Panther Needs and Draft Depth at Those Positions

[MHS831]

I have been reading about the depth of draft at each position.  I found it interesting that one scout said there are 4 blue chip players in this draft, and after that, there is not much difference between the 15th pick and the 50th pick...

WEAK DRAFT DEPTH: 

Quarterback--Bryce's improvement saved our arses.  One scout made a stunning comment about QBs:  ""There isn't a single guy this year you'd take over the six drafted [in the first round] last year," an AFC scouting director said.  WOW.  It is also noteworthy that scouts like the depth at the position if you are looking for a developmental or backup QB.

Wide Receiver (PANTHER NEED)--It is believed that 4 or 5 WRs will be drafted in round 1, but none are better than the top 3 WRs last year, and this includes Travis Hunter if considered a WR.

• Travis Hunter--I will call him a position because he is the third rated WR and estimates about his status as a CB is second or worse.  Yet as an overall player, he is the best in the draft.  If taken in the top 5 to get his value, a team would have to devise a way to use him on both sides of the ball.  He is listed as a CB, but he could be a WR who comes in as a dime back or a CB that plays in 3 WR sets.  Not a problem if you think game day, but it is a real problem when you consider practices and film room time during the week.  Interesting to see what happens with him.  I love the kid and would want him on my team.  I would draft him in the top five--play him at CB and give him a few offensive plays.

Linebacker-- According to PFF, It will be hard for NFL teams to find a linebacker they love in this class.  I think that this is a need for the Panthers, but not a top need.

LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. possesses intriguing athleticism, but he is undersized and is now coming off an ACL tear. Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman is a thumper who checks the size boxes but isn’t coveted at a first-round level. Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is a high-ceiling player, but a young one who is still growing.

STRONG DRAFT DEPTH:

Running Back (PANTHER NEED)--- This draft is LOADED.  Some Panther fans and Huddlers are somewhat frustrated by the RB situation and do not want to draft a RB.  I think, with our situation, we'd be foolish not to draft a RB on day 3.  "If you can't find a starting running back this year, you're really just not trying," an NFC West area scout said. "There will be starters coming out of Rounds 5, 6 and 7."  If you can draft a starter or rotational player at the end of the draft, instead of a longshot to make the roster, you do it.  "There's a good chance this year's draft will feature the most running backs picked since the draft was reduced to seven rounds in 1994 (30 were drafted in 1998 and 2017)."

Tight End (PANTHER NEED)--"It's also another strong year for tight ends. Tyler Warren (Penn State) and Colston Loveland (Michigan) are seen as top-15 players, according to NFL scouts. The depth is strong behind them, with seven more tight ends having a good shot of being selected by the end of Day 2."  Personally, if we are going to draft a TE, I would love to see us go after Mason Taylor (LSU), Jason Taylor's son.  I think he would be a steal in the third round. 

"It's not 2023 good, but this tight end class is stronger than last year's or 2022," an AFC South area scout said.

DEFENSIVE LINE --  For this quote, the author (Matt Miller) was referring to DE/OLBs and IDL: "There are 31 defensive linemen in my top 100 -- the most I've had at that group." That strongly suggests that the Panthers should draft an Edge and DL with their first 2 picks.

• Edge (PANTHER NEED)--The draft is solid at DE/Edge and has a strong variety of player types that typically man the position.  Large 4-3 DEs or OLB in the 3-4 who hold the edge are plentiful, a long list headed by Stewart (A&M), Jackson (Ark), Williams (UGA), and Sawyer (OSU).  This is a very athletic group and there are a dozen more who fit the DE/Edge mold who should make a roster.  There is also an opportunity to grab a pass rushing specialist, players like Carter (Penn State), Pearce (Tenn), Green (Marshall) in the first round, but there are players with upside that are available throughout the draft.  For example, Powell-Ryland (Va Tech) is a 6-3, 258 lb pass rusher who had 16 sacks in 2024 who is predicted to be available in the fifth round, the 22nd ranked Edge rusher by NFL Draft Buzz. 

"One NFL general manager said that "a third of the first round might be edge rushers and defensive tackles."  

• Interior Defensive Line  (PANTHER NEED)--(3-4 DEs and DT/NT) Perhaps the best position group in terms of depth and variety we have seen at any position in any recent draft.   "Michigan’s Mason Graham, who would have been the first defensive tackle off the board in the 2024 class, leads this year's strong interior defender group. After that, Omarr Norman-Lott, Kenneth Grant and Tyleik Williams are first-round talents, and Walter Nolen, T.J. Sanders, Dontay Corleone and Deone Walker are all firmly in the top-50 conversation. Oregon's Derrick Harmon is a big riser, too.

It feels like one of the deeper defensive tackle groups over the past five years. It's a good year for NFL teams with a need for the position."  (PFF article from Nov, 2024).  Daniel Jeremiah said that in 2024, he had 12 IDL (defensive tackles) who had potential starting grades.  This year, he has 24.  "These are all 305 to 330 lb guy who can all move and they are scheme diverse.  Personally, I think we could find a starter or rotational DT (DE or NT) in round 3.

Safety (PANTHER NEED)--According to PFF, "It’s a good year to need a secondary player. Though Georgia’s Malaki Starks is having a bit of a down season, his freshman and sophomore campaigns were elite, making him worthy of a first-round pick. Penn State's Kevin Winston Jr. showcases NFL-level ability but was injured early this season. Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman Jr. and Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts have been talked about in the top 60, and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori has been a massive riser, as well. Throw in Lathan Ransom, Kamari Ramsey and Keon Sabb, and you’ve got a bigger buffet of safety choices than we typically see in one draft class."

Cornerback (PANTHER NEED--According to PFF who calls the CB class "great": "Headlining a star-studded cornerback class are Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Michigan’s Will Johnson — currently top-10 prospects. Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison and East Carolina’s Shavon Revel were also showing first-round-worthy play before going down with injuries.Jahdae Barron and Sebastian Castro have shown reliable coverage ability in the slot, and Barron has even played strong on the outside. Tacario Davis brings unique size at 6-foot-4. A handful of names could go off the board in the top 50 this year, and plenty should be drafted on Day 2." It looks as though some listed as Safety are being classified as a CB if they have nickel experience.

Offensive Tackle (PANTHER NEED, depth)-- This is interesting because so much depends on their evaluation of Moton's knee.  I see some mid to late round developmental RT, but the Panthers talked to Oregon T Josh Conerly at the Combine, and he projects to an early second round selection, according to NFL Draft Buzz. According to PFF, "Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. and LSU’s Will Campbell have top-10 potential. Banks' 91.4 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks first among FBS tackles and Campbell is on track for his third straight 70.0-plus season-long PFF overall grade, but neither is at 2024 prospect Joe Alt‘s level. While Cameron Williams, Wyatt Milum, Aireontae Ersery and Josh Simmons could each hear their name called in Round 1, too, this group doesn’t feel as polished as 2024's batch."

Personally, I think the Panthers will draft a T later and allow their coaches to develop him like they have Mays, Ickey, and Zavala.  Ozzy Trapilo is a player I have my eye on because he can play both RT and LT (we need a swing T in 2025) and his weakness is run blocking, as opposed to pass blocking.  NFL Draft Buzz describes a player that fits Panther needs to the letter:  

"Trapilo's calling card is his ability to stone-wall rushers in pass protection. He thrives in traditional drop-back passing schemes where his natural anchor and refined kick-slide can shine. The technical foundation is there for immediate contribution as a swing tackle with clear runway to push for starting snaps at right tackle by mid-season."  

While his run blocking can improve, we need to keep Bryce clean, and his pass blocking is a priority.  Usually, OTs are stronger in run blocking and need work in pass blocking.  This kid could be a real sleeper.  Predicted to go in round 3.
 

HOPE THIS HELPS. 

 

 

Edited March 3 by MHS831

[Donald LaFell]

I like Campbell from Alabama a lot as an ILB I just don’t know how you can justify the pick. If we traded way down, maybe.  

[Icege]

Appreciate the write up!

This is an excellent year for the team draft-wise. While this class isn't filled with elite level talent, there is a lot of depth in areas that the Panthers need to bring in young guys to develop.

Wouldn't be surprised seeing that first round pick used to bring in somebody that can start or at least consistently rotate in. Excited to see the team build off of his last season!

[CarolinaLivin]

Lot of rumors on who we'll be targeting in FA. Will be interesting to see who we actually sign. Can't wait for next week. 

[jfra78]

I feel like we need depth at everything but Gaurd and QB

[MHS831]

58 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

I feel like we need depth at everything but Gaurd and QB

I agree. Offense needs for depth or starters:  RB, WR, T, TE, C

Defense:  DE, NT, Edge, LB, CB, S, S, S.

 

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, CarolinaLivin said:

Lot of rumors on who we'll be targeting in FA. Will be interesting to see who we actually sign. Can't wait for next week. 

Next week?  Wow.  This thing is moving fast.  I think the extended college season has our clocks screwed up.

[Jon Snow]

4 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

Next week?  Wow.  This thing is moving fast.  I think the extended college season has our clocks screwed up.

I kinda like that it's that way now. I'm ready to get this thing going. 

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Donald LaFell said:

I like Campbell from Alabama a lot as an ILB I just don’t know how you can justify the pick. If we traded way down, maybe.  

We have so many needs, talking before free agency is our preseason.  Once we know which needs are met, it will be easier.  I had a friend who needed a new vehicle.  He and his wife just had a baby and they only had a pickup and a small car with 300K miles that just broke down.  He went to the dealership knowing his needs.  He explained it this way, "I had to walk past these cars that I always wanted--my dream cars.  Before I knew it, I was driving home in a brand new green mustang, trying to think of ways to make the decision sensible.  A week later, I took the mustang back, traded it in, lost $5k, and bought the mini van we needed."  I think about that when I see players like that--what are our most pressing, essential needs?  What are our secondary needs?  What are our wants? 

[Adb6368]

We need to draft starters with our first 3 picks (and at least 2 of them need to be defense). If we want a RB find one in the later rounds. 

[MHS831]

4 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

I kinda like that it's that way now. I'm ready to get this thing going. 

I hate the time between the draft and late July.  It is like we are children opening our gifts Christmas morning and we cant play with them for 3 months.

[CarolinaLivin]

1 hour ago, CarolinaLivin said:

Lot of rumors on who we'll be targeting in FA. Will be interesting to see who we actually sign. Can't wait for next week. 

I was surprised as well when i looked it up. Thought we were a few weeks away still for some reason.

[Jon Snow]

2 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

We have so many needs, talking before free agency is our preseason.  Once we know which needs are met, it will be easier.  I had a friend who needed a new vehicle.  He and his wife just had a baby and they only had a pickup and a small car with 300K miles that just broke down.  He went to the dealership knowing his needs.  He explained it this way, "I had to walk past these cars that I always wanted--my dream cars.  Before I knew it, I was driving home in a brand new green mustang, trying to think of ways to make the decision sensible.  A week later, I took the mustang back, traded it in, lost $5k, and bought the mini van we needed."  I think about that when I see players like that--what are our most pressing, essential needs?  What are our secondary needs?  What are our wants? 

Luckily for you someone will make the decision for you. In this case all needs will theoretically be addressed in FA. Now will they be long term fixes? Definitely not in most cases. Those will come from the draft, several drafts in fact. 

[Jon Snow]

4 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

I hate the time between the draft and late July.  It is like we are children opening our gifts Christmas morning and we cant play with them for 3 months.

Well look at it like this. No one can play with their gifts until then so you're not alone.