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Tony Pauline: Panthers like CB Will Johnson


TheSpecialJuan
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I personally would go with an edge player because of our d-line issues. But, I wouldn't be upset with this selection.

If JC Horn sticks around we could have one of the top 5 CB duos for the next 3-4  seasons, one of whom would be on a rookie deal. Then you could spend the rest of the draft loading up on d-lineman, LB, S or whatever position had the highest draft value when we're on the clock. If D. Brown comes back healthy in 2025 we'd automatically get better b/c of his presence alone. We my even be able to acquire a starter in FA.

We have so many needs that any draft pick that could come in and play well immediately would be a huge boost to the defense.

Edited by SCO96
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13 minutes ago, SCO96 said:

I personally would go with an edge player because of our d-line issues. But, I wouldn't be upset with this selection.

If JC Horn sticks around we could have one of the top 5 CB duos for the next 3-4  seasons, one of whom would be on a rookie deal. Then you could spend the rest of the draft loading up on d-lineman, LB, S or whatever position had the highest draft value when we're on the clock. If D. Brown comes back healthy in 2025 we'd automatically get better b/c of his presence alone. We my even be able to acquire a starter in FA.

We have so many needs that any draft pick that could come in and play well immediately would be a huge boost to the defense.

T-Mac would be my first choice because Young needs his #1, but I do agree that we need an edge. The problem is the value at edge.. Besides Abdul Carter, I have the rest of the top edge guys as late first round grades. The position is deep, but all of the top edge guys have at least one major thing that's holding them back. I just don't see the edge value at #8. In the 2nd? Hell yeah.

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5 minutes ago, Adb6368 said:

If the choice is the #1 CB or the 3-4th best edge then I think CB is the logical pick. 

I guess hunter may be cb1 but I think my position still stands even if it’s a CB2 that would be cb1 in a lot of drafts 

That’s not the choice. It’s more like CB2 vs Edge2. With potentially two QBs, one DT, one CB, one Edge being off the table, our choice will probably be between CB2, Edge2 or WR1. If there is a surprise OT or Clelin Ferrell then who knows but we aren’t choosing the 3rd or 4th Edge over CB 2.

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32 minutes ago, flagfootballcoach28 said:

T-Mac would be my first choice because Young needs his #1, but I do agree that we need an edge. The problem is the value at edge.. Besides Abdul Carter, I have the rest of the top edge guys as late first round grades. The position is deep, but all of the top edge guys have at least one major thing that's holding them back. I just don't see the edge value at #8. In the 2nd? Hell yeah.

I may be in the minority, but I don't think we need to focus on getting Bryce a #1 WR this draft. Last season we almost beat 3 playoff teams (KC, TB, Philly) in consecutive weeks with our current group of WR's. Legette and Coker should be better next year and it appears Theilen is coming back. We may able to find a FA this offseason to improve the WR core. 

On the other hand, our defense was arguably the worst in Panther history. It's got to get better or we have no chance of making the playoffs. Anything to improve the front 7 or the secondary has to be the top priority in the draft.

I'm also not  overly concerned with "draft value". If we could find a DE who could set the edge and get between 8-10 sacks in 2025 he'd be worth picking at #8, even if he had a low 1st round/high 2nd round grade entering the draft. Brian Burns just got a $30 mil per year deal and he can only do one of those things.

Edited by SCO96
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16 minutes ago, WhoKnows said:

That’s not the choice. It’s more like CB2 vs Edge2. With potentially two QBs, one DT, one CB, one Edge being off the table, our choice will probably be between CB2, Edge2 or WR1. If there is a surprise OT or Clelin Ferrell then who knows but we aren’t choosing the 3rd or 4th Edge over CB 2.

I think Will Johnson is a better CB than Hunter personally. If Hunter only played CB or only played WR he would still get drafted high, but I don't think he's the best prospect at either position. 

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They literally picked up a starter at CB for cheap last year. Only worth it if they have to trade Horn. Jackson will hopefully return.

It also didn't help enough having CBs last year if they keep neglecting or picking the wrong front 7 guys. Just take a DT and then a pass specialist.

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