Soul Rebel

Yet another thread is compromised by the Bryce Young divide amongst Huddlers. So much for OTA talk....

I feel seen though on the younger side .

I tend to agree with Baldy. Our blueprint is kinda what we’re known for when we were successful. Strong defense, win in the trenches, a desire to run first, and take what the defense gives us. The last part about wanting to run vs actually committing to the run has been my biggest complaint with Canales. He says it, built/drafted the offense around it, yet, abandons it very quickly. I think if Bryce can be Darnold-esque with his game manager approach, and our three-headed RB crew can produce, we should take that next step, IMO. Defense is going to be fine and is our strength. So happy DB, Horn and Moehrig get some legit talent instead of the PS level JAGs we’ve been cycling though.

This is a toughie because I wonder what a guy like Canales thinks about redemption stories for addiction issues. Also, I think this is a case of 1 player getting caught, and not being naive enough to think this isn't more common in college than we think. I'd toss a 3rd rounder out there. 2026 is essentially a redshirt season regardless, so he's not taking over for any NFL QB next year. Best case, he's ready to go in 2027 if we pass on Bryce's extension. Worst case, he's our future backup QB2. Kid has the tools to be an NFL QB. I do think we could somehow land a '26 3rd round pick back in a trade. Our past years' third rounders are: Brazzell Princely Wallace DJ Johnson Matt Corral All this to say, I could see a team like the Jets going w/ a 2nd. They have three FRPs next year.

In May of 2026, it looks like a challenging schedule...and it probably is. I rarely listen to the "strength of schedule" conversations that light up social media this time of year. Each year teams improve and decline. I think there's chunks of the year we need to take care of business and the week 5 bye is not desired. I do think if we don't hit the bye week at 3-1, it's going to be a major uphill battle given the schedule in front of us. This season falls on three people, regardless of schedule strength: Canales, Bryce, Evero. Canales: Finally can truly coach all aspects of the team and not focus with gameday prep for OC duties anymore. He drives the bus and needs to get these guys in position to win each week. There's no way vets come in and put it on the line every week to watch our QB sh!t the bed (See: SF game last year). Bryce: Despite everyone's obsession with thinking Bryce is a guaranteed extension, I think this year will truly be his "prove it" year. If he comes out the way he has the past three years, I really don't see how vets and coaches can continue to put him under center long-term. He might play out that fifth year as the starter, but I think next offseason his long-term replacement is found. I also think there's no excuses with the weapons and commitment we've made on offense to insulate him with every possible weapon. Evero: Best personnel he's had since he's been here...no excuses. Figure out how to blitz effectively. Figure out how to use CBs whose strengths are press/man. Figure out how to utilize a talented front-7 to get the hell of the field. Outside of FS and maybe....maybe ILB, there are few weaknesses on this unit.

Why we refuse to put grass fields back down for the Panthers. We do it for soccer matches because teams refuse to play on turf, yet the main occupants of the Stadium that bring the most revenue in and the stadium was initially created for, have to play on turf.

What did Dan say that is so terrifying that most GMs wouldn't have said about their franchise QB1? I felt like he coach-speaked the hell outta that 2nd question and seemed very neutral/non-committal beyond 2026.....while still supporting his guy.

Damn, I would've done that for 1-year. I'm sure it's not guaranteed either w/ his injury history.

If Freeling & Hecht can step in for the final 7 or 8 games as a starter and look the part, our OL is in good shape. Moton's salary is what it is, but I'm sure we're eyeing a day 2 replacement in next year's draft. Maybe Icky, but I could see having 3/5 of our OL on rookie deals when the 2027 season starts. Hunt comes off in '28 (if not sooner) and we're in business.

Guessing the Seahawks Wed 9.9 game has a few intriguing options. The 49ers and Rams are out since they play the next night and the Cowboys/Giants play Sunday. Maybe Chicago for the young team on the rise or Chiefs/Pats for the AFC juggurnauts. I'll plant my flag on us opening at home vs. the Bucs.

Yeah, this was a great watch to get excited about. It’s interesting that we brought in two kids w/ Panthers ties in Freeling & Brazzell. I’m sure it’s exciting for them to play for the team they grew up a fan of.

I know it's still early, but Brazzell looks like a super speedy version of T-Mac if he was drunk driving. His footwork and mechanics are all over the place..... but I do see the potential. I'm curious what his gauntlet drill video looks like from Indy.

I liked him more last offseason. I'd like to see the churn with our cornerback room and see what comes out the other side. Lots of youth and potential, we just need one or two to hit. I don't want CSW to move to FS and think he's a solid enough NB as long as he's not depended on for 40 snaps a game. Thornton, Will Lee and Evans should net us at least one boundary corner and at least one dime guy if we deploy that.

My guess is we targeted he and Walker for one last "splash" signing, but his pricetag was too high. We chose Walker over Njoku (the right decision) and probably can't reach his ask. I do think there's a world where his number comes down. If we can afford him, I think we still touch base. Nothing about our TE room has changed since we first showed interest. I doubt the planets align here, but I also didn't think Walker would take a 1-yr prove it deal starting at $4M per either.

Good points. Love that he's a versatile safety and not just a box safety...or just a centerfield FS. He has his strengths, which I think are the yin to Moehrig's yang, but can also get physical at the LOS if needed. His drafting is yet another piece on this defense that keeps offenses guessing. Between our DL and secondary, OCs and QBs are going to have their hands full figuring out pressure, shells, man/zone, whatever. Just like Bryce is on a "no excuse" year, I think Evero has the same campaign going. A couple of small holes, but overall, this defense should be top-15...if not better.

I'm confused... I still want Njoku. I think he priced himself a bit too high when the market opened and got a reality check. If Tillis and Morgan can convince him to take a similar path as Walker took to reset his value next year, I think it would be a wise move. Njoku JT Evans Tommy

Another thread where the Huddle melts down over a Bryce comment. "Conversations" and "Bryce Young has been signed to a new long-term contract" are still far away from being the gospel. For a fanbase that has watched two top-3 drafted QBs come here, and us move on, only to see them elevate their play elsewhere, I find it comical. Bryce is flawed but this org is damned if you do and damned if you don't with BY9. Why would our GM and HC say anything other than supportive about their QB1. Yes, he's extended, but I truly do not think if he goes out and has a repeat of the previous seasons, that he is here beyond 2027. They're giving him every opportunity and surrounding him with a ridiculous amount of assets on both sides of the ball. If he continues to pitch 110 yd/ game and cough up the ball while everyone else is busting their ass, no way Dan keeps him beyond the extension.

Ooof, I was not a Proctor fan. I agree w/ a lot of smarter folks than me that he's more of a guard and think his weight fluctuation is going to be something to navigate. I liked Lomu a lot, but figured there would be more talented guys there at 19. I also wasn't big on bringing in a TE via the draft. If it's not a vet (Njoku) or a trade for Mayer or Kmet, I'd just as soon see what the youngsters have. No need cluttering the room with more of the same.

Damn, that's a helluva reference. First car I remember as a kid that my parents drove....barely recall it, but I think it was green. In fact, I think it was a pretty putrid green at that.

I'm holding out hope for Wallace and I feel like Dan wants this LB to hit. I still feel like Edgerrin Cooper was "their guy" and he got sniped from the FO. They also chose Wallace over Payton Wilson, so I think there's some ego there from the former LB. I also think Wallace has had some pretty mid partners the past two years. Josey, Rozeboom, and a bunch of PS/journeymen haven't helped his case. We probably thought he could be "the guy" at ILB but he's shown that's not the case. Now the question is, can he be a "Robin" to Lloyd's "Batman". As for Cherillus, I like him as a depth guy and have never thought of him as a starter. He flashed a number of times last year. Bam Martin-Scott is another depth/PS guy that we drafted with the hopes he could step up given the opportunity. He's the exact same build, 2 years younger than Cherelus and produced similar stats last year. Iron sharpens iron. Let's go gents....time to step up or show yourself out.

I think we have high hopes for Etienne this year. They were pretty diliberate drafting him last year and were purposeful bringing him along slowly. Especially with two solid vets in front of him in '25.

I would venture that this is the most probable path for us to explore. I would wonder: A - Would Icky be open to it and the potential money lost annually for being paid as a RT vs. LT? B - Would the transition to RT be as seamless as we hope it would be? Icky's playing style always made me wonder how he stayed at LT for so long in his career. His strong suit is run blocking and Freeling's is pass blocking. As long as we don't sacrifice the new guy to appease a vet that had only one truly good year at LT and a few mediocre-at-best, I'm fine with whatever we do.

I hope he goes with 12. *Edit - actually I retract this statement. Gettis has similar attributes. Numbers available - 13 (please no), 14, 16, 19, & 81. I don't think anyone touches 89. Pickett, Grier and Metchie still have to select theirs. I also venture a guess that 83 will soon hit the shelves too.

I love that we have our future LT and C on rookie deals. Moton gone after 2027 will open up a nice chunk of money on our cap. I have a feeling they might jettison Hunt out at the same time. If Icky comes back later this year, I think it's RT or bust for him in '27. Give him a fair deal and see if the peg fits the hole. I know it's not a guarantee nor easy to just flip over to RT, but I'd have a hard time having our LT's strength be physicality/run blocking and our just drafted RT's top attribute is pass blocking.

Agreed. Biggest knock I've heard about his mechanics is pad level. Let's hope Wash can do his thing here with improving this technique. Some former IDL he has experience with are Alim McNeil, Marcell Dareus, Malik Jackson and Chris Hovan.