MHS831

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...

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?

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.

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?

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.  

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.

"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.

I think, especially after their visit with Boston, that the Panthers are going WR again unless some player falls to them that they did not expect.  

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.

4 minutes ago, WUnderhill said:

Can you at least say what the pick was in op?

At 41 minute mark, Sadiq TE Ore

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.

Panthers at about 41 minutes---breezed over it rather quickly, tbh. (about 45 seconds).  I don't like the pick. 

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.  

Just now, mrcompletely11 said:

The push back here would be, if you have to have this much aligned for Bryce to hopefully show that he might be the guy then there is no fuging way you should be giving him $50 mil per moving forward.  And that is the low end of what he is going to asking for.  We have seen too many times that giving a dude a huge deal doesnt work.  Especially if you have doubts.  (See miami, Giants, Cards, no, atl etc)

 

And I ask again, what other teams have 3 above average wrs on them?  Most good qbs elevate whats already on the roster.

That is correct because of the cap if nothing else.  An OL that costs $100m per year, $15m in the backfield, another $10m at TE, and all we can afford at WR is a pack of rookies (lets say $15m for all of them--probably higher).  That is $140m and it does not include the QB salary.  If they pay Bryce, they are going to have to replace their guards and RT.  

In other words, we cannot afford to give Bryce playmates when he will demand 17% of the salary cap.

In my view, you have 4 years to prove you can be elite.  If you are not elite, you don't get $50m per year to keep the franchise in limbo.   We have not constantly searched for competition for him when he has been below elite.  I don't understand the logic behind what they are doing.  Please tell me Tepper is not involved.

32 minutes ago, Jay Roosevelt said:

I mean, on some level I get it. They want to know 100% for sure before they either extend Bryce or move on. I imagine the logic behind it is that if they add another weapon and Bryce doesn't show he can be a franchise guy then we'll be in great position to draft another QB and slot him into an offense with 3 legit WRs, a good TE and a solid OL.

I don't think it's as simple as the front office trying to "justify" an extension for Bryce. If they're not sold on Bryce then they know paying him big money is a recipe for disaster and at that point just trying to please Tepper isn't going to save their jobs in the long run if they're stuck with a QB we can't win with.

I think Morgan and Canales are just as uncertain on Bryce as the fanbase is. They see his limitations, but they also see flashes where he has managed to overcome them and look like a potential franchise QB. I think they're trying to avoid Bryce becoming the next Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold and want to do everything they can to give him what he needs to succeed so that if/when the time comes to move on from him nobody can say "the Panthers were the problem" if he goes elsewhere and succeeds.

And if we do end up having to bring in another QB in a year or two if nothing else they will have the pieces around them as well and can hit the ground running.

I also think drafting a WR in the 1st this year would be as much about missing on XL as it would trying to justify extending Bryce. Personally I think we need to just count ourselves lucky to have landed a legit #2 WR as an UDFA in Coker (which helps negate the miss on XL in the 1st) and try to find a good slot receiver in free agency or the 2nd-4th rounds while focusing on defense and the OL in the 1st round.

I think you make a point.  OTs are not really available beyond the draft unless you overpay or just get lucky.

46 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

If it happens it will be surprising that Morgan continues to neglect the defensive side of the ball.  If it happens its seems like they are desperately trying to convince themselves that Bryce was the correct pick therefor justifying extending.  At least thats where my conspiracy brain immediately goes to whenever I read stuff like this.   I mean for fugs sake how many teams have 3 legit bad ass wr's?   Its most certainly under 5 and thats even stretching it

Who knows what is being said behind closed doors, but they sure seem determined to make the offense special to overcome a short, mediocre qb on his good days.  

He would argue that he is focused on Offense in the draft because he focused on 2 studs in free agency at LB and edge.  

We are not drafting a DT of S in round 1.  I think we are drafting Concepcion or Cooper--WR.  Delp?  Probably a trade up on day 2 to the back half of the third round--maybe early fourth.  A good blocker for his size and a tall (6-5) TE who runs a 4.49.  I see the reason they love him.

We will also be grabbing another LB in round 2, if I guess correctly.  Bisontis (C) could be the second round pick, however.  

Maybe a S or DT in round 3?

Morgan probably feels that he has plugged the holes with 2 free agent OTs--so don't expect one early.  Watch for players like Travis Burke in round 7. (he played at Gardner Webb, by the way) C?  Maybe a short armed T or G if Bisontis is not taken earlier.

1 hour ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Reid:

“Adding another playmaker for Bryce Young is viewed as essential.”

“It’s possible they draft a receiver in round one.”

“The team is reportedly high on Oscar Delp.”  

I have heard about Delp--

https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-scouting-report-oscar-delp

How was David Newton scooped?  He is usually breaking news and providing cutting-edge insights.  Remember when he took that picture of the moon between his fingers so it looked like a glow booger?  That kind of stuff is what we need.  And we need a guy who reposts Ian Rappaport and Joe Person.  

Since about 80 of you have sent me a PM to chime in on this topic, I will appease the masses:  

I have some weird views on RBs.

Get a RB that can catch and block.  If you want great running, get an OL.

Never, except in rare situations, sign a RB to a second contract.  When they peak at age 27, you rarely get a return on the investment. 

The most important trait for a RB is not speed-it is vision.

I get it.  this is the conservative approach, but we are talking about a right tackle.He is a player I really like,but at 19?  This mock would appeal to the people who want an OT in round 1, but maybe addressing the RT spot is the way to go. Not sure if Miller can play both sides.  He would sit behind Moton.

With the LBs that are predicted to be there is round 2, hard to explain the TE--although this one is solid.  Stowers is a very good TE and he would upgrade the position and offense immediately.

Farmer:  If he skipped his SR season, how did he play in the SR bowl?  Farmer is a good OL, but I this would be another pick who sits year 1.  

Very conservative with a practical eye to the future--if you consider the $$ they will pay Bryce, it is possible Moton and at least one of the guards is not on the 2027 roster.  In that case,, this is very nice.  However, if you are looking for help in 2026, this is minimal.

20 minutes ago, mrcompletely11 said:

Its not that cut and dry.  How does Bpa work postitionally?  You telling me a wr3 is a better fit for this roster than a starting DTackle, safety or corner?  Nah it doesn't work like that

Yes.  Need increases the appeal, as does depth of talent at the position.  If you need a QB and there is a G who rates much higher, you are not taking G, for example.  I also think you must consider the cap.  If I can keep my QB on a rookie contract (since the position is not factored in) when the average QB in the NFL earns $35m (guess), as opposed to the average guard ($10m or so) I get more cap room--and the upgrades to those players must factor into the decision.  It is easy to say "BPA" if you are wearing blinders, but if get a QB on a rookie deal and a guard and tight end in free agency....it makes no difference if the Guard is predicted to be a hall of famer--you take the Qb.  (these are just examples)

14 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

https://x.com/panthersanalyst/status/2041654821170909404?s=46&t=xeIgh_-Vr2aKxBkBJdfnKA

No LBs.

I can see WR Cooper here, and Concepcion (nearly 10% drop rate) bothers me...and it is interesting that they brought it Bisontis--maybe to see him snap? ... Looks like they want an emergency QB from the UDFA pile....One might project S as a day 2 pick, based on this.

I am just hoping for a first-rounder who can catch and knows where the sidelines are.  

4 hours ago, Jon Snow said:

Our qb room.

Not kidding--I met the green one a decade or so ago.  He was the last living cast member.  Told me some stories about the munchkins--

8 hours ago, X-Clown said:

Per Ian Rapoport

https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2041496812469551198?s=20

I am sure this thread will be fun 

 

I am not reading the other posts before I say this:  If he is an UDFA, I cannot think of a better place to go--an offense sorta built for a small QB.  I sense a bit of Johnny Manziel in him, but he could settle into an emergency QB role here--He won at Vandy.  Beat Bama.  Worth a late round pick or UDFA contract.  Now,, I am going to post this and then read what the Huddle has to say.  (I admit I don't know much about him, but the highlights?  He seems to be able to do what Bryce can do--maybe better because  his team was not Alabama).

1 hour ago, strato said:

That is reasonable, the development aspect and I hope to heaven they do that if they don’t want to invest early. 
Gross went at 8 I think, and was RT his rookie year.  

I would add that it is probably likely that you need a T during the season--I am wildly speculating that they like something about Forsythe.  However, that is not enough.  We need 4 players who can play OT in the NFL---we have 3. That suggests that we are going to add an OT at some point. 

Perhaps related, but probably a pure depth move:

Brady Christensen is an interesting situation--we should sign him. He is likely to miss the first 2 months of the 2026 season, and he will be 30.  He can play all OL positions.  That would give depth when it is usually most needed--the last half of the season.  With his injury, I doubt his phone is ringing much.  I think I would offer a 2-year deal (1.5 if you want to be realistic) for the vet minimum.  

2 minutes ago, strato said:

I haven’t scouted them to say, because I am not GM and have no say. The Miami kid, but he will probably be gone. Freeling. Proctor is interesting. Like I said I haven’t really scouted but I would look closer at him because I have seen some claiming he has the quickness and feet even at his inflated size. So I would look closer at that. 

My ideal outcome is one of the top guys who are probably not gonna fall, falls and we use 19 on him. Obviously, I guess. I am  not wanting to trade up or anything - not putting it like code red at all costs, but if we get a chance to get that covered I would for sure want to take it. 

Also it looks like we might be able to drop down a few slots and find a future RT at decent value which I would also be fine with.  I think if someone fell that made 19 a hot pick, then I would want to trade out unless it was a top T. 

I would probably want to get a run stopper for the DL if the tackle thing didn’t fall right. That is what I voted for here because I feel it is more likely that we don’t have things fall to fit my scenario. 

If it were me, I would take Proctor over the rest, but I would have a firm understanding and (if this is legal) an escape clause in his contract if he decides to spend his signing bonus at the Pancake Barn (the edible kind).   After that, Freeling and then Lomu to a lesser degree.  I really like Miller, but he is a RT only, based on my understanding.

I am not dismissing the quality of Tackles that are expected to go day 3.  They have issues, but they also have time to develop.  I think of it this way:  When would Freeling have been drafted in 2025?  What happened between 2025-2026 that moved him from a mid-rounder to a top 16 player?  Find a guy with upside if you are not starting him day 1 and develop him.   That is how I would approach it--I am sure there are others who might do it many different ways.