Drafting X is like the poster board for mistakes. Hopefully, lesson learned.

[TD alt]

Yeah, I could jump right into the unbelievable Bryce debate now that some people are trying to flip the script because Bryce Young has, at most, a handful of decent games as a pro, but that's going to work itself out. Suffice it to say that I've seen better QBs (with an s) in a Panthers uniform, and I've certainly seen better QBs be drafted while we're playing around with Bryce, one of them who beat the crap out of us already this season...

Let's forget about Bryce (and his markedly underwhelming play since he's been here); I think that most sane fans will agree that drafting him was an error, but it happens. Sure, it doesn't happen to the tune of King's ransom---including your main receiver---but it happens. You bet, you lose. Speaking of receivers...and betting and losing...

Oh, man, we drafted Xavier Legette. Yes, just like with Bryce, I've entered "the dark side." Some Huddlers were telling us from the beginning, and they were right. But, I'm not apologizing for waiting to see what a guy's got before making my decision on him.

X was a one-year wonder at South Carolina who parlayed some really nice production that season, a great personality and thick country accent, into becoming a first round pick (but only in Carolina). For Dan Morgan and company, He was a big swing that has turned into a big whiff (and I can still feel the ill breeze from that one). Sh¡t happens, right? Well, not so fast. Ladd McConkey was the decidedly more polished receiver who was literally ready to hit the ground running as soon as stepping onto the field as a pro. Ladd was never the biggest guy (though not the smallest), but he was the guy that could run routes, always seemed to get open---no question---and had the same speed as X, but with legit quickness and nuanced shake and bake. But Dan chose the project. He chose the guy where the game speed looks more like a tractor trailer than a 5.0 mustang.

Look, I've supported X (just like Bryce) many many a day, but no more. Now I'm not saying that I won't root for the guy. Just like with Bryce, he seems like a great kid. But as far as giving excuses for the kid, and, perhaps more importantly, waiting for some miraculous breakout, I'm done with that. I've seen enough. You don't draft a project for a project. And yes, Bryce had proven to be a project after his first season. In my mind, drafting a supposedly number one receiver that needs lots of development for a starting quarterback that needs immediate help to try and further his development is not going to lead to good things. Pick the surest guy. Or at least pick the one who appears to be the surest guy, because picking can be tricky... especially when you're too busy tricking yourself. 

[kungfoodude]

How about just don't draft project players in the first round? How about especially when you have arguably the worst roster in the NFL(we did all those years in question)?

You don't even have to dig into those player debates specifically. Just don't grasp at straws early in the draft.

[TD alt]

14 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

How about just don't draft project players in the first round? How about especially when you have arguably the worst roster in the NFL(we did all those years in question)?

You don't even have to dig into those player debates specifically. Just don't grasp at straws early in the draft.

I would say sometimes you have to due to the nature and dynamics of the NFL system. Particularly at QB, sometimes you have to take a swing. By most accounts, people considered Cam, Pat, Josh and Lamar projects to some degree. You don't come by the Drake Mayes, Bo Nixes, Justin Herberts or Jayden Danielses that often. Give them a little refinement and experience in a system, and their off and running. Perhaps it's just a QB thing, but I wouldn't swear to it.

[Gapanthersfan]

Consistently successful franchises do not whif first and second rounders. It’s just simply not allowed. They pick major college program dudes who were consistently studs throughout their tenure and don’t have an injury history. They pick big impact positions in early rounds and they go LB, safety, RB in later rounds unless there is a true stud that fell to them. 

Look at this year thus far with us. Undisputed best WR in the draft and then 2 edge guys from big schools. First 3 rounds.  How’s that shaping up? 

It’s not really THAT hard. Pick the damn obvious pick in the first 2 rounds…. but we’ve drafted out of desperation, reached for the high measurables teachable workout warriors who then don’t amount to anything…. And then double down on it the next year. 

[kungfoodude]

17 minutes ago, TD alt said:

I would say sometimes you have to due to the nature and dynamics of the NFL system. Particularly at QB, sometimes you have to take a swing. By most accounts, people considered Cam, Pat, Josh and Lamar projects to some degree. You don't come by the Drake Mayes, Bo Nixes, Justin Herberts or Jayden Danielses that often. Give them a little refinement and experience in a system, and their off and running. Perhaps it's just a QB thing, but I wouldn't swear to it.

That's fine however we seem to like a project that is SOOOOO clearly a project(XL being the most recent example).

That's what BAD franchises do.

[Panthera onca]

Pick the guys that produce on the field, even if they do not have the RAS score that another guy might have. Nothing can replace production. It was mentioned above, but getting productive players from big schools will usually translate to NFL success.

[TD alt]

3 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

That's fine however we seem to like a project that is SOOOOO clearly a project(XL being the most recent example).

That's what BAD franchises do.

Kneel before the god RAS! 

[DeAngelo Beason]

Legette is going to be fine.

[TD alt]

2 minutes ago, Panthera onca said:

Pick the guys that produce on the field, even if they do not have the RAS score that another guy might have. Nothing can replace production. It was mentioned above, but getting productive players from big schools will usually translate to NFL success.

Ha ha. I didn't even see your comment before I made my last. RAS is a motherfúcker to a Panther fan.

[DaveThePanther2008]

3 minutes ago, DeAngelo Beason said:

Legette is going to be fine.

i'm with you.  I think he'll start paying off soon.  He wasn't worth the 32nd pick but I think he still might give us some help.  That TD against Miami was special.  That was a well-placed ball and XL had an amazing catch.  I think he's improved since last year.  I just hope he starts to put more on the stat sheet.

[kungfoodude]

7 minutes ago, Panthera onca said:

Pick the guys that produce on the field, even if they do not have the RAS score that another guy might have. Nothing can replace production. It was mentioned above, but getting productive players from big schools will usually translate to NFL success.

It's about attributes, production, etc. Evaluation is tough. But there are things that should stick out like a sore thumb. Not loving football is first and foremost. You can be the best athlete on the planet but if you just happen to be GOOD at football but don't really have passion for it....it is NOT going to work out in the NFL.

Same with being an insane athlete but being at an elementary level of your progression. DJ Johnson, great example. We don't have until you are 32 for you to progress to being a quality rotational player.

[Daddy_Uncle]

Tidjane Salaun was a worse pick

[bythenbrs]

I seem to recall (hazily) that the Bryce camp was lobbying hard for XL.  Does anyone else remember that or is that just a fever dream?

Edited 4 hours ago by bythenbrs

[jasonluckydog]

XL has the same amount of TDS as AJ Brown this season.