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REPORT: CJ Stroud is reportedly the “apple” of the Carolina Panthers’ eye at the moment.
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This article (ESPN) got me thinking and I think on paper. Thought I would share. This thinking involves realistic cap analysis, needs, the draft, and free agency. I think it realistically addresses Edge and LB fairly well. OL (not 2026 so much, but 2027 and beyond looks good). The free agent S has deep range and coverage skills, something that killed us on third downs last year, imo. Beyond Edge, LB, S, and OL depth, that is about it. I took a flyer on DT and WR depth late in the draft, but at CB (Horn, Jackson, Smith-Wade, and Thornton), QB, RB, TE, etc. we are going to rely on undrafted free agents. No cap room left. EDGE: In the $7m per year range, the edge from Atlanta Ebiketie got pressure at a high rate in reduced snaps. With Atlanta adding 2 edge rushers as rookies who seemed to do well (Pearce is one of them--*) but he got pressure in limited snaps at a high rate 16.9% (one in eight pass rush). He is 27 and played in 384 snaps. PFF Score of 74.9. had 2 sacks. If he had a normal workload, based on his limited play, he would have had about 5 to 6 sacks and about 60 pressures. However, it is likely he would be rotational here, logging about 500 snaps. A lot of this decision depends on how we feel about Princely. If they like his development, you probably do not draft an Edge in round 1 or maybe even 2 for several reasons (and many may disagree with this logic, but a good GM has long-term vision): 1. That would give you 3 Edge contracts to negotiate in 3-4 years. 2. Edges take time to develop. They would peak around 2028. The Panthers are in "win now" mode, I think. Mafe (Seahawks, PFF 69.2) is another option, but he is more along the lines of Scourton and Jones II. He would command a contract in the $10m range. Kwity Paye (Indianapolis, PFF 68.7) He is about 28 and is expected to sign a deal around $18m per season. I am not that impressed, but he is considered "above average." I'd rather have Ebiketie from Atlanta for $10m per season less. Center: The center position in the draft is looking better. There are some short armed OTs (like Parker, Duke, et al) who will project inside (G,C). Personally, I like the Center position in this draft--let Mays walk. Re-sign Corbett, and draft a C in round 3. Linebacker: I am not sure what we should do here. I think Morgan will fall in love with Cincinnati's Golday, and we would take him at #51. Rodriguez (Texas Tech) in round 3 could be a steal. However, I am not sure that I see value after Styles in round 1. I think Devin Lloyd will want elite meny and he is not elite--he is good. He will ask for $15m per season. Leo Chenel (KC, 75.1 PFF, est. $5m) is a much better option. Safety: I think Kam Curl would be a great fit here. (Rams, 2 Ints 87 tackles) he is very versatile. Expected to get between $10m and $12m per year, however. In the draft, I think they like Bud Clark who should be there in round 4. Are Moehrig, Ransom, and Simmons enough? Tony Adams (63.7 PFF) a deep safety known for his range. He is expected to get a 3-year, $20m deal on the market. Based on what I am seeing here and the way I am thinking right now on 2/21, here is what I might do: Free Agency CAP: I am going to assume we can clear about $50m by restructuring the contracts of Horn, Lewis, Hunt, and Brown and cutting AShawn Robinson. We could (bold move) extend Ickey Ekwonu--considering his situation, it could be beneficial to him long term, and his guaranteed salary could be spread over the next 3 years or so. Re-sign veterans: OL: Corbett ($3m), Nijman ($4m), Christensen ($2.5m--2 years $5m), Jake Curhan ($1.4m-2 years, $3m). BC may be ready around mid season, Curhan has experience at RT and G, and played well. He has played LT in preseason. There is NOTHING in free agency at LT--most sucked in 2025 and/or are old. WR: Jalen Coker ($8m--4 years, $32m), LB: Rozeboom ($3.5--2 years, $7m) Cherelus ($1m) ST: Isiah Simmons ($1.5m). TOTAL: Approx. $25m New Free Agents: Linebacker: Leo Chenal (KC, age 26) estimated $5m. Safety: Tony Adams, (NYJ, age 27) estimated $7m Edge: Arnold Ebikete (Atl, age 27) estimated $7m Draft: Round 1: Cashius Howell, Edge Texas AM (This pick gives the Panthers a situational edge rusher to pair with Princely while Ebikete and Scourton start. Jones II could be cut to save about $4m in cap room. Round 2: Caleb Tiernan, LT, Northwestern (Good pass protector who needs work in run blocking. I wanted Golday LB here, but if we sign Chenel, the need is lessened at LB if we re-sign Rozeboom. Tiernan is solid). Round 3: Jake Slaughter C, Florida (Groom behind Corbett for a while, but Slaughter is an impressive C who should be ready by 2027). Round 4: Demetrius Crownover, RT Texas AM (This guy can develop as a backup until Moton decides to leave) Round 5: Aiden Fisher, ILB Indiana (could be a nice fit in this system. Smart, with special teams ability)' Round 6: Ty Montgomery, WR John Carroll Univ. (very productive with good size and hands. a gamble, but worth a sixth) Round 7: James Thompson Jr. DT, Illinois (was a beast at the Shrine bowl practices and game. For some reason, there have been a lot of undrafted free agents and day 3 DTs succeed in the NFL. This could be one.) -
By mrcompletely11 · Posted
thats the best picture they could come up with for him?
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(1).thumb.jpg.39d47488da35eba0b4aca548ded58784.jpg)
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