  Hecht might have the best opportunity to take a starting job, and he is a fifth rounder.  

So you look at the cap and the idea is to start as many on rookie contracts as possible.  Does that mean to start rookies day 1.  Nope.

In my view, the realistic expectation for this team to compete will start 2027.  At that time, I think we could be looking at the following (this is HIGHLY speculative):  

QB:  You know, Bryce.  I am not a fan, but they don't ask me.  But there is reason for hope--and here it is.  Bryce will be entering his prime.  Since we are likely to pay him, there will be changes that I include throughout this exercise--I realistically speculate on what they are going to do with Bryce and then I realistically speculate on what means in terms of the cap and other positions.

Bryce HAS IMPROVED.  The idea is that if you give him more weapons and protection, that will continue.  His career:

At this rate, if his growth continues, by 2027 we should expect nearly 30 TDs and about 12 Interceptions and a Rating of about 98.  His completion percentage should settle at 65-66% or so.  If that happens, you can win with it.

The following stats demonstrate how the Panthers will be able to afford it (and re-sign Ickey) My guess is they will require about $60m per year.

This is why rookies who can play are important.  It also helps us see the blueprint.  You may disagree, but this is the cruel realities of the salary cap.

• Robert Hunt:  Cut post June 1 and save $19m.  Who do you replace him with?  Ickey.
• Tershawn Wharton:  Cutting him saves nearly $15m.  We should all hope to see Aaron Hall (UDFA) make the roster and play well.  Regardless, this is a position we would likely have to address in the next draft.
• Trevin Moehrig:  Cutting Moehrig as the starting SS saves this team $16.5m.   Ransom will be on year 3 of a cheap rookie deal and should be more than ready to take the reins.  their styles are similar.  Furthermore, FS Wheatley (R, 4th round) will be starting.
• Taylor Moton:  So much depends on his knee, but I have an idea that he can play another 3 years.  extending him could save the team about $5m per year.  Cutting him outright would save the team about $21m.

In the most drastic situation, we have to cut Moton and the other three players mentioned.   We would need (in all likelihood) a starting DT and RT.  It is possible that the DE would be addressed, but Wharton's production (so far) could be equaled by a rookie.  Look for a cut free agent and a 2027 draft pick here.  If you cut Moton, you save $21m, and that would be the only big hole to fill.  Having Ickey at RG gives you some depth at T, and Ickey could be the guy.  T could be pick in the 2027 draft (first round), fwiw.  It saves you $21m while costing you $5m, for example. We get younger, creating a core of Freeling, Hecht, and the RT first rounder in 2027) along with Ekownu (second contract in the $15m range, and Lewis, whose contract would be in the $16m range if not extended.)  The OL cuts (Hunt, Moton) would save $40m.  The OL would get younger and still solid with veterans at G.  

By cutting Wharton (no brainer if his play stays the same) and Moehrig (good player--but we have Ransom on a rookie contract who would not be that much of a drop off--if any) in addition to Hunt and Moton, we would save over $70m in cap room. We would be able to give Bryce bag  and we would have enough to re-sign Ickey (if the knee is not too risky) to a Guard contract (probably at a discount, coming off that injury).  Furthermore, we could add a RT in the draft (or a RG if Ickey moves to RT) and that would be the only large hole to fill.

Correct my logic if you see issues--

On defense, in addition to the aforementioned, Scott ($2m contract) is out, replaced by a 4th round rookie contract. CB Jackson's contract ($7.8m) expires and he is (possibly) replaced by a rookie contract.  At Edge, patrick Jones II's $10m contract expires and he is likely a reserve, and his role is absorbed by Phillips, Scourton, Princely, and possible an UDFA like Isaiah Smith or a 2027 draft pick.  

These productive developmental players over the past 2 drafts will pay huge dividends.  On paper, I see the team getting much younger and possibly better while cutting nearly $100m and reallocating that money to get more production.

On 4/29/2026 at 5:17 PM, jfra78 said:

I heard it through the grapevine that it's signed, sealed, delivered that there ain't no mountain high enough that will keep them from saying I want you back.

He must play RB

Moton is a class act.  

9 hours ago, strato said:

He probably drives a Vega. You get the good ones.  

I didn't have AC in mine--and I could not drive with the windows rolled down because hot babes kept trying to crawl in when I was at stoplights and whatnot.   A blessing and a curse, that car was.  Forgot to mention the white letter tires--score!

5 minutes ago, strato said:

And if he did, he doesn’t have the QB to use them right. Sadiq… if we took him we would be like the guy that puts fancy rims on his Vega. 

I used to drive a VEGA. Aluminum block, 4 in the floor.  It was pumpkin yellow colored.  Chick magnet.

Little known fact--I am supposed to be MHS 8031.  Monroe High School--I was #80 in football, #31 in basketball and baseball.  My name is a typo.

I really enjoy the civil disagreements--I learn a lot from you guys.

I thought you all came here to learn from my wisdom.  This is awkward.

They all but said they liked their TE room.  They needed a Z WR.  

24 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

If its the same Tony Grimes from UNC then he wasnt a bad player at all.  A bit underwhelming based on his recruiting but hes a big kid.  

same (I believe) he is now 24....so the timing fits.

48 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Tony Grimes (Purdue) invited to #Panthers rookie minicamp, per a source
 

https://x.com/aaronwilson_nfl/status/2048773392690548905?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

Was a Tar Heel.  Big slot CB.  

2 hours ago, Jon Snow said:

Do you know when the cut down date is? I'm lazy.

I know there is one to get the roster to 53, but the way i understand it, they cannot exceed 90.  I am guessing they have not contacted the players yet, and it will be announced any time.  This is, of course, assuming that my assumption that we went over the limit is correct.  

And then there is the international player provision, and one site had the UDFAs listed and noted that a couple are from Canada--whatever that means.

7 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

Does anyone know the total roster count so far? 

I think it was over the limit by 2, on something I read yesterday.  TO your point, we need to cut 2, I believe. Not confirmed yet.

My 2 favorite picks, since you didn't ask?

3. Brazzell II.  A 1000 yard WR with 4.37 speed and checks all the boxes for a Z Wide Receiver.  IN THE THIRD ROUND!!!

5.  Sam Hecht.  I think he will take over as the starter at some point this season and never look back.  IN THE FIFTH ROUND.

Runner Up:  2. Hunter:  We were targeting a DT early in this draft because we did very little to replace Robinson in free agency.  Hunter was our guy and he will start.

In addition to that, you got a starting tackle that should man one side of the new OL we will build for Bryce's second contract.

A starting WR, offensive lineman, defensive lineman and possible Offensive tackle (at some point during this year from this draft will start.  UNREAL.

In addition, I don't doubt that Wheatley (5th round) takes the FS job by next year and Lee III is Jackson's replacement in 2027.  

Finally, even Kuwatch should be a special teams demon and LB depth.  

Last year's draft was so good it was ugly.  This one will turn out to be uglier.  No offense Basbear--this ain't about you.

Here is how Morgan is strategic-He re-signs Scott because he was not going S in round 1--he had the chance, and he did not.  He saw the top of the draft at T and knew none of them would be ready to start day 1, so he signs a veteran to a one-year deal, giving his tackle selection a chance to learn and prepare for what might be LT or RT.  Those two moves suggested, perhaps ironically because they contradict each other, what he was going to do, based on the talent pool.  He never brought in a Robinson replacement at DE/NT, and then moves up to draft one.  

I almost wonder if the intent was to draft DT/DE all along at some point, maybe with a trade back, but then Freeling dropped to them.  

Of course, we felt that they were looking WR, and wonder if the plan was to draft a WR in round 2 if you traded back in round 1.  However, when Freeling was there, the trade back fell apart.  Then we traded up for Hunter.  We could stick with XL and hope Metchie steps up, so we sat still in round three and took Brazell II, a 1000 yard speedster and perfect Z WR.  What a break.

At that time, CB and Center were our biggest needs, and with several possible centers on the board and a good fit for our defense at CB, we grabbed Will Lee III.  Lee and Thornton have people in front of them, but I think Morgan knew we needed a guy who can play the outside and press--and probably step in as Jackson's replacement in 2027.    After making trades to get back into the fifth round, where we grabbed one of the best centers in the draft.  This is significant because we signed Fortner to a one-year deal; maybe Morgan saw what some of us saw--the center position is strong in this draft--on day 3, and day 3 players need a year, in most cases. 

Moments later, a safety they had been talking to whose skill set matched what we are looking for in a FS.  As stated, Scott was signed,  but the fact that the Panthers were talking to Wheatley and not Theiemann means that they might have known they were not going FS early, but would need a developmental FS later--which explains why we signed Scott. 

So if you pay attention to the one-year, vet deals, you can tell where we planned to sign later-round, developmental players. 

What positions did we draft early that did not have 1-year veterans signed in front of them:  DL (Hunter) and WR (I don't count Metchie because I count starting-level players).

I would not be surprised to learn later that the plan was DT and WR in rounds 1 and 2--then Freeling fell.  Notice that Freeling--from Mt Pleasant SC, did not come in for a visit.  Most of the other OT candidates had short arms or were certain to be gone. I don't think Freeling was in their plans.  I think a trade back and Hunter and maybe Boston was the vision.  I am guessing that CB was also high on their list.

So in this draft, we got 

39 minutes ago, Butterflyj30 said:

I think he should get 1 more year to prove himself

His contract is guaranteed.  Legette is just not where he needs to be mentally.  Not fully invested, it seems. 

22 minutes ago, KillerKat said:

Aaron Hall and Isaiah Smith look intriguing 

I think both have a shot--along with King, QB, who will make this roster. (emergency QB?  I don't think so--I think he may be an offensive wrinkle used more than Pickett--I am confident that they will.  I also think one of the big OL might make it as well.