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Round 2: Assessing the Field

Bear Hands

By Bear Hands,
in Carolina Panthers

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Bear Hands Grand Master

Bear Hands

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Hey folks, here's a fun showcase amidst the QB chatter.  This is not about a specific position, rather specific players that I just think will be/and should be coveted given our roster and potential fit. 

I believe the fringe-1st round talent this year goes all the way to the top-50-ish prospects.  It is a solid draft class, just simply not star studded/Tier 1 heavy.  My hunch is telling me there's a bit of fool's gold at the top, but some dynamite players in the 20-50 range.  

First off, notable exclusions I'm deeming unavailable come 39 (or) there's already been healthy discussion on:

Josh Downs WR, Jalin Hyatt WR, Deonte Banks CB, Dalton Kincaid TE, Darnell Washington TE, BJ Ojulari EDGE 

 

Here we go:

 

Will McDonald IV EDGE Iowa State

McDonald_WillOSU21_27.jpg

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/will-mcdonald-iv/32004d43-4459-9665-e69d-a74762fc7e67

This is the rarest chance of the bunch because I doubt he'd make it past PIT, but 6'4 239, long edge rusher with high sack potential.  Above average to high level balance, bend, & burst.   What he brings that sets him apart is his discipline and hands use.  Where he may become available is due to his genera awareness and quickness once a guy gets to the second level.  He can flash early, but will need time in his overall game.  One of my faves in a stacked EDGE class.

 

Tyrique Stevenson CB/NB

10631375.0.jpg

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyrique-stevenson/32005354-4571-6698-d1af-a62614e4d25d

6'0 198, big enough to bully receivers, but he's got 4.4 speed.  Really nice blend of skills, outside corner, play nickel, & can even punt return (wouldn't be primary).  I think a guy like Stevenson is one of the more sure-fire targets I'd love to have R2.  Started college recruited to UGA but transferred and I see as a First Round graded guy.  There's just a big crop here and he could realistically be there.

 

Julius Brents CB/NB (Met/Visited)

Brents.jpg

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/julius-brents/32004252-4551-0110-2798-7a9b05aa2760

6'3, 198, Athletic specimen with some really interesting appeal.  I mean, this kid's length is freaky.  He can play outside and NB similar to Tyrique, but he's got a higher upside as a run-defender and could be a bit more versatile.  Not kidding when I say this kid has DPOY potential if he hits his ceiling.  With his size, length, quickness, blitz-ability, he could be a monster if he hits.  Makes sense why nearly every team is meeting with him.

 

Jack Campbell ILB Iowa

7726bc86-6aed-49dd-9797-1c25c79835b7-191

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jack-campbell/32004341-4d36-4731-433d-b35acfc680bc

Campbell is a stud.  6'5 249, would be a bit tricky his fit given we have the Shaq/Luvu combo, but I think Evero could figure it out.  Might as well mention he met with Kuechly and has been working with him this offseason.  Simpson & Sanders are great, but this is the LB I'll highlight.  

 

Sam LaPorta TE Iowa (Met/Visited)

1244911591.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/sam-laporta/32004c41-5064-0235-3970-b5e5514839fc

6'3, 245, 4.59 40.  Another Buckeye.  I'll be honest, this is my favorite prospect this year.  Overall, has some of the best balance of smooth and power that I've seen at TE in some time.  This brother WAS the Iowa Buckeye's offense.  TEs are not asked to do what he did in college.  As all-around as they come, reliable blocker, was the Buckeye's leading receiver, he's got a great chance to make a rare quick impact in the league as a TE.  

 

Zach Charbonnet RB UCLA (Met/Visited)

Charbonnet_Zach_20220917_FB_SC_0145_bX8j

I know, I know, "no RBs this high".  I agree, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted more than just Sanders/Hubbard/Blackshear.  Blending the style Charbonnet brings with Sanders is exactly what Staley had in Detroit last year and I think this could be pretty damn interesting.  Plenty of RBs like Spears, McBride, Tucker, Roschon, etc. but I wouldn't look past this as a possibility.

 

Cam Smith CB South Carolina (Met/Visited)

USATSI_19112350.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cam-smith/3200534d-4909-8020-4c6f-60f2e2c8bfc6

6'1 180, 4.43 40, outside CB, played a season with Jaycee so could bring the buds back together.  This kid would be up there with the top-5 CBs if he was a bit better at wrapping plays up but he's got the rest of his game pretty down.  I'd peg Stevenson higher but he's one I can definitely see happening.  

 

Honorable mentions (less likely, but shout outs):

 

Tyler Scott WR 

USATSI_19108884.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyler-scott/32005343-4f71-9390-286c-9940bb34941f

5'10 177, 4.4 40.  This is one of my surprises but I think he's way high on team boards.  Scott is typically mocked in the 3rd-4th but I think there's a chance he goes ahead the likes of Tillman, Rice, & Mingo.  He has a lot you look for in the modern NFL.  Quick, consistent, reliable...I saw this comp on CBS and agree, think prime Laveranues Coles.  He could be really nice to have.  He's an open field guy though, not contested catches.  At the end of the day why I want Mingo or Tillman, but would not be mad one bit with Scott. 

 

Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE

B20A8294_DEYDG.jpg

6'3 255.  I like him quite a lot but he has some stuff to keep developing.  He's a bull but needs better polish.  Also doesn't appear to be the quickets/have the best burst, but he is pretty relentless.  Lots of potential, reminds me a bit of Terell Basham from some years back.   Buuut, TB didn't work out.  

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Captain Morgan Grand Master

Captain Morgan

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after the talk here last week on BJ, I did some research and agree that he won't be there at 39, looks like a Burns style player who could go in the 20s and early first if he drops.

Earlier this year, LaPorta was being mocked in the laste first, but now the media has moved him down their lists....we'll see what the pros think.  I like him a lot.

 

I think our second round pick this year is going to be the highest we'll have for a while...I believe that much in our coaching staff.   With that said, if an Edge is available they like at that point, I'd say he would be a priority.  Easier to find CBs in latter parts of the second round in the future.

I'm not in love with the short receivers, but if Frank wants one, I'll trust him.  

Interesting that Campbell worked with Luke...I was hoping we'd take an athletic freak like Sanders or Simpson if we go LB in the second.  Not against a short trade back for an extra third as well.  New coaches will want as many of their picks as soon as possible.  I'd think we could still get great value if we fall back 5 to 8 positions. 

 

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Bear Hands Grand Master

Bear Hands

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11 minutes ago, Captain Morgan said:

after the talk here last week on BJ, I did some research and agree that he won't be there at 39, looks like a Burns style player who could go in the 20s and early first if he drops.

Earlier this year, LaPorta was being mocked in the laste first, but now the media has moved him down their lists....we'll see what the pros think.  I like him a lot.

 

I think our second round pick this year is going to be the highest we'll have for a while...I believe that much in our coaching staff.   With that said, if an Edge is available they like at that point, I'd say he would be a priority.  Easier to find CBs in latter parts of the second round in the future.

I'm not in love with the short receivers, but if Frank wants one, I'll trust him.  

Interesting that Campbell worked with Luke...I was hoping we'd take an athletic freak like Sanders or Simpson if we go LB in the second.  Not against a short trade back for an extra third as well.  New coaches will want as many of their picks as soon as possible.  I'd think we could still get great value if we fall back 5 to 8 positions. 

 

I have a mock brewing and running through scenarios and just haven’t had Simpson get past SEA R2 or Sanders past BUF R1. Big fan of all 3 in their own ways

Seems like EDGE and CB will have the hottest names, but LaPorta is just so damn appealing. 

If we land Bryce, think they could become a really fun duo long term. Just like those two packages together.

Faves are def McDonald, Stevenson and LaPorta at this point. 

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WUnderhill Grand Master

WUnderhill

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I feel like there’s some real high upside TEs in this class and that LaPorta is not one of them. I sure as hell don’t want him with our 2nd rd pick. Would rather take Zack Kuntz in the 3rd, just hoping he lasts that long. I think Kincaid is first TE off the board in the first round. Wouldn’t mind Musgrave either. 

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Martin Grand Master

Martin

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2 minutes ago, WUnderhill said:

I feel like there’s some real high upside TEs in this class and that LaPorta is not one of them. I sure as hell don’t want him with our 2nd rd pick. Would rather take Zack Kuntz in the 3rd, just hoping he lasts that long. I think Kincaid is first TE off the board in the first round. Wouldn’t mind Musgrave either. 

I like the Michigan TE later in the draft, can’t remember his name.

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stan786 Mentor

stan786

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13 minutes ago, WUnderhill said:

I feel like there’s some real high upside TEs in this class and that LaPorta is not one of them. I sure as hell don’t want him with our 2nd rd pick. Would rather take Zack Kuntz in the 3rd, just hoping he lasts that long. I think Kincaid is first TE off the board in the first round. Wouldn’t mind Musgrave either. 

What do you dislike about LaPorta? His size I’d assume? Which makes some sense. I just think he’s just a lot more fluid on tape than Kuntz, especially after the catch. He’s gonna be a hell of a receiving threat and he shows a lot of upside in the blocking area, and athletic trait wise he’s pretty elite.

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Bear Hands Grand Master

Bear Hands

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45 minutes ago, WUnderhill said:

I feel like there’s some real high upside TEs in this class and that LaPorta is not one of them. I sure as hell don’t want him with our 2nd rd pick. Would rather take Zack Kuntz in the 3rd, just hoping he lasts that long. I think Kincaid is first TE off the board in the first round. Wouldn’t mind Musgrave either. 

Love Kincaid. Love Kuntz.

Otherwise, I wholeheartedly disagree. Musgrave gives me the most trepidation. LaPorta has shown he can actually carry an entire offense. It wasn’t a good one, but I don’t know man. There were advanced blocking tech that he’s able to perform while being the team’s main target. You just don’t see that. And it’s a proven school for TEs.

Musgrave has shown next to nothing in college. There’s barely anything to go on for even liking him.

To each their own. 

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