AI Analysis on ideal round to draft certain positions.

[Steves89]

So AI’s big solution is to have all your picks in the first three rounds??

[Khyber53]

We desperately need to pick the best MLB in the draft this time around. We will never find another Luke, but we have to get someone back there that can run the defense on the field, cover weaknesses and correct mistakes in real-time, along with diagnose the opposing offense based on personnel, alignment and pre-snap movement.

And they need to be able to hit like a freight train, cover like flypaper and tackle like a rotweiller.

Not too much to ask.

 

[strato]

3 minutes ago, Khyber53 said:

We desperately need to pick the best MLB in the draft this time around. We will never find another Luke, but we have to get someone back there that can run the defense on the field, cover weaknesses and correct mistakes in real-time, along with diagnose the opposing offense based on personnel, alignment and pre-snap movement.

And they need to be able to hit like a freight train, cover like flypaper and tackle like a rotweiller.

Not too much to ask.

 

Too much to ask picking in the middle of the third round. Unless you are historically lucky. Hell you need luck in the 1st to get that. 
 

The devaluation of the position is hard for me to understand when I look at the difference great MLBs have made to defenses over the years. 
Defense needs a good QB too. MLB is the QB of the defense. 

[SCO96]

1 hour ago, kungfoodude said:

There have been real, actual statistical analysis of these sort of things. ChatGPT spit out a dimestore version of those.

People, stop relying on current AI for information. It's atrociously bad.

I wouldn't say I was "relying on current AI" for information. I input a question to see how it would respond out of curiosity. I wouldn't even say that I'm an analytics guy, especially in the terms of the draft. I believe the game film ultimately tells the story. But, even back in the 1960s the Cowboys revolutionized the NFL draft process by using a computer to help them pick (or not pick) players

No one would deny that 2 of our weakest spots on defense are S and LB. I was curious to see what an AI program would pick as the optimal time to pick these spots. They seem to have narrowed in on Day 1 and Day 2, which is the exact opposite of what the Panthers have done in recent years. We haven't made an effort to use our higher choices on these spots this decade and both positions are weaknesses for our defense.

The position of Center has always fascinated me. Take a  look at most of the dynasties in NFL history, or even a one and done super bowl winner. I guarantee you over 80% have a stud manning the center position. This guy is usually going to be among the top 5 players at his position at any given time and often a multiple Pro Bowler.

[SCO96]

1 hour ago, strato said:

The devaluation of the position is hard for me to understand when I look at the difference great MLBs have made to defenses over the years. 

I've noticed this as well. If you have a dominant LB core, or even a lone dominant force at MLB, it makes a huge impact on the defense.

I think as offenses emphasized the passing game, the pass rushers and CBs became the glamour positions on defense (which is somewhat understandable)

1 hour ago, strato said:

Defense needs a good QB too. MLB is the QB of the defense. 

Well said...and the Center is the QB of the offensive line!

[strato]

4 minutes ago, SCO96 said:

I've noticed this as well. If you have a dominant LB core, or even a lone dominant force at MLB, it makes a huge impact on the defense.

I think as offenses emphasized the passing game, the pass rushers and CBs became the glamour positions on defense (which is somewhat understandable)

Well said...and the Center is the QB of the offensive line!

We were so blessed with Luke. He was stellar, like the ultimate blend of intellect and football player. 

[PNW_PantherMan]

4 hours ago, kungfoodude said:

There have been real, actual statistical analysis of these sort of things. ChatGPT spit out a dimestore version of those.

People, stop relying on current AI for information. It's atrociously bad.

Its a text aggregator.  It basically finds consensus on what already exists.  Its not intelligent lol.

[Jay Roosevelt]

16 hours ago, csx said:

Sherrod Martin was a 2nd round safety too

IIRC, Martin was drafted to play CB but ended up at safety.

[SCO96]

18 minutes ago, strato said:

We were so blessed with Luke. He was stellar, like the ultimate blend of intellect and football player. 

Even before Luke we had John Beason & Dan Morgan. Beason (1st team All-Pro in 2008) was so good at his position prior to his injury that Luke had to began his Panther career as an OLB. Sam Mills wasn't a classic MLB due to the 3-4 scheme we played under Capers in the 90's, but even then he was a formidable force on the inside.

When you see how much of an impact the ILBs have had on our teams during the Richardson era, it's quite shocking that we haven't placed more emphasis on that position in recent years.

Edited October 24, 2025 by SCO96

[strato]

3 minutes ago, SCO96 said:

Even before Luke we had John Beason & Dan Morgan. Beason (1st team All-Pro in 2008) was so good at his position prior to his injury that Luke had to began his Panther career as an OLB. Sam Mills wasn't a classic MLB due to the 3-4 scheme we played under Capers in the 90's, but even then he was a formidable force on the inside.

When you see how much of an impact the ILBs have had on our teams during the Richardson era, it's quite shocking that we haven't placed more emphasis on that position in recent years.

I was the Mike in my legendary HS football career so have the bias from that. Joking about the legendary 

 I appreciated all those guys. Luke was the ultimate example to me of MLB as QB. Not the only one ever but we got to see it every week with him and he was so good at it. 
 

I have listened to the radio broadcast the last couple of weeks and he is great as an analyst. Knows how to dissect the offensive plays and what they did or tried to do. Sees it, knows it. He instantly sees it. I was unaware but really was impressed with him there. 
 

 

[CarolinaRideorDie]

17 hours ago, SCO96 said:

Agreed. I actually asked Chat GTP why are centers so important to the O-line. You'll find their response interesting.

The center is absolutely critical to the offensive line, even though he rarely gets the spotlight. Here’s why:

---

1. He’s the “quarterback” of the offensive line

• The center identifies the defensive front before the snap — calling out who the “Mike” linebacker is and setting protection assignments for the guards and tackles.

• He adjusts the blocking scheme based on shifts, stunts, and blitz looks.

• In most offenses, the QB and center share communication responsibilities, but the center’s call is often what the rest of the line follows.

Without a smart, communicative center, the whole line can fall apart under pressure or disguise.

---

2. He’s central to blocking coordination

• The center is literally the pivot point — coordinating combo blocks, zone steps, and double-teams with both guards.

• In zone-blocking schemes, he’s essential for lateral movement, reading the defensive tackle’s leverage, and passing off blocks smoothly.

• A poor center can destroy run-game timing or allow penetration that blows up plays before they start.

---

3. He handles some of the toughest matchups

• Centers face nose tackles — often the biggest, strongest player on the defense — directly over the ball.

• He has to snap accurately, then instantly anchor against 300+ lbs of power, often with one hand still finishing the snap motion.

• That’s one of the most technically demanding jobs in football.

---

4. He ties the line together mentally and physically

• The center’s ability to recognize stunts, delayed blitzes, and coverage disguises helps the entire line stay in sync.

• If a guard or tackle makes a mistake, the center can often help bail them out through quick adjustment calls or recovery blocks.

• A great center also brings leadership and stability — think of guys like Jason Kelce, Travis Frederick, or Alex Mack — they elevated everyone around them.

---

5. Why some teams don’t draft centers early

• Despite the importance, centers rarely go in Round 1 because their positional value (impact on points/wins per dollar or cap hit) is lower than QB, LT, Edge, or CB.

• But analytically, a great center can add similar efficiency gains to a good left tackle by reducing QB pressure and improving run-game consistency.

---

In short:

The center is the brains and anchor of the offensive line — the glue that makes five individuals operate as one.
He might not be the highest-paid, but when you have a great one, your offense usually runs smoother in every phase.

-------

I'd NEVER complain if we took an elite prospect in the 1st or 2nd round.

Everything is AI nowadays. Ask ChatGPT if Bryce Young is the Panthers franchise QB! 

[gakonline]

17 hours ago, jfra78 said:

Keep drafting LB in 3rd+ and keep watching TEs and RBs dominating us

I agree especially with MLB. They are the captains of the defense and you have to grab one in the first or second. 

[csx]

I think scouting and analyzing each draft class makes more sense than a scripted  approach 

[Panther53521]

I agree with the AI of what we need in the next draft. MLB is my number 1 choice, with safety then center and o-line depth