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Panthers decision to pass on Walker


kungfoodude
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6 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

Makes sense.  I guess you can replace Walker with a bigger edge like Williams and still the same applies.  I'd put Scourton right there with any of them not named Carter.  

Yea, I think the Walker smoke was more because that was the way the "experts" were expecting us to go, so we leaned into it to help hide our interest in not only T-Mac, but whoever or whatever we actually planned to do at #8, because he just never made sense for the scheme we run and what holes we needed to fill in general, let alone with the 8th pick.

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Panthers have said in the past that arm length is important for them at OLB they want 32" arms at least. Walker's versatility and drive can over come that. In the end they went with Tet and I'm okay with that only because they got Scourton.

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10 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I don't think it has anything to do with Chinn. I mean, Chinn was a LB/safety tweener where Walker is am EDGE/LB tweener. Really different players and how we used Chinn was really kinda forced on us by our roster. He wasn't good in a deep safety role but he was the best option we had. Now I would argue that we should've still used Chinn where he was most effective but that's just me. I don't see how you're making a D better by misusing one of your better talents.

It does seem like the Raiders are finally starting to use him how he should be used if you're going to play him at safety.

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Didn't he play for Washington last ?

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10 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I've been warning folks to prepare for Moehrig to be misused as a primarily deep safety this year precisely because of this.

They've already said as much, they drafted someone similar to him so they can rotate who plays in the box for more pre snap confusion for QB's. 

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I think Walker is a great kid and could become a great player if used correctly.  However, we needed edge help and as an edge, he was not a top 10 player.  I think players like Micah Parsons give GMs visions of similar returns, but Walker's value lies in his versatility.

There was a time when I wanted him--not going to lie--but I preferred trading back more.  At #8, I just could not find a player worth that high a pick that checked all the boxes.

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The difference between the edge players in the first round and those found as late as round 3 was not significant.  Morgan was very smart not to take a question mark edge at 8 when he may have picked two who have more upside at edge.

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13 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

 

https://catcrave.com/insider-drops-bombshell-panthers-decision-snub-jalon-walker

 

I remember this being discussed by several here in the pre-draft run up. Evero had no use for Chinn, so how did Walker truly make any sense?

I get where you're going, but the two players aren't even the least bit comparable. Chinn was a tweener that truly didn't fit anywhere because he wasn't big / strong enough to be a linebacker and wasn't good enough in coverage to play cover safety/nickel. Not sure what defense Washington ran last year, but Chinn is best suited for a 4-3 / 4-4 where he can strictly be an in the box safety. He did well with tackling last year according to his PFF grade, but he was still dogshit in coverage.

Even though Walker is a tweener also, it is much easier to find a spot on the field for him because of how good of a pass rusher he is.

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11 minutes ago, PleaseCutStewart said:

I get where you're going, but the two players aren't even the least bit comparable. Chinn was a tweener that truly didn't fit anywhere because he wasn't big / strong enough to be a linebacker and wasn't good enough in coverage to play cover safety/nickel. Not sure what defense Washington ran last year, but Chinn is best suited for a 4-3 / 4-4 where he can strictly be an in the box safety. He did well with tackling last year according to his PFF grade, but he was still dogshit in coverage.

Even though Walker is a tweener also, it is much easier to find a spot on the field for him because of how good of a pass rusher he is.

Pass rusher + coverage linebacker he can be. He definitely allows for creativity of dropping him and the coverage and blitzing from the opposite side or blitzing from his side

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Evero is on the hot seat so taking a shot on Walker was too much of a risk .  He got two edge rushers that fit his scheme better  .  Also Young has all he weapons to improve his game . If he does not then he is out the door as well .   Go Panthers

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10 hours ago, carpanfan96 said:

They've already said as much, they drafted someone similar to him so they can rotate who plays in the box for more pre snap confusion for QB's. 

Yes--I think that is what they are doing.  Both Safeties have the ability to play deep.  When the coaches were asked, they said the same things about both Safeties.  I am not sure that we are going to have a pure free safety.

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On 5/9/2025 at 5:51 PM, jfra78 said:

Panthers have said in the past that arm length is important for them at OLB they want 32" arms at least. Walker's versatility and drive can over come that. In the end they went with Tet and I'm okay with that only because they got Scourton.

This.

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